Prescribing Weight Loss Drugs at a Med Spa

According to the CDC, almost three-quarters of people over age 20 are overweight, and over 40% are obese. Many people who struggle with obesity have had many unsuccessful attempts at losing weight with diet and exercise alone. A new tool is on the market that has helped countless people lose weight: weight loss medication. It seems like everyone knows someone who is on weight loss medication. People have used weight loss medication to complement diet and exercise efforts, addressing obesity and any associated health concerns.

One place to get weight loss medications is from a doctor. However, many people are getting their weight loss drugs from a medical spa. A medical spa combines medical treatments with spa services for aesthetic and wellness purposes. Medical spas often offer weight loss programs that may include prescription weight loss drugs. These medications can be part of a comprehensive plan that includes diet, exercise, and other therapies.

While offering weight loss drugs at your med spa can be a great way to generate business, there are things you must consider to be in compliance with the law. Here is what you should know about prescribing weight loss drugs at a med spa. 

What Are Weight Loss Drugs?

Weight loss drugs are pharmaceuticals designed to assist individuals in managing their weight more effectively. They aid in reducing appetite, absorbing less fat, or increasing feelings of fullness so that people are consuming fewer calories. There are a wide variety of weight loss drugs, and they affect the body in different ways to result in the ultimate goal of weight loss.

Not every weight loss drug works the same way for everyone, so a prescriber may need to try a few combinations to help achieve weight loss. However, weight loss medications can be extremely effective. According to the American Medical Association, some of these drugs result in weight loss of up to 25% of body weight. 

What Are Some Common Weight Loss Drugs?

Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave): This combination of an antidepressant and an anti-addiction drug helps to reduce hunger and control cravings.

Liraglutide (Saxenda): This drug, originally used for diabetes, helps regulate appetite and is injected daily.

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): This is a drug that blocks some of the fat you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.

Phentermine: This is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system. It is typically used short-term for weight loss.

Semaglutide (Wegovy): This drug was originally designed for diabetes. It is now approved for weight loss, as it regulates appetite through weekly injections.

Are There Any Safety Concerns?

Whenever any medication is prescribed, there is a risk to patients. While weight loss medications can be extremely effective, they may cause side effects. For this reason, they are recommended for use under medical supervision. ​​Medical professionals at med spas must monitor patients closely to manage any side effects from medications and adjust treatment plans as necessary. Practitioners interested in using these drugs in their practice should pursue appropriate education and training to avoid side effects from occurring or to manage them if they do happen. 

Why Offer These Services At a Med Spa?

Many people these days get weight loss drugs from their doctor. However, weight loss is a sensitive issue, and not everyone feels comfortable going to their family doctor to get weight loss medication. Additionally, some doctors are resistant to weight loss medications and still tell patients to simply eat less and move more. 

Those seeking weight loss may be more comfortable getting their weight loss medications from a med spa. In addition to medications, med spas provide a holistic approach to weight loss, incorporating nutritional counseling, personalized diet plans, and exercise programs. They may also offer treatments like body contouring, which can enhance the results of weight loss efforts by targeting stubborn fat areas. Services such as hormone therapy and metabolic testing are also available to optimize weight loss and address any underlying issues.

Is It Legal To Prescribe These Meds?

The use of weight loss medication, while extremely popular, is relatively new. Therefore, the laws involving weight loss medication are evolving or do not yet exist. For this reason, it is possible to be in regulatory compliance today and not in compliance tomorrow, even if your med spa does not change its practices. 

Some states have specific laws and regulations governing the prescribing of weight loss drugs. If your state has such rules or guidance, it is essential to follow them carefully. However, some states–such as Georgia–do not have specific weight loss medication rules. Therefore, caution must be taken to ensure that prescribing these medications do not lead to legal woes.

Georgia Rule and Regulations Section 360-3-.02 states that it is unprofessional for physicians to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances except if the drug has been approved by the FDA for that purpose.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Georgia Medical Board investigated a clinic for prescribing “semaglutide sodium,” which is not an FDA-approved drug, in 2023. It is crucial to remember that only FDA-approved drugs should be used, even for “off-label” purposes. While off-label uses of approved drugs are generally allowed, the drug must be approved initially. Nevertheless, many med spas–including in Georgia–do offer semaglutide. 

Contact an Experienced Medical Spa Attorney 

As with other procedures offered in medical spas, it is essential to develop appropriate and compliant policies and procedures for weight loss treatments to ensure a high standard of consistent care. It is also crucial to operate within your state’s regulations. Med spas and weight loss medications are relatively new and only becoming more popular. The law is sure to evolve at a rapid rate on these issues, so getting informed counsel on healthcare law is imperative if your med spa plans to offer weight loss medications.

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