What if my primary care doctor won't prescribe GLP-1 medications?

If your PCP declines to prescribe GLP-1s, first understand their reasoning - it may be legitimate contraindications, concerns about your specific situation, or discomfort with these medications. Ask for a referral to an obesity medicine specialist or endocrinologist who has more experience. If your doctor seems uninformed about GLP-1s (calling them 'diet pills' or citing outdated safety concerns), seek a second opinion. Some PCPs have weight bias or don't view obesity as a medical condition requiring treatment - this is increasingly unacceptable in modern medical practice. Consider telehealth platforms if in-person specialists aren't available. Bring documentation of your BMI, comorbidities, and previous weight management attempts to support your case. If insurance requires PCP referral to see specialists, and your PCP refuses, you may need to switch primary care providers. Document the refusal if you believe it's discriminatory - some patients have successfully appealed insurance denials when PCP refusal was based on bias rather than medical contraindications.