Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Starting a Weight-Loss Drug

Going in prepared makes a real difference to how well a GLP-1 goes — and what you get out of the appointment. Most people leave having been told the drug works and what to inject. The people who get the best results use the appointment to understand their individual situation. Bring these questions in writing.

This is a list of areas worth discussing — not a script or a medical recommendation. Your clinician will have context you don't.

Is this right for me?

• Given my health history, which medication — and which starting dose — makes most sense?
• Are there any contraindications I should know about?
• What result am I realistically targeting, and over what timeframe?

Protecting muscle — not just losing weight

A significant share of weight lost on a GLP-1 can be lean muscle rather than fat without deliberate intervention. Most prescribers focus on weight outcomes — it's worth asking about the composition of what you're losing.

• What protein target should I be aiming for at my weight and with my goal?
• How do I make sure I'm losing fat rather than muscle?
• What type of exercise would you recommend alongside this medication?

Side effects and dosing

• What side effects should I expect, and how do I manage them?
• What's the titration schedule, and when should I progress the dose?
• If nausea or constipation is severe, what should I do — and when do I call you?
• Are there any medications or supplements I should avoid?

Monitoring and markers

• Which blood markers should we check before starting, and how often while I'm on it?
• What should I watch for that would prompt an unscheduled call or visit?
• How will we track whether this is working beyond body weight?

The long game

Most people who stop a GLP-1 without habits in place regain a significant amount of weight — this is worth discussing before you start, not after.

• How long do you expect me to be on this medication?
• What does coming off look like, and when?
• What will determine whether I continue, stop, or switch?
• What habits do I need to have in place before stopping to hold my results?

Nutrition support

• Should I be taking any supplements alongside this medication?
• Do I need a dietitian or nutritionist as part of this?
• How should I handle days when I genuinely can't eat?

The four compounds with the strongest evidence for a GLP-1 deficit are protein, creatine, omega-3 and magnesium — bundled in the GLP-1 Support Stack. Worth mentioning to your clinician.

See also: the full pre-start checklist — everything to have in place before dose one.