How to Get Prescribed GLP-1: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To get prescribed GLP-1: confirm you meet BMI criteria (≥30, or ≥27 with a qualifying condition), choose a provider pathway (telehealth is fastest), complete the medical evaluation, get prior authorization submitted if using insurance, and fill your first prescription. The entire process takes 1 week via telehealth or 4–6 weeks through a traditional practice.

Step 1: Confirm You Qualify

GLP-1 medications for weight loss (Wegovy, Zepbound) have specific FDA-approved criteria. Meeting these is required for both prescribing and insurance coverage.

Calculate your BMI. BMI = weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (inches)² — or use an online calculator.

You qualify if:

BMI ≥ 30 (no other condition needed), OR
BMI ≥ 27 AND at least one of: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or history of heart disease

If your BMI is 25–27, most providers will not prescribe Wegovy or Zepbound at the standard obesity criteria. Some telehealth platforms have broader criteria for certain formulations.

Step 2: Gather Your Health Information

Before any consultation, have this ready:

Current medications (name, dose)
Recent lab results if available (HbA1c, blood pressure readings, lipid panel)
Medical history (relevant conditions, prior weight loss attempts)
Insurance card and prescription coverage information

This speeds up both the medical evaluation and insurance prior authorization.

Step 3: Choose Your Provider Pathway

Telehealth (fastest — 1–7 days): Complete an online intake form, have a video or async consultation with a licensed provider, and receive a prescription if approved. Platforms include Ro, Hims/Hers, Found, Henry Meds, and others.

Primary care physician (2–4 weeks): Contact your PCP and request an appointment specifically for weight management and GLP-1 discussion. Your PCP can manage prior authorization through their office.

Obesity medicine specialist (4–12 weeks): Ask your PCP for a referral, or search the Obesity Medicine Association's directory. Best for complex medical situations.

Step 4: Complete the Medical Evaluation

At your appointment (in-person or telehealth):

Provider reviews your health history and BMI
Discusses your weight loss goals and previous attempts
Reviews contraindications (thyroid cancer history, pancreatitis, etc.)
Orders or reviews relevant labs
Discusses medication options: semaglutide vs. tirzepatide, dosing schedule, side effects

At the end of this visit, if appropriate, you receive a prescription.

Step 5: Navigate Insurance Prior Authorization

If using insurance, this is the most time-consuming step. Your provider's office (or telehealth platform) submits a prior authorization (PA) request that typically includes:

Clinical documentation of your BMI and qualifying conditions
Provider's clinical justification
Documentation of lifestyle intervention (required by many plans)

Timeline: Most PAs take 2–14 business days. Approval rates have improved as GLP-1 treatment becomes more mainstream.

If denied: You can appeal. Success rates for appeals are meaningful — particularly with a strong letter of medical necessity from your provider. Ask your provider's office to support the appeal.

Step 6: Fill Your Prescription

Once approved:

Apply for the manufacturer savings card BEFORE you fill (Novo Nordisk for Wegovy, Eli Lilly for Zepbound)
Use your insurance + savings card at a pharmacy for the lowest cost
Consider mail-order pharmacy for convenience (often lower copay)
If uninsured: use Zepbound self-pay vials or NovoCare patient assistance program

Step 7: Start Titration and Follow Up

Your first dose is the starting dose (0.25 mg semaglutide or 2.5 mg tirzepatide). Arrange follow-up with your provider at 4–8 weeks to:

Report side effect tolerance
Confirm dose escalation schedule
Review early progress
Adjust if needed

Ongoing monitoring typically includes quarterly visits and annual labs.

Get Your GLP-1 Prescription This Week Through Telehealth

Bottom Line

Getting prescribed GLP-1 is a straightforward process — confirm eligibility, choose telehealth or in-person, complete evaluation, navigate insurance, fill prescription. Telehealth makes the medical evaluation portion achievable in days rather than weeks. The bottleneck is usually insurance prior authorization, which takes 2–14 days.