How to Ask Your Doctor for Weight Loss Pills

Whether you’re talking to a partner, a friend, or your doctor, weight loss can be a sensitive topic. And if you’re thinking about asking for weight loss pills or injections, it can feel even trickier. But don’t let potential awkwardness stop you from getting the support you need.

When it comes to how to ask your doctor for weight loss pills, it can help to remember that doctors are trained professionals. Their job is to help you navigate your health — including weight management. The more open and honest you are about your goals and challenges, the better they can guide you toward safe, effective treatment options.

We’ll walk you through how to prepare for your appointment and ask your doctor about weight loss medications. We’ll also go over treatment options so you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

The best way to ask your doctor about weight loss pills? Through an open, honest conversation. Physicians are here to help. So, the more information you can share about your health and weight history, the better they can tailor a treatment plan that works for you.

There’s no “right“ way to start the conversation, but you might begin by mentioning any concerns about your weight or weight-related health issues. From there, here’s how to prepare for an appointment where you discuss weight loss treatment options:

• Bring your medical history. Be ready to share any current medications or supplements you’re taking, including dosages.

• Take a few notes ahead of time. Jot down details about your diet, mental health, exercise routine, alcohol use, sleep habits, weight gain, and any past weight loss attempts — including challenges like emotional eating, intense cravings, or joint pain. These factors can all affect your weight and help your provider determine which treatments might work best. Chances are, they’ll ask about them during your appointment.

• Do a little research on treatment options. We’ll also walk through common treatment options in the next section.

• Write down anything you want to know about weight loss medications. We’ll share a list of helpful questions in this guide, but having your own ready can make the conversation more productive.

• Check your insurance coverage. See if weight-related treatments or services are included in your plan.

Once the conversation starts, your doctor may ask about your lifestyle, health conditions, and what you’ve tried before. No judgment — it’s all useful context that helps your provider recommend the best path forward.

If medication seems like a good fit, they can talk you through your options.

Feeling nervous? It’s completely okay to bring a friend or loved one for support (or just to help take notes). Doctors have these conversations all the time — there’s no shame in asking for help with weight loss or anything else.

Having overweight or obesity is linked to an increased risk of everything from stroke to depression. But losing weight isn’t always straightforward.

If you’ve already tried lifestyle changes — like adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity, or working with a nutritionist — and are still struggling to lose weight or keep it off, medication may be worth considering.

So, what can a doctor prescribe for weight loss? Your provider can help determine if weight loss medication is a safe and effective option for you. They might recommend several weight loss medications, including injections and pills. Some are FDA-approved specifically to treat obesity and excess weight, while others are prescribed off-label.

When a provider prescribes a medication off-label, it means they’re prescribing it for something other than what it’s FDA-approved to treat. For example, several medications approved to treat type 2 diabetes are used off-label to promote weight loss in people without diabetes.

Let’s break down some of the options.

Weight Loss Injections

FDA-approved medications for weight loss include:

• Wegovy^® (semaglutide)

• Saxenda^® (liraglutide)

• Zepbound^® (tirzepatide)

These injectable medications are in a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They help regulate appetite and promote fullness, making it easier to reduce calorie intake.

Common off-label injections include:

• Ozempic^® (semaglutide)

• Victoza^® (liraglutide)

• Mounjaro^® (tirzepatide)

Learn about Ozempic versus tirzepatide in our drug comparison guide.

Weight Loss Pills

Some oral medications are FDA-approved for weight loss. Others are used off-label but may still be effective when paired with lifestyle changes.

FDA-approved pills for obesity treatment include:

• Contrave^® (naltrexone-bupropion)

• Xenical^® (orlistat)

• Qsymia^® (phentermine-topiramate)

These weight loss medications work in different ways. Some work by suppressing appetite and making it easier to reduce calorie intake, while others reduce how much fat the body absorbs from food.

In addition to some of the GLP-1 agonist medications listed earlier, Hims offers access to personalized oral weight loss medication kits. They may include a combination of the following:

• Bupropion. Bupropion, an antidepressant, is sometimes prescribed off-label in combination with other medications to help support weight loss.

• Metformin. Metformin is FDA-approved as a diabetes drug and sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. The daily pill can suppress appetite and promote insulin sensitivity.

• Topiramate. Topiramate, an antiseizure drug, can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. It suppresses appetite, which can make you feel fuller for longer.

• Naltrexone. Naltrexone reduces cravings for alcohol and opioids. It can also support weight loss when combined with other treatments.

Some kits may include one or more of the daily pills listed above, along with vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for overall health.

Once you’ve researched your options, it helps to come to your appointment with a list of questions. Talking to your doctor about weight loss should feel like a two-way conversation, and asking the right questions can help you make the best decision for your body and health.

Here are some good questions to consider:

• I’m concerned about my weight. What’s a healthy weight range for me?

• Based on my health history, what would be a safe and realistic weight loss goal?

• How long should I expect it to take to reach that goal?

• Am I a good candidate for prescription weight loss medications?

• What are the pros and cons of the options available to me?

• What are the common side effects of weight loss pills?

• How long would I need to take the medication?

• Could a health problem or current medication be affecting my weight?

• What healthy diet and exercise changes should I make when taking weight loss drugs to support my goals?

• Are there support programs or specialists you’d recommend?

• Could a structured weight loss program help me?

• Should I consider weight loss surgery at some point?

Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question. Don’t hesitate to ask follow-ups or get clarification during the conversation, and consider jotting down notes to review later.

Weight loss medications are usually prescribed to people with an elevated body mass index (BMI).

In most cases, that means having a BMI of 30 or above — which is classified as obesity — or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or heart disease.

If you’re unsure where you fall, you can use the Hims BMI calculator to get a quick estimate based on your height and weight.

BMI isn’t the only thing that matters. A healthcare provider may also look at your waist size, medical history, and any health issues that could put you at greater risk for cardiometabolic conditions, such as heart disease or insulin resistance. For example, a waist measurement of more than 40 inches for men can be a red flag, even if your BMI is borderline.

Even if you don’t meet the typical criteria, it’s still worth starting the conversation and getting medical advice on weight management. Your provider may be able to suggest other forms of support, such as behavioral therapy, a structured weight loss program, or referrals to specialists, like a physician specializing in obesity medicine.

When it comes to how to talk to your doctor about weight loss in general, the same principles we’ve been talking about apply — open and honest communication is key. Mention that you’re concerned about your body weight and want to discuss your options. You’ve got this.

Yes, your primary care doctor can prescribe weight loss pills if they’re suitable for you. Even if they don’t prescribe weight loss medication, your provider can get you started on a weight loss action plan or refer you to a specialist.

You can also chat with a licensed healthcare professional online about weight loss medications and other treatments.

Online Weight Loss Doctor Options

Getting started with weight loss medication can feel overwhelming, but Hims makes the process more straightforward. You can connect with licensed providers trained in weight management online — no in-person appointments or pharmacy pick-ups required.

Your care team can help you find a medication that fits your health history and goals and adjust your treatment plan over time if needed. Through Hims, oral medications start at $69 a month for a 10-month plan paid upfront and in full.

This includes access to doctor-trusted medications, ongoing check-ins, and digital tools to support your progress. For instance, through the Hims app, you’ll have:

• Dynamic protocols to help improve nutrition, movement, and sleep-based habits for sustained weight loss

• In-app sleep and mindset techniques developed by psychologists to help improve sleep quality

• Daily protein recommendations to help maintain muscle mass while taking medication

• Daily activity goals to achieve regular movement while taking medication

• Over 100 healthy recipes and meal plans developed with nutritionists

• Healthy eating tips tailored to your unique eating pattern (like emotional eating or automatic eating)

Hims also offers high-protein meal-replacement shakes and bars designed to support people taking weight loss medication. They can help you meet daily nutrition goals, stay full longer, and make meals easier to manage during busy weeks.

If your doctor decides not to prescribe weight loss medication, don’t get discouraged. There’s often a medical reason behind the decision — such as a medical condition, another medication you’re taking, or a BMI that doesn’t meet the current guidelines for prescription weight loss drugs.

Your doctor may also recommend starting with lifestyle changes first. In some cases, providers prefer to see how diet and exercise plans go over several months — sometimes up to a year — before considering medications.

If you’re unsure why you weren’t prescribed medication, it’s okay to ask for more clarity or seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider.

And remember: Prescription weight loss pills aren’t the only option. You can talk to your healthcare provider about other weight loss approaches like lifestyle changes, structured weight loss programs with coaching or nutrition support, or bariatric surgery in cases where it’s medically appropriate.

They can also refer you to other experts who can help you on your weight loss journey, such as:

• Registered dietitians

• Physical therapists

• Behavioral or mental health therapists

• Bariatric surgeons

The best approach is the one that works for your health, body, and long-term goals.

There’s never a wrong time to talk to your doctor about weight loss injections and pills. If your weight worries you, seeking expert advice can help put your mind at ease. That said, even wondering how to get your doctor to prescribe weight loss pills can make some people nervous.

We get it — asking for weight loss medication can feel uncomfortable. Our best advice? Instead of trying to find the perfect words, just start with an honest conversation about your health and goals.

Here’s what to keep in mind about how to ask your doctor for weight loss pills or injections:

• Doctors are human. Sure, they’re smart, trained professionals, but they’re still people. They’ve heard it all, and their job is to help. Try to be upfront about your concerns, and let your provider know you’re interested in learning more about how medication could help you.

• Come prepared. Bring a list of questions, and jot down details about your habits, health history, and what weight loss methods you’ve tried so far. Having answers ready for the questions your doctor will likely ask can help calm your nerves and make the appointment feel more manageable. Plus, the more context your doctor has, the better they can guide you.

• There are lots of options. Today’s weight loss medications — like GLP-1 injections and oral pills — can help regulate appetite and support meaningful weight loss for those who are eligible. A doctor can help you figure out which treatment might be the best fit for your body and goals.

Losing weight can be tricky. There are so many factors at play, and meds aren’t a one-size-fits-all fix. That said, talking to a doctor can help you find a realistic, sustainable path forward, whether that includes prescription drugs or not.

Do you feel ready to connect with a provider right away? The Hims platform provides access to licensed healthcare professionals trained in weight management. They can prescribe weight loss pills and injections to those who are eligible. You can learn more by starting our free weight loss assessment.