We’ve received many thoughtful questions about how medications can support weight loss and diabetes prevention. This FAQ is designed to give you clear, helpful information and show how these topics connect with your Eat Right Now tools and lessons as you continue your journey.
Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have questions about your health or medications, please contact your healthcare provider.
When should someone consider adding medication for weight loss or diabetes prevention?
The decision to add medication to support your weight loss and/or diabetes prevention journey is best made with your health care provider. Depending on your health status, your provider may recommend medication to lower your weight and/or lower your blood sugar. Some medications can do both.
Whether for weight, blood sugar, or both, medications are tools that work best alongside the healthy habits you’re building through Eat Right Now.
Why might someone consider weight loss medication?
Weight loss medications may be helpful when extra weight is affecting your health, when lifestyle changes haven’t been enough on their own, or when you’re taking other essential medications that make weight management harder. Weight loss medications can support appetite regulation, metabolism, or how your body uses energy.
Why might someone consider medications to lower blood sugar?
Blood sugar lowering medications are used when you have prediabetes or diabetes, and your blood sugar remains high despite healthy eating and activity. Some of these medications can also support weight loss as an added benefit.
What are some medication options for diabetes prevention and how do they work?
Some medications can help lower blood sugar and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These include GLP‑1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, which also support weight loss, and metformin, which helps the body use insulin more effectively.
These medications work by helping your body use sugar better, slowing digestion, increasing insulin release when needed, and reducing how much sugar your liver makes.
Talk to your health care provider to see whether medication is right for you. If you already have type 2 diabetes, your provider may recommend additional treatment options.
What are some weight loss medication options and how do they work?
FDA – approved medications used for weight loss include GLP‑1 medications [Wegovy®(semaglutide), Zepbound®(tirzepatide)], phentermine, Qsymia® (phentermine/topiramate), Contrave® (bupropion/naltrexone), and orlistat.
They work in different ways, such as reducing hunger or cravings, slowing digestion, increasing the feeling of fullness, and reducing fat absorption from food. These medications are associated with different types of side effects that make them unsuitable for everyone.
Talk with your health care provider to determine which option is safe and appropriate for your needs.
What’s special about GLP-1 medications?
GLP‑1 medications can be used for weight loss, blood sugar lowering, or both.
They are commonly prescribed to:
- Treat type 2 diabetes
- Manage weight
- Reduce the risk of heart‑related events
- Improve obstructive sleep apnea
- Support metabolic liver conditions
- Improve blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation over time
Different medications have different FDA‑approved indications, and your health care provider can help determine which option is best for your health needs.
GLP‑1 Medications FDA‑Approved for Weight Loss
- Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- Also approved for metabolic liver disease
- Also approved to reduce heart‑related events in people with established heart disease
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
- Also approved for managing obstructive sleep apnea
- Saxenda® (liraglutide)
GLP‑1 Medications FDA‑Approved for Type 2 Diabetes
- Ozempic® (semaglutide)
- Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
- Byetta® / Bydureon® (exenatide)
- Victoza® (liraglutide)
- Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
What side effects should I know about—especially with GLP-1‑ medication?
Digestive changes are common at first or with dose increases.
- Symptoms can include nausea, bloating or gas, constipation, heartburn, or diarrhea. These often improve as your body adjusts and can be managed by making simple dietary adjustments.
- Some people notice fatigue or headaches.
- Constipation is the most likely to persist over time.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent or severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.
How can I reduce side effects and feel my best?
GLP-1 medication side effects are common when starting the medication or during dosage increases. Some strategies that can help you feel better include:
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day
- Eating slowly/mindfully and stop when full
- Avoiding spicy, greasy or heavy foods
- Drinking plenty of water
- Adding fiber and protein to your diet
- Trying ginger or peppermint tea for nausea
- Taking gentle walks after meals
- Incorporating strength training
- Starting low and going slow with dosing (guided by your provider) can support comfort and results
If you are taking other medications or have other health conditions, speak with your healthcare provider before increasing protein, fiber, fluids and adding ginger/peppermint to your routine.
What lifestyle changes are recommended when taking GLP-1 medications?
Research shows that people taking GLP‑1 medications tend to achieve their weight loss goals and limit side effects when they combine the medication with healthy lifestyle habits such as:
- Reducing daily calorie intake (often by around 500 calories per day)
- Including adequate protein in meals (commonly 1–1.5 g per kg of body weight daily)
- Increasing dietary fiber to about 25–35 g per day
- Staying well hydrated, often 2–4 liters of water per day
- Increasing physical activity to at least 150 mins of moderate intensity activity weekly
- Incorporate strength workouts 2 to 3 times per week
These are general recommendations and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always speak with your health care provider before making changes to your diet, hydration, or exercise routine. Any changes should also be made slowly with attention to how you are feeling along the way.
Do any of the medication options have special instructions for use?
Yes.
- Rybelsus® (semaglutide for type 2 diabetes) and the Wegovy® Pill (semaglutide for weight loss) should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a small sip of water (no more than 4 ounces) and wait 30 minutes before having any food, drinks, or other medications.
- If sticking to this morning routine is tough, an injectable may be easier to stick with. Most injectable options are taken once weekly and can be taken at any time of the day.
- Phentermine containing medications should be taken in the morning to avoid insomnia.
- Orlistat needs to be taken with meals containing fat to work best.
- Metformin needs to be taken with meals to avoid digestive side effects.
Are there people who should avoid certain medications?
Yes.
Safety depends on your health history. Your provider will advise what’s right for you.
- GLP-1 medications‑ are generally avoided in people with a history of certain thyroid cancers, pancreatitis, or during pregnancy
- Phentermine containing medications should be avoided with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave®) should be avoided with seizure disorders, certain eating disorders, or opioid use
- Metformin may not be used with significant kidney problems.
Can one medication help multiple conditions?
Often, yes, alongside weight management.
- GLP-1 medications may support management of diabetes, weight, heart and liver health, and sleep apnea.
- Qsymia® may help with migraines
- Contrave® may help with mood or smoking cessation
Will my insurance cover weight loss medications and how can I lower the cost of medications?
Coverage varies, and it is best to contact your health plan directly to navigate coverage questions.
Plans often require specific criteria to cover weight loss medications. Your health care provider may need to submit a letter of medical necessity and include detailed documentation of information such as the following:
- Current health conditions (diagnosis)
- Current weight and body mass index (BMI)
- Details of diet and exercise routine
- Details of any past weight loss efforts – either medication, surgery or participation in a weight management program
- Intent to continue with routine physical activity and reduced calorie intake
To help lower the cost of the medications or if your plan excludes weight loss medications, manufacturer savings programs or self-pay programs may be available. Speak with your health care provider or local pharmacist to identify available options.
Are compounded versions or companies offering less costly weight loss medications safe?
Compounded GLP‑1 medications do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are sold. Because of this, there are several important safety concerns to keep in mind:
- The medication may not be stored or handled properly, which can affect its quality.
- There may be dosing inaccuracies.
- Some compounded versions use salt forms that have not been studied or proven safe and effective in large clinical trials.
- Certain ingredients used in compounding are still being researched and are not yet FDA‑approved for public use.
Always talk with your health care provider when weighing the risks and benefits of compounded GLP‑1 medications. Be sure to consult them before starting any new medication.
Do I need medication to lose weight or prevent diabetes?
Not always. Many people make progress with lifestyle changes alone. Medications can add helpful support, especially when biology, health conditions, or other medications make management harder. You’re still in charge of your journey.
Will I have to take weight loss medication forever?
Your personal health history will help determine how long you need to take any medication and should be discussed with your health care provider.
When it comes to GLP-1 medications, you will need to take them long term if you are also using them to prevent heart related events, treat metabolic liver disease, or diabetes – like taking medication for blood pressure lowering or managing thyroid conditions.
Even if you are using GLP-1 medications for weight loss alone, you may need to continue taking it for a long time. New research shows that people who stopped their GLP-1 medication regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year. Scientists are looking at different strategies for maintaining weight loss achieved with these medications.
If you are considering stopping your GLP-1 medication due to health plan changes, side effects, or reaching your goal weight, please speak with your health care provider as soon as possible.
Continuing with a healthy diet and exercise routine is still important for your health and may help maintain some of the weight lost even after the medication is stopped.
Great Questions to Ask Your Provider about GLP-1s:
- When should I consider medication?
- Would other areas of my health benefit from starting medication for weight loss?
- Which medication option is the safest for me?
- What side effects should I watch for, and what do I do if they show up?
- How should I take this medication, so it works best?
- Are any of my current meds affecting my weight?
- Are there any alternatives covered by my health insurance plan?
How This Connects with Your Eat Right Now Lessons and Tools
Cravings & Urges
Even with GLP‑1–related appetite changes, cravings still happen. Eat Right Now helps you pause, notice what’s going on, and choose a helpful response. This can support your
ability to stop eating at “comfortably full.”
Stress & Emotional Eating
Medications don’t change stress loops. Eat Right Now offers skills for recognizing emotions, breaking automatic patterns, and grounding yourself, so food isn’t the default response.
Mindful Eating Basics
Slowing down and checking hunger/fullness cues reduces nausea, minimizes overeating on GLP‑1s, and builds long‑term sustainable habits.
Consistency & Routines
Many medications require steady timing. Eat Right Now supports daily routines and gentle reminders that help you stay consistent with injections or tablets.
Protecting Muscle & Energy
During weight loss, movement, and adequate protein matter. Eat Right Now reinforces motivation and healthy habits that help you stay strong and energized.
