The GLP-1 Starter Guide

7 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Starting

Most appointments are 15 minutes. You will not cover everything unless you come prepared. These are the questions that actually change treatment outcomes — not the ones they'll remember to ask you.

• 1. Am I a candidate based on current guidelines?
  GLP-1 medications for weight loss are indicated for BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with at least one weight-related health condition (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol). Confirm your specific eligibility.
• 2. Which medication — and which indication — do you recommend for me?
  Wegovy vs. Zepbound vs. off-label Ozempic/Mounjaro can differ significantly by insurance coverage. Ask specifically whether the diabetes indication or weight loss indication makes sense for your situation and coverage.
• 3. Does my insurance cover this, and what is the prior authorization process?
  Ask your provider to submit a prior authorization proactively, and ask what documentation they'll include. A well-written prior auth significantly improves approval odds.
• 4. What is our plan if the first dose escalation causes persistent nausea?
  About 40% of patients experience significant nausea during dose escalation. Ask whether you can stay at a lower dose longer if needed, and what anti-nausea options are available.
• 5. How will we track lean muscle mass throughout treatment?
  Studies show 30-40% of weight lost can be lean mass. Ask whether your provider will monitor this — ideally with DEXA scan or at minimum regular functional assessments — and what the plan is if muscle loss is detected.
• 6. What bloodwork should we run at baseline and throughout treatment?
  At minimum: HbA1c, lipid panel, liver enzymes, kidney function, complete metabolic panel, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D. Some providers skip baseline labs — push for them.
• 7. What is the long-term plan — including what happens if I need to stop?
  The data shows most people regain 2/3 of their weight within 12 months of stopping. Understanding this upfront lets you plan around it — whether that means a financial plan for long-term use or a maintenance strategy for discontinuation.

The Protein Protocol: Preserving Muscle While Losing Weight

GLP-1 medications suppress appetite dramatically. When you eat less, you also eat less protein — and without deliberate intervention, you can lose significant muscle mass alongside fat. Here is the protocol that addresses this.

Step 1: Calculate Your Daily Protein Target

Step 2: Build Your High-Protein, Low-Volume Food List

When you're full quickly, volume is the enemy. These foods deliver maximum protein in minimum volume:

Step 3: The Protein-First Rule

At every meal, eat your protein source first — before vegetables, carbohydrates, or anything else. When GLP-1 appetite suppression kicks in mid-meal, you will have already consumed the most important macro. This single habit is the highest-leverage change for muscle preservation.

Step 4: Minimum Viable Resistance Training

Without resistance training stimulus, even adequate protein won't fully prevent muscle loss. You do not need a gym. The minimum effective dose:

• Frequency: 2x per week
• Duration: 20–30 minutes
• Exercises: Bodyweight squats, push-ups (modified is fine), resistance band rows, hip hinges
• Progression: When 15 reps feels easy, add resistance or reps

On days when appetite suppression causes fatigue, a 15-minute walk + 10 squats is vastly better than nothing. Listen to your body; don't fight it.

Cost Comparison Worksheet

Fill this out before your appointment so you walk in knowing your options. The $1,000/month sticker price is almost never what people actually pay.

Your Insurance Situation

Insurance type:

GLP-1 coverage (call member services):

Prior auth requirements:

Estimated copay if covered:

Savings Programs (Circle What Applies)

Your Best-Case / Worst-Case Costs

Best case (with savings program + insurance): $ / month

Worst case (no coverage, brand name): $ / month

Realistic case based on your situation: $ / month