Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Medication? Houston, TX Guide | TeleSlim Clinic
Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Medication? A Houston, TX Guide
Prescription weight-loss medicines are not for everyone, and only a physician can decide whether one is appropriate for you. This guide explains the general criteria and what to expect at a video visit with a Texas-licensed physician.
General eligibility
- You are an adult, age 18 or older.
- You have a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes.
- You are willing to use the medicine together with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity.
Reasons a medicine may not be right for you
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), which rules out GLP-1 medicines.
- A history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease or kidney problems.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to become pregnant soon.
- Allergy to the medicine.
- For phentermine and Qsymia: heart or blood vessel disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, certain other medicines (including MAO inhibitors) or a history of drug misuse.
What a video visit covers
- A short health history, completed before the visit.
- A video evaluation with the physician: your history, current medicines, past weight-loss efforts and goals.
- A decision together about whether medication fits, which one, and what follow-up looks like.
- If a medicine is prescribed, it goes to your pharmacy. We do not dispense medication.
What to have ready
A list of your medicines and supplements, your approximate height and weight, any diagnoses, and your questions.
Questions from Houston patients
Can I find out if I qualify before booking?
The visit is where eligibility is decided. You can also read our guides to Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo.
What if I do not qualify for a prescription?
Your physician will explain why and may suggest other steps, such as nutrition and activity support or referral for other care.
Is there an age limit?
TeleSlim Clinic serves adults 18 and older.
Cost and how to get started
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay: $99 for the first video consultation and $99 per month for physician follow-up, with lower per-month rates on 3-month, 6-month and annual plans (see our cost guide for Houston). The medication is a separate cost paid at the pharmacy or through manufacturer programs. Cash prices for weight-loss medications typically run about $150 to $450 per month depending on the medicine and dose, and they change over time, so ask your pharmacy for the current price. We provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer, but reimbursement is not guaranteed (see insurance and weight loss medication in Houston).
TeleSlim Clinic does not dispense medication, and we do not offer compounded GLP-1 medications. If your physician prescribes a medicine, the prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose. Visits are by video with Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, DABIM, DABOM, FACP, who is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and licensed to practice in Texas. TeleSlim Clinic serves adults 18 and older.
Book your $99 video visit to talk through your options with a Texas-licensed physician.
Related reading: Zepbound vs Wegovy for sleep apnea and heart health, Foundayo vs Zepbound, phentermine vs Qsymia, how to choose a weight loss clinic in Houston, weight loss medication vs bariatric surgery, weight loss medications in Houston, online weight loss doctor in Houston.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Whether a medication is appropriate is a decision made by a physician after an evaluation. Individual results vary. Always read the manufacturer's full prescribing information.
