GLP-1 Telehealth: What PMHNPs Need to Know

You’re a psychiatrist watching patients struggle with medication-induced weight gain. You’re seeing the news about GLP-1 drugs changing lives. You’re wondering: Is there a legitimate opportunity here for my practice?

Short answer: Yes. And you’re already better positioned than most providers to do this well.

By 2025, an estimated 6% of Americans (20 million people) are taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. That’s a 600% increase in weight-loss usage over six years. The demand is real, the clinical need is massive, and many of these patients need what psychiatrists do best: managing complex medication regimens, addressing behavioral change, and monitoring mental health.

Here’s what you need to know about adding GLP-1 weight management to your practice — the real economics, the compliance requirements, and how to scale without burning out.

Why Psychiatrists Are Uniquely Positioned for GLP-1 Care

You’re Already Prescribing to the Right Patients

Nearly half of psychiatrists surveyed in late 2023 were already prescribing or recommending GLP-1 drugs. That’s not surprising — antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and some antidepressants commonly cause weight gain, and patients frequently ask for solutions.

If you’re managing someone on olanzapine who’s gained 40 pounds, offering evidence-based medical weight management isn’t scope creep — it’s comprehensive care. You’re already monitoring their metabolic side effects, ordering labs, and managing their expectations. GLP-1 therapy fits naturally into that workflow.

The Mental Health Connection Is Real

Weight loss isn’t just about diet and exercise — it’s about behavior change, motivation, managing setbacks, and addressing the psychological factors that influence eating. Psychiatrists understand this better than most specialties.

Some early research even suggests GLP-1s might independently improve certain psychiatric symptoms in conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, though providers should monitor for any mood changes (the FDA reviewed and found no causal link to suicidal ideation, even directing removal of suicide warnings from labels in early 2026). Your expertise in monitoring mental health makes you the ideal provider to catch and manage these nuances.

Patients Trust You With Chronic Medication Management

GLP-1 therapy isn’t a quick fix — it’s a long-term medication requiring ongoing monitoring, dose titration, side effect management, and behavioral support. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what psychiatric care looks like.

You’re already comfortable with:

• Managing medications that require gradual titration
• Monitoring labs and metabolic markers
• Having frank conversations about side effects and adherence
• Supporting patients through the psychological aspects of chronic treatment

This experience translates directly to obesity medicine.

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The Real Economics: Understanding Patient Acquisition Costs

Let’s talk numbers, because this is where most providers get unrealistic expectations.

The DIY Marketing Reality

If you try to build a GLP-1 practice through traditional marketing channels, here’s what you’re facing:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization):

• Takes 6-12 months of consistent investment before generating meaningful patient flow
• Requires ongoing content creation, technical optimization, and backlink building
• Monthly costs: $2,000-5,000 for agency services or significant time investment if DIY
• Most solo providers don’t have the expertise or patience for this

Google Ads:

• Mental health and weight-loss keywords cost $15-40+ per click
• Most clicks don’t convert to booked patients (typical conversion rate: 2-5%)
• Realistic cost per booked patient: $200-400+
• You’re competing with well-funded telehealth startups spending $100K+ monthly

Directory Listings (Psychology Today, Zocdoc):

• Monthly subscription fees: $30-300/month
• Zocdoc charges per booking: $35-100+ per lead
• You compete with hundreds of other providers on the same page
• Total monthly cost including subscription adds up quickly

The Real Total Cost:

When you factor in ALL costs — agency fees, ad spend testing, staff time to handle and qualify leads, no-show rates from cold leads, months of investment before results, and failed campaigns — acquiring a qualified psychiatric patient through DIY marketing typically costs $200-500+ per patient.

The Platform Approach

This is where platforms like Klarity Health change the economics entirely.

Instead of spending $3,000-5,000/month on marketing with uncertain results, you pay only when a qualified patient books with you. Here’s the value proposition:

• No upfront marketing spend or monthly subscription fees
• Pre-qualified patients already matched to your specialty and availability
• No wasted ad spend on clicks that don’t convert
• Built-in telehealth infrastructure (no separate platform costs)
• Both insurance and cash-pay patient flow
• You control your schedule — only pay when you see patients

The standard listing fee per new patient lead is predictable and built into your revenue model. You know your exact patient acquisition cost before you see anyone. That’s guaranteed ROI vs. gambling on marketing channels.

Cash-Pay vs. Insurance: The Strategic Choice

The Insurance Reality:

Most insurers cover GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, but coverage for obesity is limited. As of mid-2024, only 13 state Medicaid programs (including California and Pennsylvania) covered GLP-1s for weight loss. Many private plans exclude them entirely.

This creates challenges:

• Prior authorizations consume staff time
• Many denials require appeals
• Reimbursement rates may not justify the time investment
• Documentation requirements are extensive

The Cash-Pay Opportunity:

Many weight-loss telehealth practices favor cash-pay models because:

• Patients are already paying out-of-pocket for medications ($200-1,300+ monthly)
• Simpler operations with no prior authorizations
• Direct revenue stream
• Better margins on provider time

A typical cash-pay model might charge:

• Initial consultation: $150-250
• Monthly follow-ups: $75-150
• Medication management: Built into visit fee or separate medication program fees

The Hybrid Approach:

Many successful psychiatric providers use a hybrid model:

• Charge cash for initial comprehensive evaluation (which insurance underpays)
• Bill insurance for established patient follow-ups when covered
• Accept insurance for patients with verified GLP-1 coverage
• Remain cash-only for patients without coverage

The key is transparency — clearly outline what services are self-pay vs. billed, and help patients estimate their total monthly costs.

State-Specific Licensing and Practice Requirements

What Applies to All States

Good News First:

GLP-1 medications are not controlled substances, which means:

• No DEA registration required
• No Ryan Haight Act restrictions (which only apply to controlled substances)
• No federal requirement for an in-person exam before prescribing
• Can be prescribed via telehealth if you follow state-specific telemedicine standards

Universal Requirements:

Regardless of state, you must:

• Hold an active medical license in the patient’s state
• Conduct a proper evaluation (typically via video) sufficient to establish diagnosis
• Obtain informed consent for telehealth and for the medication
• Document thoroughly (history, physical assessment via video, treatment plan, follow-up)
• Follow standard of care for obesity medicine

State-by-State Breakdown

California

Psychiatrists (MD/DO):

• Need full California medical license (CA is not in Interstate Medical Licensure Compact)
• Must obtain patient consent for telehealth (verbal or written, documented in chart)
• No in-person exam requirement for non-controlled substances

Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs):

• Currently must work under physician supervision/protocol
• AB 890 allows a pathway to independence:
• Register as ‘103 NP’ (supervised practice for ≥3 years)
• Then become ‘104 NP’ (fully independent, earliest 2026)
• Population focus must match national certification

Market Opportunity:

• Medi-Cal (Medicaid) covers GLP-1 for obesity as of 2024
• Large, diverse patient population
• High demand in metro areas
• Insurance coverage may increase insured patient demand

Texas

Psychiatrists (MD/DO):

• Need Texas license or use IMLC for expedited licensing
• Audio-visual consult establishes valid patient relationship
• No in-person visit required if standard of care met

Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs):

• Strict supervision required — must have Prescriptive Authority Agreement with Texas physician
• Supervising MD must review charts and be available for consultation
• One physician can supervise up to 7 APRNs/PAs

Market Opportunity:

• High obesity rate (~35%)
• Many underserved rural areas
• Strong patient need
• MD-led services predominate due to NP restrictions

Florida

Psychiatrists (MD/DO):

• Full Florida license required, OR
• Out-of-State Telehealth Provider Registration (easier option for out-of-state MDs)
• Registration allows telemed practice without full licensure
• Can prescribe non-controlled substances (including GLP-1s) remotely

Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs):

• Must have supervising doctor via protocol
• ‘Autonomous APRN’ license exists but only for primary care NPs (family med, internal med, pediatrics)
• Psychiatric NPs do NOT qualify for independence

Market Opportunity:

• Large market with 30-35% obesity prevalence
• Retirement communities interested in health improvement
• Most patients cash-pay (Medicaid historically didn’t cover)
• Unique out-of-state registration makes FL accessible for remote practice

New York

Psychiatrists (MD/DO):

• Must hold New York medical license (state not in IMLC)
• Standard telehealth rules apply
• No special restrictions on teleprescribing

Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs):

• Experienced NPs independent after ≥3,600 hours (~2 years) of practice
• Can operate without written collaborative physician agreement
• Newer NPs (<3,600 hours) still need physician collaboration
• Full practice authority law made permanent in 2022

Market Opportunity:

• NYC area has many programs (competition) but huge population
• Rural upstate NY faces provider shortages
• Strong telehealth parity laws (insurance must cover like in-person)
• Good opportunity for targeting antipsychotic-related weight gain

Pennsylvania

Psychiatrists (MD/DO):

• Pennsylvania license required (or use IMLC for expedited licensing)
• Standard telehealth evaluation acceptable
• No in-person exam requirement for non-controlled substances

Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs):

• Fully physician-dependent — all CRNPs must have Collaborative Agreement
• No independent practice categories exist
• Collaborating physician must be available for consult
• NPs can only prescribe medications listed in collaborative agreement

Market Opportunity:

• Obesity rate ~33%
• Urban areas (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) and vast rural areas
• Medicaid PA began covering GLP-1 for obesity in 2024
• Good suburban and rural telehealth demand

Illinois

Psychiatrists (MD/DO):

• Illinois medical license required (state in IMLC for easier licensing)
• Comprehensive telehealth parity law (insurers must cover like in-person)
• No in-person exam requirement for non-controlled substances

Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs):

• Partial independence via Full Practice Authority (FPA)
• Initial collaborative agreement required
• After 4,000 hours practice + 250 hours additional education, can apply for FPA
• FPA-NPs prescribe independently, including controlled substances

Market Opportunity:

• High obesity prevalence (~32%)
• Chicago has many clinics, but statewide community gaps exist
• Illinois Medicaid covers GLP-1 for obesity (as of 2024)
• Strong telehealth parity encourages insurance-based models

Clinical Implementation: Setting Up Your GLP-1 Service

Patient Evaluation and Selection

Inclusion Criteria (FDA-approved use):

• BMI ≥30 (obesity), OR
• BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea)
• Age 18+ (though some medications approved for adolescents)
• Motivated for lifestyle changes

Key Contraindications:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
• History of pancreatitis
• Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
• Type 1 diabetes (for some formulations)

Mental Health Screening:

As a psychiatrist, you should screen for:

• Eating disorders (binge eating disorder may benefit, but active bulimia/anorexia are relative contraindications)
• Depression/anxiety (monitor closely — most patients improve with weight loss, but stay vigilant)
• Substance use (ensure stable before starting)
• Body dysmorphia (set realistic expectations)

Initial Consultation Workflow

Pre-Visit (Digital Intake):

• Comprehensive health history form
• Weight history and previous diet attempts
• Current medications and allergies
• Mental health screening questionnaire
• Dietary habits and exercise baseline
• Goals and expectations

Video Consultation (30-45 minutes):

• Review medical/psychiatric history
• Calculate BMI, review weight trajectory
• Assess readiness for change
• Discuss medication options (semaglutide vs. tirzepatide, brand vs. compounded)
• Set realistic goals (5-15% weight loss over 6-12 months)
• Review side effects (nausea, constipation, injection technique)
• Obtain informed consent
• Order baseline labs

Baseline Labs:

• Hemoglobin A1c
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (glucose, kidney function, liver enzymes)
• Lipid panel
• TSH (if indicated)
• Consider amylase/lipase if pancreatic history

Prescribing:

• Start low, go slow (typical semaglutide: 0.25mg weekly for 4 weeks)
• E-prescribe to patient’s preferred pharmacy
• Provide injection training resources
• Schedule 1-month follow-up

Follow-Up Protocol

Month 1 (15-20 minutes):

• Weight check and side effect assessment
• Review injection technique
• Dietary counseling
• Increase dose if tolerated
• Address any concerns

Months 2-6 (Monthly, 15 minutes each):

• Weight and vital signs
• Side effect management
• Dose titration toward maintenance
• Behavioral support and motivation
• Lab monitoring at 3-6 months

After 6 Months (Every 2-3 months):

• Maintenance dose adjustments
• Sustained behavioral support
• Monitor for weight plateaus
• Long-term metabolic monitoring

Common Side Effects and Management

Nausea (most common):

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid fatty/greasy foods
• Stay hydrated
• Consider anti-nausea medication if severe

Constipation:

• Increase fiber and water
• Consider stool softener
• Encourage physical activity

Injection Site Reactions:

• Rotate injection sites
• Warm medication to room temperature
• Use proper technique

GI Upset:

• Usually improves after 4-8 weeks
• Slow dose escalation
• Consider pausing dose increase

When to Refer or Discontinue

Refer to specialist if:

• Persistent severe GI symptoms
• Signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain)
• Gallbladder issues
• Unclear metabolic complications

Discontinue if:

• Pregnancy
• Development of contraindicated condition
• Patient request
• Inadequate response after 3-6 months at therapeutic dose
• Intolerable side effects

Scaling Your Practice Without Burning Out

The Scalability Challenge

Here’s the reality: GLP-1 demand can quickly overwhelm a solo practitioner. Patients need:

• Intensive initial evaluation (30-45 minutes)
• Monthly follow-ups during titration (15-20 minutes)
• Ongoing support and coaching
• Side effect troubleshooting
• Lab review and medication adjustments

If you’re seeing 20-30 new GLP-1 patients per month on top of your psychiatric practice, you’re looking at 15-20+ extra hours of clinical time weekly. That’s the path to burnout.

Workflow Optimization Strategies

1. Standardize Everything

Create templates for:

• Initial intake questionnaires (use digital forms)
• Consultation documentation (dot phrases for common scenarios)
• Treatment protocols (standardized titration schedules)
• Patient education materials (video tutorials, handouts)
• Common side effect management (templated responses)

2. Leverage Technology

Invest in tools that save time:

• Telehealth platform with integrated scheduling, video, and e-prescribing
• Automated reminders for appointments, labs, and weight tracking
• Patient portals for asynchronous communication (brief questions)
• Remote monitoring apps where patients log weight, side effects, meals
• AI-powered documentation assistance if available

3. Delegate Non-Specialist Tasks

Build a support team:

• Medical Assistant/RN: Pre-visit data collection (weight, vitals, questionnaires), prescription refills, routine follow-up calls
• Health Coach/Dietitian: Nutritional counseling, exercise planning, behavioral support, group sessions
• Administrative Staff: Scheduling, insurance verification, pharmacy coordination, lab ordering

You focus on: Medical decision-making, complex cases, prescribing, and monitoring.

4. Implement Group Support

Scale one-to-many:

• Weekly group video sessions (30-60 minutes) covering nutrition, exercise, motivation, Q&A
• Private online community where patients support each other
• Monthly educational webinars on specific topics

Group formats reduce individual counseling burden while improving outcomes through peer support.

5. Create Tiered Follow-Up Schedules

Not every patient needs monthly visits:

Tier 1 (New/Complex): Monthly video visitsTier 2 (Stable/Responding): Every 6-8 weeks video + monthly brief check-in via portalTier 3 (Maintenance): Quarterly video visits + as-needed portal messages

This approach maintains quality care while expanding capacity.

Preventing Burnout: Setting Boundaries

Schedule Control:

• Dedicate specific blocks to GLP-1 consults (e.g., Tuesday/Thursday afternoons)
• Cap daily consults (e.g., maximum 6-8 new evaluations weekly)
• Build in buffer time between appointments for documentation
• Take regular breaks — even 5 minutes between patients matters

Work-Life Balance:

• Set firm availability hours for patient communication
• Use delayed message features (respond next business day)
• Take vacations — have coverage or pause new intakes
• Maintain variety — keep mix of psych and weight management if desired

Professional Development:

• Join peer groups — obesity medicine interest groups, telehealth forums
• Pursue training — obesity medicine certification, CME courses (builds confidence)
• Get supervision/consultation — especially early on
• Track your well-being — monitor for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization

The Team-Based Model

Consider scaling by adding providers rather than just increasing your own volume:

Model 1: Supervise PMHNPs

• You handle initial complex evaluations
• PMHNPs manage routine follow-ups under your supervision (where legally required)
• Share call responsibilities
• Leverage state NP practice laws

Model 2: Collaborate with Other Specialties

• Partner with primary care for medical management
• Refer to dietitians for intensive nutrition counseling
• Work with therapists for emotional eating/behavioral issues
• Focus on your psychiatric expertise

Model 3: Group Practice

• Multiple psychiatrists/providers sharing patient panel
• Shared on-call schedule
• Centralized admin support
• Economy of scale for marketing, tech, billing

Sustainable Economics

Make sure the numbers work:

Revenue per Patient (Cash-Pay Example):

• Initial consult: $200
• Monthly follow-ups (6 months): $100 × 6 = $600
• Total year 1: $800
• Years 2+: $300-400/year (quarterly visits)

Time Investment per Patient:

• Initial: 45 minutes clinical + 15 minutes documentation = 1 hour
• Follow-ups: 15 minutes clinical + 10 minutes documentation = 25 minutes each
• Year 1 total time: ~3.5 hours
• Effective rate: $230/hour

Compare to DIY Marketing:

• If you spent $4,000/month on marketing to acquire 10 new patients
• That’s $400 per patient acquisition cost
• Need 2-3 months of revenue just to break even on marketing
• Plus your time managing campaigns

Platform Model:

• Pay per qualified lead (e.g., standard listing fee)
• Patient acquisition cost is fixed and predictable
• Start generating revenue from visit one
• Minimal marketing time investment

Bottom line: Using an efficient patient acquisition model paired with optimized workflows lets you scale profitably without sacrificing your time or sanity.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Month 1: Foundation

Week 1-2: Education and Planning

• Complete obesity medicine CME (ABOM, OMA resources)
• Review state-specific telehealth and prescribing regulations
• Decide: cash-pay, insurance, or hybrid model?
• Draft treatment protocols and consent forms

Week 3-4: Infrastructure

• Set up or optimize telehealth platform
• Create intake forms and documentation templates
• Establish pharmacy relationships (brand and/or compounding)
• Update malpractice insurance if needed
• Join provider platform (like Klarity) or plan marketing strategy

Month 2-3: Launch and Pilot

Start Small:

• Offer to 2-3 existing psychiatric patients with medication-related weight gain
• Refine workflow based on real experience
• Get comfortable with prescribing, monitoring, counseling

Gradual Scale:

• Add 1-2 new GLP-1 patients weekly
• Track time investment per patient
• Identify bottlenecks in workflow
• Begin building referral relationships

Month 4-6: Optimize and Scale

Workflow Refinement:

• Implement templates and automation
• Consider hiring support staff
• Develop patient education materials
• Introduce group support if volume justifies

Marketing (if not using platform):

• Update website with GLP-1 services
• Post educational content on social media
• Network with local providers for referrals
• Consider targeted local advertising

Quality Monitoring:

• Track patient outcomes (weight loss %, retention, satisfaction)
• Monitor your own well-being and schedule balance
• Adjust pricing or structure if needed

Beyond 6 Months: Sustained Growth

Advanced Strategies:

• Add additional providers (NPs, health coaches)
• Expand service offerings (body composition analysis, meal planning, fitness integration)
• Develop specialty niches (psychiatric patients, PCOS, diabetes prevention)
• Create content that positions you as local expert
• Build sustainable systems that don’t rely solely on your time

The Opportunity Is Real — And Manageable

Adding GLP-1 weight management to your psychiatric practice isn’t about becoming a different kind of doctor. It’s about leveraging the skills you already have — medication management, behavioral change support, mental health monitoring — to help patients with a pressing medical need.

The demand is extraordinary. The clinical fit is natural. The economics can work if structured smartly.

But here’s what matters most: Building a GLP-1 practice should enhance your professional life, not consume it. That means:

• Choosing patient acquisition strategies that don’t drain your time or budget
• Building workflows that scale efficiently
• Setting boundaries that protect your well-being
• Focusing on your unique value as a psychiatrist, not trying to be everything to everyone

Start small. Learn the ropes with a few patients. Refine your systems. Then scale thoughtfully using platforms, delegation, and technology.

You don’t need to spend months gambling on marketing or thousands on ads. You need qualified patients matched to your availability, a solid clinical protocol, and sustainable workflows.

That’s the path to a thriving GLP-1 practice that helps patients transform their health while keeping you energized and engaged in your work.

Ready to explore adding GLP-1 services to your psychiatric practice? Platforms like Klarity Health connect psychiatrists with pre-qualified patients seeking weight management, handling the marketing investment so you can focus on providing excellent care. Learn more about joining Klarity’s provider network and accessing a steady stream of patients without the marketing burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can psychiatrists legally prescribe GLP-1 medications for weight loss?

Yes. Psychiatrists (MD/DO) have full prescriptive authority for GLP-1 medications in all states where they hold a medical license. These medications are not controlled substances, so they can be prescribed via telehealth without special restrictions. The prescribing is either FDA-approved on-label (using Wegovy for obesity) or off-label (using semaglutide/Ozempic for weight management), which is legal as long as standard of care is met. Psychiatric NPs can prescribe in accordance with their state’s scope of practice laws (many require physician collaboration).

Do I need obesity medicine certification to prescribe GLP-1s?

No formal certification is legally required. Any licensed physician can prescribe medications for obesity as it falls within general medical practice. However, obtaining obesity medicine CME or certification (like through the American Board of Obesity Medicine) is highly recommended to build clinical competence, confidence, and credibility. It also helps with malpractice coverage and demonstrates commitment to quality care. Most insurers and patients value providers who invest in relevant training.

How do I handle patients who want GLP-1s for cosmetic weight loss rather than medical reasons?

Set clear expectations upfront. During the initial consultation, emphasize that GLP-1 therapy is medical treatment for obesity as a chronic disease, not a cosmetic quick fix. Establish medical criteria (BMI thresholds, comorbidities) and document them. If a patient doesn’t meet criteria but is insistent, you can offer nutritional counseling and lifestyle modifications first, or respectfully decline. Many cash-pay practices do treat patients slightly below FDA-approved BMI thresholds (e.g., BMI 25-27 without comorbidities) if they have weight-related concerns — this is off-label and should be carefully documented with informed consent. The key is ensuring realistic goals and long-term commitment.

What if my state requires NP supervision and I want to work independently?

If you’re a psychiatric NP in a state requiring physician collaboration (like Texas or Pennsylvania), you have a few options: 1) Partner with a physician willing to provide supervision (can be remote in some states), 2) Work for a telehealth company that provides supervising physicians as part of their structure, 3) Relocate or obtain licensure in a state with independent practice authority, or 4) Advocate for state law changes through professional organizations. In states with pathways to independence (like California’s 104 NP or Illinois FPA), complete the required experience hours and apply for autonomous status. Don’t practice beyond your legal scope — it risks your license and patient safety.

Is it worth accepting insurance for GLP-1 visits, or should I go cash-only?

It depends on your goals and market. Cash-pay offers simplicity, better margins, and no prior authorization hassles — many successful GLP-1 practices are cash-only. However, insurance participation can increase access and volume, especially in states where Medicaid covers obesity drugs (California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, etc.). A hybrid approach often works well: charge cash for comprehensive initial evaluations (which insurance underpays), but accept insurance for follow-up visits when coverage exists. Be transparent with patients about costs and whether their insurance will cover visits vs. medications (which are often separate). Track your time and revenue — if insurance billing creates more administrative burden than revenue, adjust your model.

How do I compete with large telehealth companies that spend millions on advertising?

You don’t compete on their terms — you compete on relationships, trust, and specialized expertise. Large companies offer convenience and scale, but they often lack personalized psychiatric expertise and ongoing mental health support that you provide. Position yourself as the provider who understands the mental health-weight connection, who knows your patients’ psychiatric medications, who can manage both mood and metabolism. Use targeted local marketing (local SEO, community networking, referrals from therapists) rather than trying to outspend national companies on ads. Or join a platform like Klarity that handles the marketing investment and funnels qualified patients to you — combining scale with personalized care. Your unique value is clinical depth and continuity of care, not marketing budget.

Top Citations

1. Axios – ‘Just how many Americans are taking GLP-1s now’ (May 27, 2025): Data from Fair Health showing 4% of Americans on GLP-1s in 2024 with ~600% increase in obesity use over six years. www.axios.com

2. ConfectioneryNews – ‘GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are reshaping health, diet and the food industry’ (Oct 20, 2025): Estimates 6% (20 million) Americans using GLP-1 drugs by late 2025, and notes nearly 75% of Americans are overweight or obese. www.confectionerynews.com

3. Time – ‘The Heavy Cost of Using Weight-Loss Drugs to Get Skinny’ (Aug 22, 2025): Details insurance coverage gaps for obesity medications and notes most patients pay out-of-pocket; mentions drug prices vary widely. time.com

4. Axios – ‘America’s doctors need more obesity medicine training’ (May 28, 2024): Cites shortage of obesity medicine specialists relative to demand, notes patients need regular monitoring on GLP-1s, and discusses the gap in medical training. www.axios.com

5. Axios – ‘States slow to cover GLP-1s for weight loss’ (Nov 5, 2024): KFF analysis showing only 13 state Medicaid programs covered GLP-1s for obesity as of mid-2024, listing California, Pennsylvania, and Illinois among them. www.axios.com

Source:

• https://www.axios.com/2025/05/27/american-glp1-use-weight-loss-increasing#:~:text=More%20than%202,their%20original%20approved%20use
• https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/10/20/glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-are-reshaping-health-diet-and-the-food-industry/#:~:text=GLP,real%20number%20according%20to%20Kim
• https://forum.schizophrenia.com/t/psychiatrists-recommend-ozempic/311318#:~:text=Drugs%20pharmanewsintel
• https://www.medicaldirectorco.com/texas-weight-loss-clinic-telehealth-compliance-guide/#:~:text=equivalent%20to%20in,FDA%2C%20pharmacy%2C%20and%20board%20alerts
• https://www.medicaldirectorco.com/texas-weight-loss-clinic-telehealth-compliance-guide/#:~:text=,with%20chart%20review%2C%20plus%20meetings
• https://www.singleaimhealth.com/news/nurse-practitioner-collaborative-agreement-templates-50-state-guide#:~:text=In%20Pennsylvania%2C%20Certified%20Registered%20Nurse,the%20CRNP%20and%20the%20collaborating
• https://www.wheel.com/state-telehealth-regulations/florida#:~:text=Are%20There%20Online%20Prescription%20Restrictions,for%20Telehealth%20in%20Florida
• https://time.com/7311517/cost-weight-loss-drugs-skinny/#:~:text=most%20insurances%20cover%20the%20medication,A%20recent%20Annals%20of%20Internal
• https://www.axios.com/2024/11/05/states-slow-to-cover-glp-1s-for-weight-loss#:~:text=What%20they%20found%3A%20In%20all%2C,a%20primary%20concern%2C%20KFF%20found
• https://time.com/7311517/cost-weight-loss-drugs-skinny/#:~:text=But%20these%20medications%20were%20originally,diabetes%2C%20weight%20loss%20treatment%20is