Before Starting GLP-1 Medication: Conditions and Medicines to Review
A useful first consultation starts with a complete health and medication history—not just a desired weight. Bring an up-to-date list, relevant recent results and your experience with previous treatment. Include over-the-counter products, supplements, contraceptives and any other injections.
There is no single testing bundle required for everyone. Tests should answer a clinical question, and a normal laboratory result does not replace a review of contraindications, symptoms or family history.
Longform video guide: Before Starting Weight-Loss Injections: 5 Questions for Your Clinician
5 min 5 sec · English audio is available. In the YouTube player, select Settings → Audio track → English. On-screen text remains Korean; an English summary is available in the guide.
At a glance
| Prepare | Include |
|---|---|
| History | Exact diagnoses, allergies, operations and relevant family history |
| Medication list | Names, doses, frequency and recent changes |
| Plans and circumstances | Pregnancy, breastfeeding and upcoming anesthesia |
| Baseline information | Weight trend, blood pressure and available recent results |
Use specific diagnoses rather than broad labels
“Thyroid trouble” is not specific enough. US Wegovy and Zepbound labeling lists personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and MEN2 as contraindications, and does not recommend use with severe gastroparesis. [1,2] Also disclose pancreatic, gallbladder, kidney and diabetic eye problems. These histories are not all equivalent contraindications; they are information the prescriber needs to evaluate appropriately.
Discuss pregnancy, contraception and procedures early
For weight reduction, the US labels instruct discontinuation when pregnancy is recognized. Contact the prescriber promptly. Wegovy labeling advises stopping at least two months before a planned pregnancy; tirzepatide has specific precautions for oral hormonal contraception. [1,2] Tell any surgical or anesthesia team about the medicine and last dose. Do not apply an internet-wide “hold for this many days” rule: obtain instructions coordinated for your procedure and situation.
Leave with a monitoring and contact plan
Depending on your history, the clinician may review glucose or HbA1c, lipids, kidney or liver function and other relevant information. Ask what each proposed test is meant to establish. Before the first injection, confirm device training, the prescribed schedule, a follow-up date and who to contact about symptoms. Also ask how treatment response will be assessed and what to do if access is interrupted. Receiving the prescription is only one part of being ready to start.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone need a thyroid ultrasound?
No blanket screening requirement follows from the boxed warning. The label describes routine ultrasound or calcitonin monitoring for early MTC detection as having uncertain value. Individual findings may still require evaluation. [2]
Should I mention supplements?
Yes. Include nonprescription products and planned additions, not just medicines you take every day.
Can old test results still help?
They can provide context. The clinician decides whether updated tests are needed for the current decision.
Related reading
- Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro and Zepbound: What’s Different?
- Weight Regain After Stopping GLP-1 Medication
- Nausea and Vomiting on GLP-1 Medication: What to Monitor
Korean version: 비만주사 시작 전 체크리스트: 병력·복용약·검사·진료 질문
Sources
General health information, not an individual diagnosis or prescription. Discuss starting, changing or stopping treatment with your clinician. Seek immediate care for emergencies. Sources checked September 22, 2026; local product rules may differ.
