Obesity medicine

Your primary care team can support you with your obesity management goals in multiple ways.

• What treatment options are available to me through Sharp?

• I am interested in weight loss medications. Am I a candidate?  

• If I am a candidate, what medications are appropriate for me?

• If I take weight loss medications, how long will I have to take them for?

• Are there any low-cost options?

Before seeking obesity care, check with your health insurance plan to understand what services are covered. This can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll also learn whether a referral from a doctor will be needed.

You can review your Evidence of Coverage, Summary of Benefits/Coverage, or Member Handbook on your insurance portal. If you can’t find these documents online, contact your plan to request a copy. Key terms to help you search:

• Weight loss

• Obesity or obesity management

• Anti-obesity medication coverage

Important information to look for:

• Are weight loss programs covered by your plan?

• Are weight loss medications covered by your plan?

• Are there any requirements to be eligible for coverage of weight management programs or medications?

• Does your health plan offer weight management support — such as health coaches — to help you reach your goals?

• What are the copays for your covered services?

• Sharp Rees-Stealy provides comprehensive obesity care services, including personalized weight-loss programs, coaches, and board-certified obesity medicine specialists. To explore the best treatment options for you, please call 858-499-2600, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, to schedule an appointment.

• The Clinic at Sharp Coronado Hospital offers access to weight loss medications. A doctor who is board-certified in obesity medicine can determine if this treatment is right for you. Please call 619-522-7118 to learn more about Sharp Coronado’s weight loss medications program.

• Sharp Specialty Pharmacy offers anyone prescriptions for injectable weight loss medications with added support, including telehealth visits, same day delivery, and personalized coaching.

Weight loss medications may be taken as a pill or given as an injection.

This is not a comprehensive list of options. Talk to your doctor and health insurance plan to understand what is available and safe for you. For more information on these medications, refer to the manufacturer’s website.

Oral weight loss medications

• Phentermine

• Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia®)

• Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®)

Injectable weight loss medications

• Liraglutide (Saxenda®)

• Semaglutide (Wegovy®)

• Tirzepitide (Zepbound®)

Conveniently access injectable weight-loss prescriptions through Sharp Specialty Pharmacy and receive added support — including telehealth visits, personalized coaching and dedicated guidance to help stay on track with your treatment plan.

Regular prescription coverage typically includes medications for common conditions. Weight loss medication coverage varies by health insurance plan. If coverage for weight loss medications is available through your health insurance plan, coverage may require additional steps, such as meeting certain health criteria, enrolling in a specific program or obtaining prior authorization.