semaglutide - do you have "ask" your doctor

[Anonymous]

I am 56 and have a BMI of 24. I have extremely high cholesterol, though, and I am on 80MG of a statin. I also have very high lipoprotein A. My last test was 329 and high is considered 125. (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/genetic-conditions/lipoprotein-a) I eat well and have been exercising more, but I am thinking about possibly trying a semaglutide. I had gestational diabetes. I've talked to a cardiologist, and he has said to just stay on the statin, keep exercising, etc. I have friends who have gotten a prescription for semaglutide online. Do I need to ask or tell my doctor that I'm thinking about doing this?

[Anonymous]

Can I ask why you wouldn’t?

[Anonymous]

I asked my doctor - I was really nervous. But he just said, "ok sure, you meet the criteria for eligibility". Then he prescribed it. It was as easy as that.

[Anonymous]

I would ask because you might qualify for insurance due to your cholesterol. Some of the online services actually take insurance as well so you can do that instead as well, and share all your history. You do talk to an actual medical provider for those as well, just through telehealth.

[Anonymous]

Different poster here but what are the qualifications? I am a 26 BMI. Had gestational as well and a parent with type 2 so far my A1C has been ok). Cholesterol hasn’t been a problem. I’m hypothyroid. Would I qualify?

I’ve needed to lose 25 pounds forever and they just won’t budge.

[Anonymous]

All of this depends on your insurance but typically, you need a BMI of at least 30, in some cases 27 is okay. But otherwise, unless you have diabetes, no reputable doctor will prescribe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of this depends on your insurance but typically, you need a BMI of at least 30, in some cases 27 is okay. But otherwise, unless you have diabetes, no reputable doctor will prescribe.

What if you’re willing to pay out of pocket? Will any of the online stores prescribe?

[Anonymous]

My doctor prescribed because my BMI was 27.3 and I had high blood pressure. Insurance pays for it and I pick up my prescription at CVS. The minimum criteria is BMI 27 or above plus one co-morbidity such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. I don't think a doctor can legally prescribe if you don't meet the criteria.

[Anonymous]

Asking ain't getting.

Wegovy is an anti-obesity drug. Obesity is a chronic condition. With a bmi of 24, you most certainly do not have that condition. Not only is your bmi not in the "obese" category, it isn't even in the "overweight" category. Semaglutide doesn't treat high cholesterol, your statin does that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different poster here but what are the qualifications? I am a 26 BMI. Had gestational as well and a parent with type 2 so far my A1C has been ok). Cholesterol hasn’t been a problem. I’m hypothyroid. Would I qualify?

I’ve needed to lose 25 pounds forever and they just won’t budge.

No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of this depends on your insurance but typically, you need a BMI of at least 30, in some cases 27 is okay. But otherwise, unless you have diabetes, no reputable doctor will prescribe.

What if you’re willing to pay out of pocket? Will any of the online stores prescribe?

FFS.

I don't have pain but I'm "willing to pay out of pocket" for oxy. Wonder if a doctor will prescribe? I don't have ADHD, but I'm willing to pay out of pocket for Adderall -- I wonder if I can get one of the "online stores" to prescribe.

Ugh. This is where we are. Ignorant self-involved people calling doctors "online stores" because they want access to drugs that treat a condition they don't have.

[Anonymous]

My doc said I "barely" met the criteria and wrote the rx which was then covered by insurance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My doc said I "barely" met the criteria and wrote the rx which was then covered by insurance

And is it helping you? What have your results been and the side effects?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of this depends on your insurance but typically, you need a BMI of at least 30, in some cases 27 is okay. But otherwise, unless you have diabetes, no reputable doctor will prescribe.

What if you’re willing to pay out of pocket? Will any of the online stores prescribe?

FFS.

I don't have pain but I'm "willing to pay out of pocket" for oxy. Wonder if a doctor will prescribe? I don't have ADHD, but I'm willing to pay out of pocket for Adderall -- I wonder if I can get one of the "online stores" to prescribe.

Ugh. This is where we are. Ignorant self-involved people calling doctors "online stores" because they want access to drugs that treat a condition they don't have.

And some half-wit on an anon board rolls their eyes and blames the end user, not the culture of fat-shaming or the workaholism we call "normal" here...

You've correctly identified a problem but completely ignored the obvious solution: a cultural shift to prioritize actual health over appearances and productivity culture.

[Anonymous]

My doc said he doesn’t prescribe it and told me to diet more. Went to a medspa and started it.