Knowledge is power, especially before starting a GLP-1 medication, says board-certified Roslyn Heights, NY internal medicine physician Dr. Matthew Mavroson. GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes that can also help regulate appetite and support weight management. “Patients should understand the medication, how it works, potential side effects and which GLP-1 medication is ideally suited for them,” he says.
To understand what you’re putting into your body, New York endocrinologist Rekha Kumar, MD, encourages patients to have an open conversation with their healthcare provider. Doing so will ensure “you understand both the benefits and the risks and that the treatment plan aligns with your health goals.”
To help you prep, we asked the experts what questions they think patients should ask before starting a GLP-1. Bring this list of queries to your first appointment so you don’t forget anything.
Featured Experts
- Julie Russak, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Olga Bachilo, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston
- Dr. Matthew Mavroson is an internal medicine physician in Roslyn Heights, NY
- Rekha Kumar, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist and founder of the weight loss program Found in New York
Am I a Good Candidate for a GLP-1 Medication?
One of the most helpful questions to ask before starting a GLP-1 medication—and one that every expert stresses—is whether or not you’re a good candidate. GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes have become increasingly common, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right option for everyone.
Dr. Mavroson says it’s critical to review your medical history and identify any contraindications that could make a GLP-1 unsafe. For example, New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD notes that anyone with a personal or family history of MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2)—both rare thyroid conditions—should never start a GLP-1. These patients may have a higher risk of developing thyroid tumors, which is why all GLP-1 medications carry a boxed warning from the FDA.
Providers should assess a patient’s overall health, hormone balance, and metabolic history to determine if they’re a strong candidate, says Dr. Russak. “Prior to starting the medication, it is important to do a full medical examination, review their medical history, basic lab work, and to develop a plan with your medical provider to ensure they are the perfect candidate,” adds Dr. Mavroson.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of GLP-1 Medication?
Dr. Kumar says it’s crucial to discuss the potential side effects of taking a GLP-1 medication. As widely discussed in both medical literature and among people publicly using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, the most common GLP-1 side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Are There Any Serious Risks of GLP-1 Medications?
In addition to asking about common side effects, Houston plastic surgeon Olga Bachilo, MD says it’s also important for patients to ask about any unusual or severe reactions to watch for when taking GLP-1 medications. Dr. Mavroson urges patients to have an open discussion with their provider about any potential serious risks or side effects that could occur while using a GLP-1.
While most side effects aren’t serious—and the serious ones are relatively rare—some of the more significant risks include pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain; gastroparesis, a condition in which the movement of food from the stomach slows or stops; and bowel obstruction, a blockage that prevents food or gas from passing through the intestines.
How Will a GLP-1 Medication Interact With My Other Prescriptions or Supplements?
Dr. Kumar says it’s essential to discuss how adding a GLP-1 to your routine could interact with other prescriptions or supplements you’re taking. If there are any potential contradictions, you need to discuss the safety and efficacy with your doctor, says Dr. Russak.
How Long Will I Likely Need to Be on a GLP-1 Medication?
When starting a GLP-1 medication, it’s wise to have a clear treatment plan in mind, including how long you may need to stay on it. Drs. Bachilo and Kumar recommend asking your doctor about the expected duration of GLP-1 therapy, what factors influence that timeline, and how to safely transition off the medication if needed. Understanding whether your GLP-1 treatment is short-term or long-term can help you set realistic expectations and plan for ongoing success.
Would My Weight-Loss Results With a GLP-1 Medication Be Permanent?
One of the most surprising experiences for patients has been regaining weight after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. Dr. Bachilo suggests discussing with your provider what to expect long-term, both while taking the medication and after stopping it. Understanding how to maintain results through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and follow-up care can help support lasting success beyond the duration of GLP-1 treatment.
What Realistic Expectations Should I Have for Weight Loss and Metabolic Benefits With GLP-1 Medications?
Dr. Kumar says patients should discuss realistic goals and expectations before starting a GLP-1. “During my initial consultations, it is important to understand the patient’s goals and set up reasonable expectations,” agrees Dr. Mavroson. While GLP-1s can be a powerful tool for improving weight loss and metabolic health, they’re not a quick fix or a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits.
How Will We Monitor My Progress and Adjust My GLP-1 Treatment Plan?
“Patients should ensure there’s a schedule for tracking labs, muscle mass and skin health, not just weight on the scale,” says Dr. Russak. Regular follow-ups are key when taking a GLP-1 medication, as your provider will want to assess how your body is responding to treatment and make any necessary adjustments to dosage, nutrition, or exercise. Having clear goals and tangible ways to measure them—such as tracking weight trends, lab results, and overall well-being—is essential to long-term success with GLP-1 treatment.
Are There Lifestyle Changes That Can Optimize GLP-1 Results?
Ask your doctor if there are any lifestyle changes—such as diet and exercise—that can help optimize your results from a GLP-1 medication, Dr. Kumar suggests. These drugs can significantly alter how your body regulates hunger and processes nutrients, so it’s worth discussing how lifestyle factors play a role. From there, ask for tips on how to incorporate those changes into your daily routine, she adds.
Additionally, Dr. Russak explains that “GLP-1s reduce appetite, and with less food intake comes the risk of protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies that directly affect skin, hair, muscle and energy.” Because of this, it’s important to ask what nutritional adjustments you should make to support your body while taking the medication.
Those aren’t the only lifestyle changes to consider. Other supportive strategies to combine with a GLP-1 may include “oral protein supplementation, collagen support, or even treatments like Sculptra and BodyTone to help offset skin laxity and muscle loss that can follow rapid weight reduction,” Dr. Russak continues. These are just a few of the ways you can help maintain energy, strength, and healthy skin during GLP-1 treatment.