Table of Contents
Common questions, answered clearly
If you are uncertain, anxious, or just doing your research, these are the questions we hear most. There are no wrong ones to ask.
Who is this for?
Who may be an appropriate candidate for GLP-1 treatment?
FDA-approved indications for these medications include adults with type 2 diabetes (several medications in the class), adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, adults with a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and certain patients with established cardiovascular disease and qualifying conditions.
The real-world picture is more nuanced. A thorough evaluation looks at your full clinical picture, not just whether you hit a number on a chart.
I have tried diet and exercise for years. Does that change things?
Yes. That history is clinically meaningful. Weight regulation involves hunger signaling, satiety hormones, insulin resistance, sleep, stress, cortisol, genetics, prior medications, and metabolic adaptation, many of which operate outside conscious control.
If you have genuinely tried and it has not worked, you are not failing. You may have an underlying biological barrier that a GLP-1 medication could meaningfully address. That is worth evaluating properly.
Are these medications for everyone?
No. They are not appropriate for every patient, and part of the value of a real evaluation is sorting that out. GLP-1 medications have known contraindications, potential drug interactions, and situations where the risk-benefit calculation does not favor treatment.
We do not prescribe to everyone who asks. That is not a flaw. It is responsible practice.
Do you treat patients with type 2 diabetes?
Yes. GLP-1 medications have a long track record in type 2 diabetes management, and several are FDA-approved specifically for this indication. Many also carry cardiovascular risk reduction approvals. If metabolic health, blood sugar, and weight are all part of your picture, that is a conversation worth having in full.
About the consultation
What happens at the first visit?
The first visit is a thorough medical conversation. We review your health history and relevant background, what you have tried before and how it went, your current medications and any interactions to consider, your goals and what you are hoping to accomplish, and whether GLP-1 treatment seems appropriate for your situation. If it does, we discuss which medication options fit and what a realistic plan looks like.
You are not expected to have all the answers going in. That is what the visit is for.
Is medication guaranteed if I book a visit?
No. Booking creates space for an evaluation. It does not guarantee any specific outcome. This is how medical care is supposed to work. If treatment is not appropriate or safe based on your history, we will tell you clearly and explain why.
Who will I be seeing?
You will see Dr. Benjamin Caplan, MD, a board-certified family physician. Not a nurse practitioner assigned to an available slot, not a rotating provider network. The same physician, every visit, who builds a real picture of your health over time.
How long does the first visit take?
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. This is not a 10-minute intake. A thorough first visit takes time, and that time is the point.
Do I need to prepare anything before the visit?
It helps to have a sense of your current medications and supplements (names and doses if possible), relevant medical history including any diabetes, cardiovascular, or metabolic diagnoses, your weight history and what you have already tried, and your main goals and concerns. You do not need to have everything perfectly organized. We can work through it together.
About the medications
For a full medication guide, see the Medications page or the Full GLP-1 Guide.
What medications do you prescribe?
We prescribe all FDA-approved options in this class, including semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), oral semaglutide (Rybelsus), and other approved medications where appropriate. We do not currently prescribe compounded GLP-1 medications.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are most pronounced when starting treatment or increasing the dose, and typically improve over time. A careful ramp-up approach, starting low and titrating slowly, significantly reduces the likelihood and severity of these effects. That is a key part of how we approach dose adjustments.
How long do I need to be on the medication?
For most patients treating obesity or chronic weight management, long-term use is part of the picture. Weight tends to return when the medication is stopped, which is why we plan for maintenance from the beginning rather than treating this as a short-term intervention. The right long-term plan varies by patient and goal. This is an ongoing conversation, not a predetermined outcome.
What about muscle loss? I’ve heard this is a concern.
It is a legitimate concern. GLP-1 medications reduce overall food intake, which can lead to loss of both fat and lean muscle if protein intake and resistance exercise are not part of the picture. We discuss this proactively. Adequate protein intake, resistance training, and appropriate dose titration all help preserve lean mass during treatment.
What about compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide was widely available during the period when brand-name semaglutide was on the FDA shortage list. As of early 2026, the FDA has ended the shortage designation, which significantly changes the legal and regulatory landscape for compounded versions. We prescribe FDA-approved brand-name options only.
Cost and access
Are visits covered by insurance?
Consultation fees are charged on a direct-pay basis. We do not bill insurance for visit fees directly. Depending on your health plan, you may be able to seek reimbursement as an out-of-network telehealth service. We can provide documentation to support that process.
What does medication cost?
Medication costs depend on your insurance coverage, any manufacturer savings programs you qualify for, and which pharmacy you use. Commercially insured patients with coverage often access brand-name injectables for significantly reduced cost through manufacturer coupon programs. Cash-pay costs for brand-name options can be substantial. We will help you think through realistic access options during the consultation.
Are you available in my state?
We provide virtual care across most of the United States. During booking, you will be asked to confirm your state of residence. If you are unsure, reach out before booking and we can confirm availability.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds for visits?
Medical consultations are generally eligible for reimbursement through HSA and FSA accounts. We recommend confirming with your plan administrator, as specific eligibility rules vary. We can provide documentation of the medical nature of the visit if needed.
After you start
What happens if treatment is not working?
We follow up. A lack of response at a given dose or with a particular medication is information, not failure. There are multiple medications in this class with different mechanisms and dosing profiles. If one is not delivering results, we re-evaluate rather than simply continuing the same approach.
What if I want to stop the medication eventually?
That is a completely reasonable goal and something to plan for. We build tapering conversations into the long-term plan from early on, so it is not something you have to raise from scratch. Most patients do better with a structured taper and a clear transition plan rather than simply stopping.
What if I have been on GLP-1 medication from another provider and want to transfer care?
This is common and straightforward. A transfer visit lets us review your history with the medication, assess where you are now, and establish the kind of ongoing care that may have been missing from your prior arrangement. Book the Ramp-Up Check-In or Maintenance Visit depending on where you are in treatment.
Still have questions?
You do not need to have it all sorted out before reaching out. The first visit is exactly the right place for unanswered questions.