Weight Loss Frequently Asked Questions

Weight Loss Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Take Medications for Medical Weight Loss?

The frequency of taking weight loss medications varies depending on the specific drug, and it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results.

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and Liraglutide (Saxenda)

• Administration: These medications are given via subcutaneous injections.
• Frequency: Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) is typically administered once a week, while Liraglutide (Saxenda) is usually injected daily.
• Self-Administration: After proper training, you can administer these injections yourself, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Consistency: Keeping a regular injection schedule is essential, so make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

Qsymia and Contrave

• Administration: Both of these medications come in tablet form and are taken orally.
• Frequency: Qsymia is generally taken once a day, usually in the morning, with or without food to help minimize side effects like insomnia. Contrave is typically taken twice daily.
• Dosage Adjustment: Your doctor may gradually adjust your dosage to reduce the risk of side effects, so it’s important to stick to the prescribed regimen.

Orlistat (Alli)

• Administration: Orlistat is taken as a capsule during or within an hour of each meal that contains fat.
• Function: The medication works by blocking the absorption of fats from the food you eat, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.

Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to take these medications and may adjust your dosage or frequency based on your progress and health needs.

Is Medicaid Weight Loss Medication Covered By Insurance?

Medicaid weight loss drug coverage depends on your insurance plan. Some plans may cover some or all of the cost of certain medications, especially if they are prescribed to treat co-morbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure. We recommend that you contact your insurance company for details.

How Much Weight Can I Lose?

Results vary depending on the drug chosen, adherence to the regimen, and individual body characteristics. On average, patients can lose 5% to 15% of their original weight during the first year of treatment. It is important to remember that success depends on combining medication with lifestyle changes such as proper diet and exercise.

How Long Does the Medical Weight Loss Program Last?

The length of the program depends on your goals and progress. Some programs may last a few months, while others may last a year or more. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed to ensure sustainable results.

What are the Contraindications?

Contraindications vary depending on the specific medication. They usually include serious liver, kidney, heart, and thyroid disease, as well as pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before you start taking it to rule out any risks.

How Often do I Need to See My Doctor?

How often you see your doctor depends on your treatment plan. In the initial stages, you will usually need to see your doctor once a week or every two weeks to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment.

As your condition stabilizes, visits may become less frequent - once a month or as needed.

Can I Stop Taking the Medication After I Reach My Goal?

Once the desired weight has been achieved, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the dosage or stopping the medication altogether. However, it is important to continue to follow the diet and exercise recommendations to maintain the results you have achieved. 

The decision to stop taking the drug is individual and should be discussed with your doctor.

Can I Use These Products if I am Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

Most weight loss medications are not recommended during pregnancy or while planning a pregnancy because they may affect the development of the fetus.

How Do These Drugs Affect My Emotional State or Mood?

Some weight loss medications may have an effect on emotional state and mood, although this depends on the individual body's response.

• Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate): This drug may cause changes in mood, including irritability, anxiety, and depression. In rare cases, serious mood changes, including suicidal thoughts, may occur. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor your emotional state and report any changes to your doctor.
• Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion): This medication can also affect mood and emotional state. The bupropion in Contrave is an antidepressant, but combining it with naltrexone can cause side effects such as anxiety, irritability, and mood changes. In rare cases, serious psychiatric side effects can occur, so regular communication with your doctor is important.
• Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and Liraglutide (Saxenda): Usually these drugs do not have a significant effect on emotional well-being, but in rare cases they can cause mood changes such as irritability or depression, especially if the patient is prone to these conditions.

If you notice any changes in mood, it is important to inform your doctor immediately. He or she may reconsider the dosage, suggest other treatment options, or conduct additional consultations to evaluate the condition.