Medical Weight Loss FAQs
Looking for more details about medical support for weight loss? I'd love to help you meet your goals.
I'm a telehealth partner connecting you with board certified doctors who are able to support your weight loss efforts with prescriptions with Ellie MD.
Who this is for:
Someone who is struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise alone and looking for medical help
Someone whose insurance does not cover the cost of weight loss injections or only covers when co-morbidities are present
Someone whose insurance requires months of waiting or trying other medications before covering injections
Someone who has insurance coverage, but is unable to access the prescription on time due to the national shortage
Someone who is ready and willing to do the work it takes to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way
What help is available?
To support your weight loss efforts, doctors are able to prescribe compouned semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Only a doctor can determine if this medication is right for you. Doctors are typically able to prescribe medication for patients who self-report a height and weight equivalent to a BMI of 28 or greater, 27 or lower with co-morbidities, or patients who have previously used GLP-1s.
Expected weight loss with semaglutide is 21%+ of body weight. Expected weight loss with tirzepatide is 26%+ of body weight.
Did you know?
The FDA has a national shortage list for medications. When an ingredient is listed on the national shortage list, compounding pharmacies are allowed to make and offer medications using that ingredient at a fraction of the cost.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are on the FDA's national shortage list.
The name brands of these highly effective weight loss medications (Wegovy and Zepbound) cost anywhere from $1000 to $1600 per month without insurance at retail pharmacies, making the compounded forms of these medications much more accessible to people who are determined to lose weight, but need some help.
But is it safe?
Absolutely.
People have been studying and using these medications for two decades. Every medical intervention has risks, but millions of people choose to keep using them because the benefits outweigh the risks.
EllieMD partners with FDA approved pharmacies and completes their own third party testing to ensure that patients are receiving what they pay for. Here are the results of the potency testing.
How does it work?
Choose if you'd like to start with semaglutide or tirzepatide and create an account.
Fill out a medical questionnaire for a doctor to review and answer any follow up questions if necessary.
If approved, your prescription will be sent to your home within about 10 days.
As you near the end of 3 months, you will be asked to answer questions for a doctor to review and continue prescribing your medication.
To make it more affordable, you pay for your 3 month supply of medication in 3 monthly installments.
When you do this with me, here's what you get:
Prescription medication from board certified doctors using FDA approved pharmacies
A 90 day supply of medication and all necessary supplies shipped to your home
No hidden fees, subscriptions, memberships, auto-ships, or start-up costs
No charge to see if you qualify or for required check-ins with the doctor
Access to medical support for questions or help if you experience side effects
Invitation to Courtney's private community with the support of others who are making their health a priority just like you
But I heard...
Myth
You will lose muscle mass because of GLP-1s.
You are at a greater risk for developing thyroid cancer.
You are at a greater risk for developing gastroparesis.
You'll just gain all the weight back when you stop taking it.
Taking weight loss injections is the easy way out.
Fact
Muscle loss can happen with any weight loss, and it is more likely with rapid weight loss. You can gain muscle on this medication if you're eating enough protein and regularly lifting heavy weights.
People with blood sugar control issues are at a greater risk for developing gastroparesis, and these people are more likely to be using a GLP-1. This is a correlation, not a causation.
People with obesity are at the greatest risk for developing thyroid cancer, and people with obesity are the most frequent users of this medication.
Thousands of people have successfully lost weight and kept it off after stopping a GLP-1. This medication is meant to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Data suggests that people who exercise for 150 minutes per week are less likely to regain their weight after stopping the medication.
There is nothing easy about sustainable weight loss. This medication is for people who desire permanent lifestyle changes and need support to improve their overall health.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?