How to Talk to Your GP About Weight Loss Medication in Singapore

You have been thinking about asking your doctor about weight loss medication, but you are not sure how to bring it up. Maybe you are worried they will judge you. Maybe you tried mentioning your weight at a previous appointment and it was brushed off with "eat less and exercise more." Or maybe you simply do not know what to say. You are not alone in feeling this way. Many patients in Singapore describe the GP conversation about weight as one of the most awkward medical interactions they have had.

Your GP is actually the right place to start. GPs in Singapore can prescribe weight loss medication, including GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and phentermine (Duromine). You do not need a specialist referral. You do not need to have tried everything else first. You need a conversation, and this article will help you prepare for it.

Can your GP prescribe weight loss medication?

Yes. General practitioners in Singapore are qualified to prescribe weight loss medications including:

• GLP-1 medications: semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
• Phentermine: Duromine (slow-release) and Panbesy (immediate-release)
• Orlistat: Xenical (prescription strength)
• Naltrexone-bupropion: Contrave

No specialist referral is required. Weight loss pharmacotherapy falls within the scope of general practice under Singapore's MOH guidelines.

MOH eligibility guidelines for pharmacotherapy:
- BMI 30 or above without other conditions
- BMI 27.5 or above with weight-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, PCOS, obstructive sleep apnoea)

These are the official guidelines. In practice, some doctors may prescribe at lower thresholds based on clinical judgement, and some telehealth providers like Trimly use slightly different criteria (BMI 27.5 without conditions, or BMI 24 with conditions). Your GP will use their clinical judgement based on your individual health profile.

For a comprehensive overview of all available medications, see our guide to prescription weight loss medications in Singapore.

What to say in the appointment

The biggest barrier for most patients is not eligibility. It is finding the words. Here are some practical conversation starters:

Frame it as a health concern, not a cosmetic one. GPs respond to medical framing. Instead of "I want to lose weight," try:

• "I've been struggling with my weight for a long time and I think it's affecting my health. I'd like to discuss medication options."
• "My BMI is [X] and I've noticed [symptom — fatigue, joint pain, blood sugar issues]. I've read about GLP-1 medications and I'd like to understand if I'm eligible."
• "I've tried diet and exercise multiple times without lasting results. I'd like to explore whether medication could help."

Mention your history. Doctors find it helpful to know what you have already tried. Be specific:

• How many previous diets or weight loss attempts
• Whether you lost weight and regained it (yo-yo pattern)
• Any relevant conditions (PCOS, insulin resistance, sleep apnoea, joint problems)
• Family history of obesity, diabetes, or metabolic conditions

Ask about GLP-1 specifically. If you have done your research and are interested in GLP-1 medications, say so. There is nothing wrong with telling your doctor what you have learned and asking their opinion. You might say: "I've been reading about semaglutide for weight management. Based on my health profile, do you think it would be appropriate for me?"

Be honest about the emotional side. If your weight is affecting your confidence, your energy, or your quality of life, it is valid to say that. Doctors appreciate honesty. "This has been affecting my mental health and I want to explore all my options" is a perfectly reasonable thing to say.

What your GP will assess

When you raise weight loss medication, your GP will typically run through several checks.

They will start with your BMI. In Singapore, the Asian BMI thresholds apply (lower than Western thresholds), which means you may qualify at a lower weight than you expect.

They will review your medical history for conditions that affect eligibility or contraindicate certain medications. For GLP-1 medications, the key contraindications are personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. For Duromine (phentermine), cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled hypertension are contraindications.

They will also need a complete list of your current medications, including supplements, since some interact with weight loss drugs.

Cardiovascular risk comes next: blood pressure, heart rate, and potentially an ECG. This is especially relevant if Duromine is being considered, since phentermine raises heart rate and blood pressure.

Blood work. Your GP may order tests before prescribing, including:
- Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (to check for diabetes or pre-diabetes)
- Thyroid function (TSH) to rule out hypothyroidism
- Liver and kidney function
- Lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides)

Not every GP will order all of these before the first prescription, but they are part of a thorough assessment. Read more about what doctors check before prescribing GLP-1.

Common reasons GPs say no (and what to do)

Not every GP appointment ends with a prescription. Here are common reasons and how to respond:

"Your BMI is below the guidelines." If your BMI is between 24 and 27.5, your GP may feel it is below the threshold for pharmacotherapy. You can ask whether your weight-related conditions (if any) change the calculation. If your GP is firm, a telehealth provider with different eligibility criteria may be an option.

"Try diet and exercise first." This is a common response, especially from GPs who are less familiar with the current evidence on obesity pharmacotherapy. If you have already tried diet and exercise without lasting results, say so clearly: "I've tried X, Y, and Z over the past [timeframe] and the weight comes back each time. I'd like to discuss whether medication could give me a different result." If your GP still says no, that is their clinical judgement and you should respect it, but you are free to seek a second opinion.

"I'm not familiar with GLP-1 medications." Not all GPs are up to date on GLP-1 prescribing. Some still default to Duromine because it is what they know. If your GP is not comfortable prescribing semaglutide, they may refer you to an endocrinologist or suggest a specialist clinic. You can also ask for a referral, or explore telehealth providers that specialise in weight management.

"The cost is too high." Your GP may raise the cost of GLP-1 treatment ($350-650/month) as a concern. This is fair. If budget is an issue, ask about lower-cost alternatives (Duromine, oral semaglutide at the lower dose). If you have decided that GLP-1 is the right option for you and want transparent pricing, see our cost breakdown.

"Come back in three months after trying lifestyle changes." If your GP wants to see effort before prescribing, take that at face value. Keep a food diary, track your exercise, and return with evidence. If you have already been through this cycle multiple times, bring that history to the follow-up.

GP clinic vs telehealth for weight loss

Both GP clinics and telehealth providers can prescribe weight loss medication. Each has trade-offs:

When a GP is the better choice:
- You have complex medical conditions that benefit from in-person examination
- You want your GP to coordinate weight management with other ongoing care
- You prefer face-to-face interactions
- You are exploring options and want a general opinion first

When telehealth may be a better fit:
- Your schedule makes clinic visits difficult
- Your GP is not experienced with GLP-1 prescribing
- You want a doctor who specialises in weight management
- You value home medication delivery
- You want unlimited follow-up support included in the price

Neither option is inherently better. The best choice is the one you will actually use consistently.

What to expect after your first prescription

Whether you get your prescription from a GP or a telehealth provider, the early weeks follow a similar pattern.

GLP-1 medications start at a low dose and increase gradually over 4-6 months. This minimises side effects. Your doctor will adjust the schedule based on how you respond. Duromine, by contrast, starts at full dose from day one.

The most common GLP-1 side effects are nausea, reduced appetite, and constipation, usually worst during the first 2-4 weeks of each dose increase. These typically improve as your body adjusts. Read our full guide on managing GLP-1 side effects.

Expect a follow-up 4-6 weeks after starting, then every 4-8 weeks during dose titration, and every 2-3 months once you reach your maintenance dose. At Trimly, follow-ups are unlimited and included in your treatment plan. Contact your doctor sooner if you experience severe nausea that does not resolve, persistent abdominal pain, rapid heart rate (more relevant for Duromine), or any symptoms that concern you.

In terms of timeline: most patients notice appetite changes within the first 2-4 weeks. Visible weight loss typically becomes apparent by week 8-12. The full effect of GLP-1 treatment usually takes 6-12 months.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to get Ozempic?

No. GPs in Singapore can prescribe Ozempic (semaglutide) without a specialist referral. However, not all GPs stock it or are experienced with prescribing it. If your GP is not able to prescribe it, they can refer you to an endocrinologist, or you can explore telehealth providers that specialise in weight management. Trimly's doctors are experienced with GLP-1 prescribing and can assess your eligibility during a video consultation.

Can polyclinics prescribe weight loss medication?

Polyclinics in Singapore can prescribe some weight loss medications, including phentermine (Duromine). GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are less commonly available at polyclinics, partly because of cost (polyclinics prioritise subsidised medications) and partly because the prescribing infrastructure for GLP-1 injectables is more established in private clinics and telehealth. If cost is a concern, a polyclinic consult is a good starting point to discuss your options.

What if my GP dismisses my weight concerns?

This happens more often than it should. If you feel your concerns were not taken seriously, you have options: try a different GP, ask for a referral to a specialist (endocrinologist or obesity medicine doctor), or explore telehealth providers. You do not need to accept "eat less and exercise more" as the only answer if you have already tried that approach without success. Your weight is a legitimate medical concern.

How much does a GP consultation for weight loss cost?

A standard GP consultation in Singapore costs $20-50. If blood tests are ordered, add $50-200 depending on the panel. The medication cost is separate. Duromine typically costs $90-150 per month. GLP-1 medications cost $300-600+ per month depending on the medication and dose. At Trimly, the consultation, medication, and all follow-ups are included in one monthly price ($350-650).

Key takeaways

• GPs in Singapore can prescribe weight loss medication, including GLP-1 medications, without a specialist referral
• Frame your request as a health concern, mention your weight loss history, and ask about GLP-1 specifically if you have done your research
• If your GP says no, understand the reason and consider alternatives (second opinion, telehealth, specialist referral)
• Telehealth is a convenient alternative for patients whose GP is not experienced with GLP-1 or for those who value home delivery and included follow-ups
• The most important step is starting the conversation. Your doctor cannot help if they do not know you are struggling.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Individual results may vary. Trimly is a MOH-licensed telehealth clinic in Singapore (HCSA License R/25M0505/MDS/001/252).