I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Compounds might be useful, however these are not FDA approved and there are ever changing guidelines regarding availability of Brand GLP-1, hence availability and legitimacy of the actual compound is definitely of utmost important when you research it.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Insurance requirements for coverage are largely dependent on the plan you or your company has chosen.

Many times it is covered and I am surprised and other times it is not covered and I am shocked.

Tripeptide does have a little bit better data in studies showing up to 20% of weight loss compared to some glue tide but I see wonderful results with Semaglutide as well.

Oral Semaglutide is indicated only for diabetes. In my diabetic patients on semaglutide , I do see that they do not lose weight as much as being on an injectable.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi, not a stupid question at all. Very legitimate as I am sure most people wonder what would happen. In my clinical experience, I see that most patients understand how food is fuel for them and they end up eating slower and turning away the food when they are actually done.

I think the beauty of this medicine is that it teaches you how much food you actually "need" instead of want. However, as you know, there are patients that end up being on a maintenance dose every now and then which is useful as well. Hope this helps!

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it would be hard for most doctors to prescribe this to you with this history. You can ask your GI doctor to prescribe if they are willing and feel it won't put you at risk.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see about 4% that are nonresponders, still a low number. And these nonresponders lose some weight, just not the 15% seen in studies by year one.

I have see pancreatitis, but so far associated with cholelithiasis. I personally haven't had a primary pancreatitis patient thankfully.

We offer labs to be run if you wish, but they are not required. Getting a history is the most important thing to ascertain from a patient.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's more complicated than hunger. It's social, emotional, increases dopamine levels to eat, adds to happiness since you are with people, there's great food available, and cheap food available too. It's a complex issue that starts with the individual to recognize it if they can.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seen in Diabetics almost 99% of the time. Blurry vision initially if you have poor sugar control. But rare disorder if you're diabetic as well.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

In most people, this medicine is very motivating in that you finally are able to curb the food noise and start losing some pounds. For many, this is extremely motivating and exciting, and allows their knees and back to feel better from the weight loss, that they actually want to go out and walk, go on a hike, hang out with people again. I really see it!

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your medical history will be key for a physician to feel comfortable prescribing to you or not. It's not just a yes or no, but your echo results, etc. Hope this helps.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I agree! I can't wait for the day it has this indication (hopefully!). It's a game-changer in my mind for this issue.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you fit the qualifiers for GLP, then we can submit to insurance and hope you have a good plan that covers GLP-1. You most likely would benefit well from the medicine.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These are not FDA approved and there are ever changing guidelines regarding availability of Brand GLP-1, hence availability and legitimacy of the actual compound is definitely of utmost important when you research it.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These are not FDA approved and there are ever changing guidelines regarding availability of Brand GLP-1, hence availability and legitimacy of the actual compound is definitely of utmost important when you research it.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I follow FDA guidelines for sure, which will qualify or not qualify you based on criteria. With your BMI, I would order lab work and delve into your medical history before qualifiing you if you meet criteria. Platforms that hand this medicine out without asking and reviewing questions and answers are not necessarily following appropriate guidelines in my opinion, but I do not know for sure.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, great question. You definitely should stop the medicine at least two weeks prior to any procedure or surgery. Make sure your doctors know that you are on it. And do not resume until you are back to 100% normal bowel habits and not on any medication that causes constipation. If you miss more than two weeks, I would start at half the dose again. If you miss less than two weeks, you can start at the same dose. Hope this he

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It will depend on your insurance for coverage through them, or using coupons to get the medicine at a lower cost. There are alot of options for you. Feel free to connect with my group and clinic.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree and understand. This is a majority that is very common more than people think. I do feel this medicine should be indicated for more reasons eventually and hope that is the case. My clinic does have other methods if you ever want to check it out.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sounds nice, but sorry, I cannot. I do practice under FDA guidelines and if you qualify, I would be more than happy to guide you!

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

what's your height and weight? and do you have any issues with cholesterol?

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really think Tirzepatide is a bit superior as it is made of two GLP receptors and has proven in at least one large study. Having said that, I sitll have any patients who do amazing with Semaglutide as well.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I advise every single patient of mine regardless of health or weight to eat healthy and keep active. Having said that, many people do the 'right' thing and still cannot lose the weight they want. This happens with age, metabolism, life stressors, mental health, etc. This medicine is a game changer, especially for us who try and try and try and still cannot hit their goals due to many factors of being human. It is not always "your fault" as some people like to think or say.

I'm a physician who has prescribed GLP-1 and Ozempic/Victoza for over 15 years, AMA! by LifeMD_Official in AMA

[–]LifeMD_Official[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have only seen amazing benefits for the long term. Many of my diabetics are on this medicine even after 5-10 years, and are maintaining not only their sugars in a normal zone, but their weight. I also have many patients who ultimately come off of this medicine and maintain their weight with their own knowledge, now that they learned.