How long will it take me to lose weight with weight loss medication?

Most weight loss occurs within the first 6 months of starting the weight loss medication. The time it takes for you to see results can vary significantly depending on your health, exercise, and nutrition.

How long should I take weight loss medication?

This depends on the medication you are taking. If you do not lose at least 5% of your starting body weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, your provider will work with you to discuss modifying your diet or treatment. Once you have lost enough weight to improve your health and haven’t had serious side effects, your provider will advise if you should continue or stop taking the medication.

Do you offer compounded GLP-1 medications?

At Hello Alpha, we now offer compounded semaglutide for weight loss. This is an affordable alternative to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are currently in shortage. This means you can now continue or restart your weight loss journey without the financial burden or worries of losing access to your medication.

Hello Alpha | Weight Loss | Personalized Plans & Online Prescriptions

Name: Weight loss services
Brand: Alpha
Rating: 4.1 (3 reviews)

Get a Personalized Online Weight Loss Plan

Your dedicated Hello Alpha provider gets to know your health history, goals, and lifestyle to personalize your care.

She’ll create a customized weight loss treatment plan, which may include compounded GLP-1 medication like semaglutide.

You’ll receive ongoing care and virtual support from the same provider throughout your journey — no clinic visits needed.

Why GLP-1 Medications Work for Weight Loss

GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) are a class of medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes — but they also have powerful weight loss effects. These medications mimic a natural hormone that affects appetite, digestion, and insulin regulation.

Reduces appetite and food cravings

GLP-1s act on receptors in the brain to promote a feeling of fullness and reduce hunger signals — helping you eat less without feeling deprived.

Slows stomach emptying

By delaying how quickly your stomach empties, GLP-1s help stabilize blood sugar and prolong the feeling of satiety after meals.

Improves insulin sensitivity

GLP-1s support healthier glucose processing, which may help reduce fat storage and support weight loss over time.

Promotes steady weight loss

Unlike crash diets or stimulants, GLP-1 medications help users lose weight gradually — often 1–2 pounds per week — while supporting long-term maintenance.

Please note - GLP-1 medications are only prescribed when medically appropriate and may not be suitable for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take me to lose weight with medication?

On average, our patients have lost about 27 lbs in the first 6 months, after starting treatment with Hello Alpha.

The time it takes for you to see results can vary significantly depending on your health, exercise, and nutrition.

Are weight loss medications the best way to lose weight?

Weight loss medications may be part of a weight loss program and work best when combined with lifestyle changes. Weight loss medications may jump start your weight loss when used in conjunction with a nutrition treatment plan, behavioral modifications, and exercise.

Will my insurance cover my medication?

Every insurance plan is different. If you want to use insurance benefits for a prescription, check your insurance plan’s formulary to learn about what medications are included in your plan.

Some medications are only covered for certain conditions or with certain requirements. If a medication is covered by your insurance plan, you may still have a copay. Your insurance company may have lower copay pricing at different pharmacies.

To learn more about your coverage, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:

- Do you cover medications for my condition?
- Which medications do you cover?
- Will I have a copay?
- Is prior authorization required for any of these medications?
- What are the requirements to receive a prior authorization?
- Is there a preferred pharmacy for my insurance plan?

Your insurance may require a prior authorization in order to cover the cost of a medication.

Please note:
Currently, Medicare, Medicaid, and other state- or federally-funded plans cannot be used for any prescription written by an Alpha provider. If you have one of these plans, you will have to pay the cash price for medication, if your plan allows.

Will I need a prior authorization from my insurance company?

If you receive a prescription for a weight loss medication and want to use your insurance benefits to help cover the cost, your insurance company may require a prior authorization.

If you do not have type 2 diabetes, Hello Alpha is not able to assist in processing a prior authorization for diabetes medications used off-label to treat obesity, such as Trulicity, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, and Victoza.

If you submit a weight loss visit and your prior authorization request is denied by your insurance company, or if our team is not able to assist in processing a prior authorization because you do not meet the requirements for a weight loss medication, you are not eligible for a refund of your Alpha Plus+ plan fee.

Does Hello Alpha prescribe controlled substances?

Due to telehealth regulations, we are unable to prescribe controlled substances, sometimes called scheduled drugs.

We do not prescribe:

-Benzphetamine
-Diethylpropion
-HCG (Pregnyl)
-Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
-Phendimetrazine (Bontril PDM)
-Phentermine (Adipex-P or Lomaira)
-Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)

Does Hello Alpha membership guarantee a prescription?

Our providers only prescribe medication based on clinical guidelines. Alpha Membership does not guarantee a prescription.

Is compounded semaglutide different from Ozempic or Wegovy?

Yes. Compounded semaglutide is a custom-made version of the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®. It's prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies when branded versions are unavailable or not covered by insurance. While it contains the same core compound (semaglutide), it may differ in formulation or delivery method. At Hello Alpha, compounded semaglutide is only prescribed when medically appropriate and sourced from accredited pharmacies that meet safety and quality standards.

Who is eligible for GLP-1 weight loss treatment?

GLP-1 medications may be prescribed to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with certain weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Eligibility is based on your overall health history, current medications, and provider judgment. At Hello Alpha, a licensed medical provider will review your intake form and determine if GLP-1 treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Are there side effects with GLP-1 medications?

Yes, GLP-1 medications can cause side effects, especially when starting treatment or adjusting the dose. The most common ones include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or decreased appetite. These usually improve over time as your body adjusts. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions or pancreatitis.

At Hello Alpha, your provider will start you on a carefully chosen dose and check in regularly to monitor how you're feeling. You can message your provider 24/7 with questions or concerns at any point during your treatment.

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Weight loss, your way

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Prescription treatment for weight loss

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Wegovy

Ozempic

Mounjaro

Zepbound

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Hello Alpha patients lost 15% of their BMI in 6 months.

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