Some people have trouble managing a healthy weight. Or their doctor might ask them to lose weight if they have a long-term health condition. But it’s not always the easiest thing to do.
Obesity is a common but serious chronic disease. It affects more than 2 in 5 American adults. People who are obese also tend to have other chronic diseases, too, like diabetes or heart disease.
If you’re exploring a different way to lose weight, you’ve probably noticed weight-loss drugs in the news. They can be a helpful tool for people looking to hit a healthy weight or achieve weight-loss goals.
But it’s important to talk with your doctor before trying any of these medications out. Here are 8 questions you’ll want to ask your doctor before trying a weight-loss drug.
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#1. What are prescription weight-loss drugs, and how do they work?
You might see weight-loss drugs called “weight-loss pills,” “diet pills” or “anti-obesity medications.” They’re a type of either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drug that is designed to help people lose weight.
Some of these medications you can take by mouth, while others come in the form of a daily shot. That’s why you might not see all of them called “pills.”
They work by:
- Blocking your body’s ability to absorb fat
- Making you feel less hungry
Weight-loss drugs have been around since the 1930s. But the ones you’ve heard about lately are a lot different. These target certain hormones in your gut, like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
These hormones are linked to your appetite and how your body manages weight. And they’re often prescribed by doctors to treat not only obesity, but also chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
These types of drugs are typically called “GLP-1 agonists.” They’re the most effective weight-loss medications out there these days.
#2. How effective and safe are prescription weight-loss drugs?
How effective a weight-loss drug is can vary from person to person. That could have to do with your age, weight, family history and other factors.
Some people may lose a lot of weight while taking a drug, while others may only lose a little. Your doctor may prescribe you a weight-loss drug and offer a personalized treatment plan as well. That might include things like:
#3. What are the potential side effects of prescription weight-loss drugs?
Common side effects of weight-loss drugs include:
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you’re taking a weight-loss drug and you have any of these side effects, it’s a good idea to tell your doctor. They might be able to prescribe you a different dose or a different drug altogether. That’s to see if your body reacts better to it.
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#4. Are there any long-term health risks of prescription weight-loss drugs?
The health risks linked to weight-loss drugs vary based on the person and what drug you’re taking. As you saw in the previous section, many weight-loss drugs come with a range of side effects, some more serious than others.
Generally, the type of weight-loss drugs you take over a longer period tend to be safe. That is, as long as you take them as your doctor prescribed them. It’s the ones that are taken over a shorter period that can cause the most trouble. They may have more severe side effects or the potential for a person to become addicted to them.
It's also important to note that some weight-loss drugs can interact with other medications. These include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. They can also make certain health conditions worse, like:
- Glaucoma (that’s a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve)
- High blood pressure
- Mood disorders
Additionally, some OTC weight-loss drugs or supplements contain stimulants. Those include caffeine, ephedra and ephedrine. In rare cases, that could lead to severe health issues like a heart attack, seizure, stroke and even death. For any of these situations, you’d want to seek emergency medical assistance right away.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any OTC weight-loss drugs or supplements. They likely won’t recommend taking them.
#5. How often should I see my doctor while taking prescription weight-loss drugs?
It depends on the person and the type of drug you’re taking. But you may need regular follow-up appointments, so that your doctor can check your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
According to the American Medical Association, you may also want to see multiple providers besides your primary care physician. They can all support you during your weight-loss journal. For example, these could include:
- Dietitians
- Mental health professionals
- Pharmacists
#6. How can I combine prescription weight-loss drugs with a healthy lifestyle?
Weight-loss drugs may be a way to lose weight, but they don't replace a healthy diet and exercise. Research shows that weight-loss drugs work best when paired with lifestyle changes like these.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. That could be 30 minutes a day for 5 days. They also need at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.
Of course, your doctor can also provide you with personalized recommendations to help you achieve your weight-loss goals.
#7. Are prescription weight-loss drugs right for me?
Prescription weight-loss drugs are generally recommended for people with:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (that’s a measure of body fat based on your height and weight)
- A BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
But BMI isn’t always the most accurate measurement. And weight-loss drugs aren’t recommended for people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, as well as those who are breastfeeding.
Your doctor will be able to help you figure out whether you’re a good candidate for one. And if they prescribe you one, they’ll also be able to help set up a health plan for you.
#8. Are prescription weight-loss drugs covered by my health insurance?
Weight-loss drugs can be expensive, and your health insurance plan may not cover them. You’ll want to make sure that the prescription is on your plan’s list of approved (formulary). If it isn’t, things could get expensive quickly.
You do have some options. Your doctor may be able to prescribe another weight-loss drug that is on your plan’s list. Or your insurance company may cover a drug with prior authorization. That’s a process where health plans require a doctor to get pre-approval before they can offer you a certain type of medication or service.
Did you know some prescriptions can be written virtually? Explore telehealth membership today, or call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
Sources:
American Medical Association. “Question patients may have about weight-loss drugs.” July 17, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/questions-patients-may-have-about-weight-loss-drugs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adult activity: an overview.” December 20, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adult obesity facts.” May 14, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. “Appetite suppressants.” November 20, 2023. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9463-appetite-suppressants
Mayo Clinic. “Mayo Clinic BMI and waist circumference calculator.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/in-depth/bmi-calculator/itt-20084938 Accessed April 24, 2025.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Calculate your body mass index.” Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm Accessed April 24, 2025.
Obesity Medicine Association. “Does insurance cover weight loss medication?” December 18, 2023. Retrieved from https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/does-insurance-cover-weight-loss-medication/
Obesity Medicine Association. “Top weight loss medications.” January 26, 2024. Retrieved from https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/weight-loss-medications/
UC Davis Health. “Can eight loss medications really help you lose weight?” August 28, 2024. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/can-weight-loss-medications-help-you-lose-weight/2024/08
University of California San Francisco. “Are the new weight loss drugs too good to be true?” Summer 2024. Retrieved from https://magazine.ucsf.edu/weight-loss-drugs-too-good-to-be-true
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