GLP-1 and related medications
Prescription medication can help some people, and it is not right for everyone. A clinician decides if it fits you, after a visit and lab work.
Overview
These medicines are tools, not shortcuts. They work best inside a plan with food, movement, sleep and steady follow-up.
GLP-1 medications act like a hormone your gut already makes. They help you feel full sooner, quiet constant food thoughts for some people, and steady blood sugar. Some newer medications act on two hormones instead of one.
Most are weekly injections with a small pen. A few come as a daily pill. We only prescribe FDA-approved medications, filled at a licensed pharmacy you choose. We do not sell medication in the clinic.
If a medication fits, you start on a low dose and increase slowly. That slow pace is how most people keep side effects mild.
Who it fits
This may be a good fit if:
- Your weight affects your health, such as blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep apnea or joint pain
- You have tried changes on your own and want medical support
- You can come to check-ins about once a month, in person or by video
- You want a clinician to look at your full health picture first
Tell us first if any of these apply
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy
- You or a close family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2
- You have had pancreatitis or gallbladder problems
- You have an eating disorder now or in the past
- You take insulin or other medicines that lower blood sugar
A "yes" does not always mean no. It means a clinician needs to talk it through with you first.
What happens
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Step 1: Consultation and labs
We review your history, current medicines and lab results before any prescription is discussed.
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Step 2: A shared decision
If a medication may fit, we explain the options, the likely cost and the side effects. You decide. No pressure, and no for-today-only offers.
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Step 3: Start low, go slow
You begin at a low dose. Increases happen only when you are ready and side effects are manageable.
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Step 4: Monthly check-ins
Short visits in person or by video to adjust the dose, manage side effects and keep your nutrition on track.
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Step 5: A long-term plan
Some people stay on medication, some lower the dose, some stop. We plan that together, with maintenance support either way.
Cost
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Supervised program (visits, dose changes, dietitian check-ins) | $229 to $329 / month |
| Medication itself Set by your insurance and pharmacy | Separate |
| Prior authorization paperwork Our coordinator handles it | Included |
Medication cost depends on your insurance plan, whether it needs prior authorization, and your pharmacy. With coverage it can be a copay. Without coverage it can be several hundred dollars a month or more. We check before you start, so you can decide with real numbers.
Compare all programsSide effects, in plain words
Common side effects are nausea, feeling full fast, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and tiredness. They are most likely in the first weeks and right after a dose increase, and they often ease with time.
Less common but serious problems include pancreatitis (severe belly pain that does not go away), gallbladder problems, dehydration that strains the kidneys, and low blood sugar when combined with some diabetes medicines. We tell you exactly what to watch for and how to reach us the same day.
Muscle can be lost along with fat. That is why every medication plan includes protein targets and strength work with our dietitian.
Questions
Can I get a prescription at my first visit?
Usually not. We want your lab results first, so most people hear about medication options at the plan review visit about one to two weeks later. That wait is part of doing it safely.
Will I need to take it forever?
Not always. Weight is a long-term condition, and some people do best staying on medication. Others lower the dose or stop with a maintenance plan. We decide together and revisit it as your health changes.
What if my insurance does not cover it?
We tell you before you start. Some people choose our Foundations program without medication, some choose to pay for medication themselves, and some wait for coverage. All three are fine choices.
This page is general information, not medical advice. A clinician reviews your health history before recommending any treatment.
Other services
Talk to us about GLP-1 medications
Start with a consultation. A clinician reviews your history and labs, then helps you decide what fits. No pressure, and nothing to buy on the day.