Do I qualify for weight loss medication?

Eligibility is at the discretion of your independently contracted Big Easy Weight Loss physician & based on your medical history and health goals. Qualifying criteria generally includes overweight individuals (BMI >27) with a weight-related health condition, obese individuals with a BMI > 30, and individuals seeking maintenance dosage for continued weight loss therapy.

We want to help everyone safely progress towards their weight loss goals. If your physician does not prescribe weight loss medication, regardless of the reason, please contact krewe@joinbigeasy.com for a membership refund.

How does the sign-up process work?

Ready for a quick overview? Here is what to expect when getting started.

The Process:

Get Started

1. Click “Join Now” to be redirected to our secure telehealth platform, Healthie.

2. Choose a state from the drop-down menu.

3. Select a provider from the menu, or choose “no preference” to be shown all available appointment times

4. Select the “Initial Appointment” - the $75 fee is credited to your first prescription, or refunded if you’re not a good candidate or decide not to move forward during the appointment. All appointments are with independently contracted, licensed physicians.

5. Select an appointment type (video or phone) and a time that is convenient for your schedule.

6. Patient should input requested contact information.

7. You will receive an email from us with an invitation to create a Healthie account. The Healthie account will prompt you to complete intake forms, this should be done 24 hours prior to your appointment. Intake forms do need to be completed prior to appointment so the independently contracted physicians are able to discuss medical history and craft an appropriate treatment plan.

8. Sign up complete! Have questions and want to speak with a Big Easy Krewe Member? Give us a call (504) 313-6301.

   I signed up. How does it work? 

   Doctor Consultation During your 30-minute session, your provider will answer your questions and, if appropriate, prescribe your medication. You will continue to have access to your Independently Contracted Weight Loss physician through messaging in our portal as you make headway on reaching your goals!

   Prescription & Payment Within 48 hours (usually sooner!), we’ll send to the pharmacy and charge your card on file. Note: The pharmacy doesn’t ship on Fridays (or the day before a Holiday), so appointments from Thursday through Sunday will be processed on between Thursday and Sunday night.

   Pharmacy Processing The pharmacy will process, prepare your prescription, and send it overnight via FedEx or UPS.

   Tracking When your prescription ships, you’ll get a text or email from with your tracking number.

   Braun sends a text from a 773 area code (part of OptioRx) ships for BPI, our 503b pharmacy.

   OptioRx is providing 503a compounded medication, Branded Medications, and BPI 503b medication currently for semaglutide only.

   Medication Arrival Your medication will arrive shortly! Be sure to unpack the box fully, and remove your medication from the ice pack in the silver pouch.

Have your {king} cake and eat it too!

Do I need a prescription?

Absolutely! GLP-1’s are a prescription medication and can only be obtained under the care of a medical professional with a valid prescription. In order for BEWL to provide medication, you must meet with one of our independently contracted physicians to obtain a prescription. We are not a pharmacy and cannot fill prescriptions written by physicians not affiliated with Big Easy Weight Loss. All Big Easy Weight Loss physicians are licensed physicians acting as independent contractors.

How much weight will I lose?

Weight loss outcomes will vary individually based on diet, medical conditions, lifestyle adjustments, & physical activity. Generally speaking, individual using GLP-1 medication based weight loss programs are able to reduce their weight by approximately 15% -20% on average. Results will vary by patient, other medication conditions, and medication being prescribed.

Compounded Medications: What are they? Why compounds? Are they safe?

Compounds are customized, formulated medications produced by specialized pharmacies to fit a specific need.  Compounded versions of medications often come into play when there is more demand than supply for an FDA approved medication. Popular obesity and diabetic medications are often offered as compounds as an alternative to brand name medications due to supply limitations, as well as medical necessity or where it can make a clinical difference for the patient. GLP-1’s are medications that can be effective for obesity treatment as part of a weight management program. Compounded medications do not have FDA approval; therefore it is of paramount importance that a reputable compounding pharmacy is used to ensure safety, effectiveness, and quality of the medications. Laws, policies, and third-party testing are in place to protect consumers using compounded medications.

Which medications are generally prescribed?

GLP-1’s and GLP-1’/GIPs are medications that are often prescribed by our providers. GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide) agonist while  GLP-1 agonist that also activates GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Our independently contracted physicians prescribe the medication that best fits the patient’s needs and lifestyle. Brand name medications are available from our partner pharmacy or the prescription can be sent in to your local pharmacy. Compounded medications are offered for patients with a medical necessity or where it will make a clinical difference. Depending on necessity, a compounded medication will be sourced and sent from an appropriate pharmacy partner.

These medications work to slow gastric emptying, increasing insulin release which in turn reduces levels the glucagon hormone, and reducing appetite.

Should I modify my diet while taking weight loss injectables?

Diet modification is an important step in the weight loss process, however, the intention is not to have off-limit foods, but rather take a more healthful approach.  Appetite suppression is a common with GLP-1 medications, with less caloric intake, it is important to be intentional in choosing quality foods with optimal nutritional value. Our goal is to support your health during on your weight reduction journey and strive towards long term sustainability. Have your king cake and eat it too - just be mindful that you aren’t using a splurge as a meal replacement.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time, our clinic does not support insurance filing or prior authorizations. Check back periodically for updates to changes for eligibility of insurance policies.

Can I use my HSA account for the weight loss management program?

Yes, As long as you have a HSA card. During the signup process, there is a dropdown allows you to select HSA as a payment option. Type in the card information as directed.

How long do medication shipments take and what is included in the package?

Medications generally arrive within a week of your appointment occurring. Note: there is processing time for the pharmacy to create and package medication prior to shipping. After processing the order, shipping is overnight cold ship. Our pharmacy partners ship Monday - Thursday. The partner pharmacies send out shipping notifications, this could be via email or text message and the carrier could be UPS or FedEx depending on the pharmacy.

Make sure to place your medication in the refrigerator upon arrival. Medication may be between ice packs, please ensure you do not discard the medication. Compounded medication be in a vial, not in individual syringes. Empty syringes, alcohol wipes, and medication vial are all included in the package. Branded products will be dispended in auto-injector pens and will be filled with medication.

I am currently enrolled in another weight management program using GLPs. Can I transition to BEWL?

Yes!  Our goal is to make it easy to keep you going without skipping a beat. You will need to create an account, complete intake paperwork, and schedule a virtual visit with an independently contracted Big Easy Weight Loss physician. After meeting with the physician for an evaluation, prescribed medication can be shipped directly to you!

Can I join Big Easy Weight Loss from anywhere?

We are a virtual telehealth platform, our providers & services are accessible to you wherever you may be! We currently serve ALL states EXCEPT Arkansas, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

We are excited to continue expanding our licensing by adding additional states into our practice. Check back for an additional list of states or email us at krewe@joinbigeasy.com to inquire about a specific location.

Is lab work required?

Periodic lab work will be required by your medical provider to monitor progress and your body’s response to medication. Frequency of labs will be determined by the provider based on patient medical history.

If you have recent labs (within the last 6 months), it would be helpful for the provider when preparing for the initial appointment. After signup, please email labs to krewe@joinbigeasy.com so we can attach them to your medical profile or feel free to upload them.