A Safe Start to Your GLP-1 Journey
Women who want to try or learn more about GLP-1s should resist the urge to get the drugs through an online questionnaire or the use of compounded formulas (custom mixed drugs that are not FDA approved). “Asynchronous [a prescription without an in-person physical exam] prescribing is not something I would recommend,” Dr. Lofton said. “We use BMI (body mass index), a height weight ratio, to determine who may be a candidate for GLP-1s. People with a BMI of 30, or of 27, if the patient also has a weight-related condition like heart disease or high blood pressure, qualify,” she said. Women with PMOS may also quality.
In addition, there are many things to consider before taking the drugs and blood tests that should be conducted. This cannot be accomplished through an online prescribing process. “Choosing to take GLP-1s is a one-on-one decision best made with a healthcare provider that knows your history,” Dr. Narain explained. “Women should not figure this out by themselves and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.”
And while Drs. Narain and Lofton acknowledge that cost can be a barrier, they advise against using cheaper, compounded formulas. “The black market is unregulated,” Dr. Lofton said. “Overdoses, formulas adulterated with things such as insulin or sugar water have been reported.” Dr. Narain added: “They also add things to the drugs, such as vitamin B12 to get around the patenting issues. Some have a certificate of purity, but there are no research trials on those formulas.”
Also beware of websites targeting Black women, such as Melanin Doctors, that claim to create GLP-1s specifically for Black patients. GLP-1 health risks are universal. There is no such thing as a “Black” formula. Melanin Doctors did not respond to requests to be interviewed about their claim or the lack of medical board records for founders and sisters Jacqueline and Lorraine Phillips that would confirm that they are really physicians.
“If you choose compounding, you still need to work with a medical professional,” Dr. Narain emphasized. “I cannot overstate that. Malnutrition and other issues are a risk.”
Cooper and Wright Moore are both still taking reduced doses of their GLP-1 medications and continues to be supervised by their physicians. Cooper also used weight watchers and strength training to help reach her goals. “GLP-1s are the medical piece,” Cooper said. She credits Weight Watchers (where she is now a coach) with helping learn to meet her protein, fiber and other nutritional needs.
When it comes to maintaining insurance coverage for FDA-approved GLP-1s, Dr. Lofton points out that qualified physicians can also make sure your authorizations for prescription renewal are filled out properly. Cooper and Wright Moore were fortunate enough to have continuous insurance coverage. Online platforms like Ro and others may offer significantly lower prices on FDA approved GLP-1s, also check the Medicaid guidelines for your state and the emerging Medicare GLP-1 coverage programs.
