Can the doctor give you anything for weight loss?

Asked by: Telly Ward MD  |  Last update: October 7, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (9 votes)

The table below lists prescription drugs approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. The FDA has approved six of these drugs—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound)—for long-term use.

How do I ask my doctor to prescribe weight loss medication?

Begin by expressing your concerns about your weight and its impact on your overall health. Be honest about your diet and exercise efforts, and why you believe medication might be necessary. It is also helpful to come prepared with a record of your weight loss journey, including any methods you have tried in the past.

What medication do doctors prescribe to lose weight?

Medicine. Many different types of anti-obesity medicines have been tested in clinical trials, but the only ones that have proved to be safe and effective for use on the NHS for weight management are orlistat, liraglutide and semaglutide.

Can doctors give weight loss meds?

Doctors or Nurse Practitioners prescribe weight loss medicines for people who have obesity or overweight and have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These medicines may help some people who haven't been able to lose weight with diet and exercise.

How do you get approved for weight loss medication?

Criteria for Weight Loss Medication Prescriptions

Most medications are prescribed for someone with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions. Zepbound was approved in November 2023 for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater.

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How much do you have to weigh to be prescribed weight loss pills?

These medications may be prescribed to treat overweight or obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or with a BMI of 27 or greater if you have weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

How to lose 20 pounds in a month?

Losing 20 pounds in 1 month may be easier than 2 weeks, but it's still unrealistic for most people. Once again, it comes down to your TDEE and simple math. To lose 20 pounds in 1 month, you'd need to create an average deficit of 2,500 calories per day for 4 weeks. This might be possible for larger men.

What do I say to my doctor to get Ozempic?

Tell your provider why you're interested in Ozempic — a good doctor won't judge you or your desire to use a weight loss medication. They'll likely ask about your medical history, go over your eligibility, and consider anything that might make you a bad candidate for Ozempic.

Is there anything a doctor can give you to lose weight?

The FDA has approved six of these drugs—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound)—for long-term use.

How to lose 50 pounds in 3 months?

Steps
  1. Eat fewer calories than your body needs to lose weight. ...
  2. Eat smaller meals more frequently. ...
  3. Include more protein in your diet. ...
  4. Increase your fiber intake. ...
  5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and boost your metabolism. ...
  6. Cut out alcohol and sugary drinks. ...
  7. Add more whole foods to your diet and avoid processed foods.

What is the #1 weight loss pill?

Phentermine is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for weight loss, probably because of its low cost. Data suggests that it can help people shed about 3% to 5% of their initial body weight.

Can you really get Wegovy for $25?

Yes, you can really get Wegovy for $25 if you meet certain criteria. Offered by Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy Savings Card awards qualified individuals the opportunity to get the medication for $25 per month (i.e. 28-day supply).

How did Kelly Clarkson lose all her weight?

She combined diet changes, such as adopting a lectin-free diet, with regular exercise like walking. Clarkson's journey included using weight loss medication, although she emphasized a holistic approach. Wellness trends like infrared saunas and cold plunges played a role in her transformation.

Will insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic may be covered by insurance for weight loss if the patient has a related condition like Type 2 diabetes and meets the insurer's criteria for medical necessity, which could include a high BMI or an inability to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

What is the closest thing to Ozempic over-the-counter?

Are there any over-the-counter (OTC) Ozempic alternatives? Medications that work like Ozempic are only available with a prescription. But you may see OTC supplements, such as berberine, being promoted as natural Ozempic alternatives for weight loss.

How much do you have to weigh to get Contrave?

Eligibility for Contrave depends on your health status. You may be a candidate if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with other weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

What pills did Kelly Clarkson take to lose weight?

She confirmed the rumors during a May episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" when chatting with Whoopi Goldberg, who's also been open about using Mounjaro, another weight-loss drug.

What drink burns the most belly fat?

9 drinks that help burn belly fat fast
  • Green Tea. Packed with antioxidants, green tea boosts metabolism and helps burn fat, especially around the belly. ...
  • Lemon Water. ...
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  • Herbal Tea. ...
  • Fenugreek Water. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Coconut Water. ...
  • Detox Water.

How do I qualify for weight loss medication?

When should you start considering a weight loss medication?
  1. BMI equal or greater than 30.
  2. BMI equal or greater than 27 with one or more obesity-related conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes)
  3. Have not lost at least 5% of their total body weight in three to six months with lifestyle changes alone.

What qualifies you for Ozempic?

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if the individual has weight-related health problems, is generally required for Ozempic qualification.

Why would a doctor not prescribe Ozempic?

Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). MTC is a type of thyroid cancer. They also typically won't prescribe the drug if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

How to lose belly fat fast?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

How many miles do I need to walk to lose 5 pounds a week?

"Generally, 1 mile—or roughly 2,000 steps—walked equates to [burning] 80 to 100 calories." Since there are 3,500 calories in 1 pound, "this means to lose 1 pound, you'll need to walk roughly 35 miles or 70,000 steps. Over the course of a week, this means targeting 10,000 steps a day," says Davis.

What is the best snack for weight loss?

10 Best Snacks for Weight Loss
  • Nuts and seeds.
  • Avocado.
  • Yogurt.
  • Popcorn.
  • Chickpeas.
  • Hard-boiled eggs.
  • Edamame.
  • Oatmeal.