Semaglutide is an injectable medication which, when used in combination with diet and exercise, helps with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which mimic the hormone GLP-1 in your body to lower blood sugar IeveIs after you've eaten a meal.

GLP-1s are medications that work by regulating your appetite to reduce the amount of food you eat. Studies have shown they can reduce weight by up to 15% in many people who take them for a year or longer, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.* Weight loss isn’t about willpower. There are biological factors that impact your metabolism, hunger, and weight that are outside of your control. GLP-1s make you feel full longer, curb food cravings, and help your body process sugars more efficiently (source). This is why these drugs are often prescribed and used for the management of type 2 diabetes or obesity. These medications are sometimes used along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. Some GLP-1 medications are also used in patients with diabetes to help with blood sugar management. Semaglutide (Wegovy®, RYBELSUS®, Ozempic® Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®) Dulaglutide (Trulicity®) Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) Your provider will assess your health needs to determine if medication is best suited for you. They will answer any questions about GLP-1s you have during your initial consult. *Source: National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Semaglutide improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity: STEP 1 and 4 exploratory analyses. E-published October 28, 2022.

Prescriptions are not a sure thing for all patients, but if you are over 18 years old and your healthcare provider confirms that you meet specific criteria, including weight and related health conditions, you may qualify for a prescription for weight loss medication. Fitpal's Semaglutide weight loss wegovy ozempic weight loss glp1 program is designed to connect physicians with patients for effective weight loss. For most insurance plans, if your BMI is less than 27, you will be deemed ineligible for insurance coverage.

You may not be eligible for a GLP-1 prescription if you meet any of the following criteria: Currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant in the next year Family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer Personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) Active eating disorder or history of eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia, etc.) Currently being treated for cancer Active drug or alcohol misuse Suicidal thoughts or past attempts Mental health disorders (bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) Current or history of pancreatitis Bariatric surgery (within the last 18 months) Heart attack (within the last 12 months) Heart failure Organ transplant or immunosuppressive therapy Severe gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroparesis and inflammatory bowel disease Gallbladder disease Kidney disease Liver disease Diabetic retinopathy Insulin use Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) or tachycardia

For a monthly fee of either $133 a month with a 12-month commitment or $166 a month with a 6-month commitment, you can avail yourself of the Fitpal program offered by Fitpal. This comprehensive program includes regular virtual consults with a clinician, assistance in writing and renewing GLP-1 prescriptions (if applicable), expert guidance in navigating insurance for prescription coverage, 3-month supply of Daily Multivitamin or Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements delivered every quarter. With this program, both men and women, particularly if you have a BMI of more than 27, you can expect to benefit from Semaglutide weight loss program. An added perk is that dietitians will be on hand to connect with patients and provide them with the support they need to achieve their weight loss goals. Lab testing is required before your provider prescribes weight loss medication. Required labs include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. You can work with Quest or another lab of your choice directly to determine if coverage is available through your insurance plan. The cost of lab testing varies based on your insurance coverage and the labs near you. Note that certain co-conditions, such as pre-diabetes and high cholesterol, may require additional ongoing testing. As part of the program, users outside of NY can get an included at-home lab test each quarter (Heart Health, Cholesterol & Lipids, HbA1c). At-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing. If more frequent testing is required, those tests would require an additional fee. Your clinical care team will collaborate with you to find the most cost-effective and potent medication based on your health requirements and insurance coverage. With insurance, GLP-1 prescriptions are usually less expensive, but the exact cost will rely on your insurance plan. If you're uninsured, underinsured, or if the medication isn't covered by your insurance, your provider may assist you in finding a prescription discount card. In case you're unable to afford the medication, Fitpal might be able to offer financial assistance programs to make it more affordable for you. If you are unable to use insurance or a discount card, GLP-1 prescription medication costs may range from $900 to $1,400 for a one-month supply. Fitpal does not directly sell GLP-1 or other medications. Prescriptions can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

Virtual visits for Weight Loss are not currently covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover other costs related to weight loss treatment, such as lab testing and prescription weight loss medication.

GLP-1 medication may be covered by your insurance plan. If needed, your clinician can help you navigate the prior authorization process. We will use your insurance information to help find affordable prescription options for you.

Yes, lab testing is required before your provider prescribes GLP-1 medication. This helps to ensure you are healthy enough to start a weight loss program. Required labs include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. These labs may also need to be repeated periodically to monitor how your body is responding to the medication.

Your provider will direct you to have your lab testing performed at your nearest Quest laboratory. Additionally, if you have completed the required lab testing in the past six months, you can upload them for your clinician to review.

The cost of the initial in-person lab testing will vary depending on your location and if you are using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. To confirm if lab testing is covered by your insurance plan, contact your insurance carrier directly.

Lab testing may be covered by your insurance plan. To confirm coverage, contact your insurance carrier directly.

Weight loss results vary depending on your starting weight, medical conditions, lifestyle changes, and type of weight loss medication. Many people who take GLP-1 medications for a 68-week period or longer have reported losing up to 15% of their starting body weight, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

If your BMI falls below 27, you may no longer need GLP-1 medications and your insurance may no longer cover them. In this scenario, your healthcare provider will reevaluate whether you can continue on the program

At this time, only patients aged 18+ are eligible for Fitpal Weight Loss Program.

Your licensed board-certified nurse practitioners are qualified to prescribe medication, order lab tests, and assess your symptoms and health goals to create a customized care plan for you.

In most cases, you can expect to speak with the same provider. However, this cannot be guaranteed and depends on provider availability.

The Fitpal Weight Loss program requires a 6-month or 12-month commitment, depending on your plan. In certain extenuating circumstances, we will offer a refund or early cancellation: If you are not eligible for the program based on new lab results or factors that come to light after at least one virtual consult, you may cancel immediately but will not receive a refund for prior months. If your insurance will not cover medication or if medication is too costly for you to proceed with the program, we will allow you to cancel immediately but will not refund prior months. If you have questions or would like to request a refund or cancellation, please contact our Customer Care team at [email protected]. At Fitpal we have a team of insurance navigation experts to help you access an initial GLP-1 medication prescription for $25/month or less (after any deductible is met). We help members access affordable GLP-1s. However, in the unlikely scenario that there is no path to a low-cost GLP-1 for you, you will be eligible for a refund (less a $250 fee for the initial doctor’s appointment). You will be eligible for this refund after 90 days from your doctor’s appointment – the full period of time it may take our team to explore all GLP-1 options for you (though the vast majority of members will get access sooner).

Wegovy® is one of several GLP-1 medications the Fitpal Medical Team will consider based on your health history and insurance coverage in our program. Fitpal doctors may also use semaglutide (marketed under the brand names Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®, as well as Wegovy®), liraglutide (Saxenda®). dulaglutide (Trulicity®), or tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). We cannot commit to medication preferences prior to joining. After reviewing your health history, labs, and metabolic markers, Fitpal doctors will prescribe a GLP-1 medication that is clinically appropriate and covered by your insurance with a copay of $25/month or less (after any deductible is met).

Fitpal accountability coaches come from a number of different backgrounds—including public health, psychology, education, and nutrition—and therefore have a number of different certifications and qualifications. Members frequently share positive feedback about the impact that their accountability coach has had on their progress through their bi-weekly coaching sessions. We’d encourage you to check out our Google Reviews and member testimonials to see this for yourself.

Yes, as a healthcare company, we take member privacy very seriously and operate in accordance with medical law. We are voluntarily HIPAA-compliant and have designed our platform to comply with all relevant privacy laws. We have implemented strict security protocols to protect your information.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that causes huge effects on the regulation of blood sugar by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that promotes sugar uptake by the cells, stores sugar as glycogen, promotes the building of fat, and signals the body to build skeletal muscle.In addition, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon release (which slows down the release of sugar into the blood so that you burn more fat), slows down gastric emptying (makes you feel full), and lowers the desire for food intake (because you feel full).

GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying). And in addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight.

Yes, it’s believed that Semaglutide helps curb your appetite. In addition to slowing gastric emptying to make you feel full longer. GLP-1 also plays a direct role in how appetite is regulated

With Semaglutide, you will slowly work your way up to the target dose at which time you will see the most amount of weight loss. This was the case in the clinical trials, where participants had their dose adjusted until they reached 2.5 mg dose if needed. In the phase 3 trial that measured outcomes at 20 weeks, most participants were able to reach the full dose and also lost weight as their dose was increased. They saw additional weight loss over the remaining 48 weeks at the full dose. It is important to keep in mind that weight loss can take time, and you'll see the best results when you are using your medication in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. Sometimes the medication may not work for you, or you may not be able to tolerate the full dose due to side effects in which case your practitioner will provide additional options or change the protocol to better suit your individual needs.

Currently, Semaglutide is only FDA-approved for obesity and to help with blood sugar control in type-2 diabetes and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (like heart attack and stroke) in people with both type-2 diabetes and heart disease. If you are taking Semaglutide for either of these reasons, you'll take it as directed by your healthcare provider since you are using it to manage a chronic condition. But if you do not have type-2 diabetes and are looking to try Semaglutide to help you lose weight, we'll have a better idea of long-term safety once the FDA reviews data for this new indication. What we do know is that study participants received treatment for a period of 68 weeks (about1.5 years) during each of the four trials conducted by the company.

All patients start on the lowest dose of Semaglutide at 0.25mgs injected subcutaneously into belly fat every week. All patients increase by 0.25mgs every two weeks as tolerated (slower if nauseous). The dosing being studied for weight loss is 2.5 mg once weekly, which is currently higher than the doses approved in diabetes. Semaglutide is being studied in different populations: people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 alone or 27 kg/m2 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (diabetes excluded).

No, Semaglutide is not a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide does stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. Because Semaglutide relies upon your body's own insulin to have this effect, Semaglutide isn't used when your pancreas can't make insulin, such as in patients with type-1 diabetes.

No, Semaglutide is not a stimulant. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, Semaglutide works differently (see above).

Yes. Semaglutide is considered to be safe and effective when used as indicated. However, safe doesn't mean there aren't risks. Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk in humans). Semaglutide shouldn't be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. Semaglutide should not be used in people with type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Semaglutide should be used cautiously for people on other blood sugar lowering medications.

No. Semaglutide is not covered by insurance for people who are not diabetic type-2. However, you can get this medication prescribed as part of this Semaglutide Weight Loss Program.

Once enrolled in the program and evaluated by our board certified physician, the medication and supplies will be shipped to your home or to the practice. The cost of the medication is included in the program.

YES.

The common side effects of Semaglutide are: • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Stomach pain • Constipation Effects like nausea and diarrhea being the most common.

Yes. Semaglutide may cause rare side effects, including: • Prolonged vomiting. Patients on Semaglutide can develop gastroparesis where the stomach stops moving, and patients vomit considerably. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Stop using Semaglutide and call your healthcare provider right away if you have vomiting that persists more than a day. • Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Semaglutide and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back. • Changes in vision. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Semaglutide • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Semaglutide with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery. • Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse.It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. • Serious allergic reactions. Stop usingSemaglutide and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.