The GLP-1 receptor, which semaglutide activates, functions primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system
10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105847 Pharmacol Res
Switching back prematurely means you will never know whether higher semaglutide doses would have worked
Patients were excluded if they had any other chronic liver disease other than MASLD/MASH including alcohol, viral, drug-induced, autoimmune, Budd-Chiari syndrome, Wilsons disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, hereditary hemochromatosis, primary/secondary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver disorders in diseases classified elsewhere, and other chronic hepatitis not classified elsewhere
Agents such as sitagliptin and saxagliptin are available for first-line or adjunctive therapy
Bottom line: Cannot prescribe controlled substances (phentermine) via telehealth to new patients without in-person exam (unless exceptions apply)