Your First GLP-1 Consultation: 12 Questions Your Doctor Will Ask

Your first GLP-1 consultation — whether in person or through telehealth — will cover a lot of ground in a short time. Knowing what your prescriber will ask helps you prepare better answers and makes the process smoother.

Here are the questions you should expect, why they matter, and how to prepare.

Medical History Questions

1. What is your current weight and height?

This determines your BMI, which is the primary screening criterion. Be accurate — prescribers verify this information and it directly affects your eligibility and dosing.

2. Do you have any thyroid conditions?

GLP-1 medications carry a boxed warning regarding medullary thyroid carcinoma risk. Any personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome will be carefully evaluated.

3. Have you ever had pancreatitis?

GLP-1 agonists carry a warning about pancreatitis risk. A history of pancreatitis does not automatically disqualify you, but your prescriber will weigh the risks carefully.

4. What medications are you currently taking?

GLP-1 medications interact with several drug classes, particularly insulin, sulfonylureas, and oral diabetes medications. Bring a complete medication list including over-the-counter supplements.

Weight History Questions

5. How long have you been at your current weight?

This helps your prescriber understand your weight trajectory and whether your current weight represents a stable plateau or an upward trend.

6. What weight-loss methods have you tried before?

Prior attempts at diet, exercise, or other weight-loss medications establish that lifestyle modifications alone have been insufficient — which supports the medical necessity of GLP-1 therapy.

7. Do you have any weight-related health conditions?

Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and PCOS all strengthen the clinical case for a GLP-1 prescription, especially if your BMI is between 27 and 30.

Lifestyle and Goal Questions

8. What are your weight-loss goals?

Prescribers want to set realistic expectations. GLP-1 medications typically produce 10 to 20 percent body weight reduction over 12 to 18 months. Your prescriber will help you set achievable targets.

9. How would you describe your current diet and exercise habits?

GLP-1 medications work best alongside healthy eating patterns and regular physical activity. This is not a judgment — it helps your prescriber create a comprehensive plan.

10. Are you planning to become pregnant?

GLP-1 medications are contraindicated during pregnancy. Most guidelines recommend discontinuing GLP-1 therapy at least 2 months before trying to conceive.

Treatment Preference Questions

11. Do you have a preference for injection or oral medication?

With the approval of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus, and now oral Wegovy), patients who are needle-averse have new options. Your prescriber can discuss the tradeoffs.

12. Are you using insurance or paying out of pocket?

This affects which medication and formulation your prescriber recommends. Brand-name with insurance, or compounded for self-pay — the clinical options vary by payment path.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID
• Complete medication list (including supplements)
• Recent lab work (A1C, lipid panel, thyroid function if available)
• Insurance card (if using insurance)
• List of prior weight-loss attempts and outcomes