Anti-Obesity Medication Initiation Note
A decision-focused note for initiating FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, documenting eligibility, agent-specific contraindication screening, shared decision-making, and explicit response targets with stop rules alig…
Document Type
clinical note / Progress Note
Specialties
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Date: [Date]
Clinician: [Clinician name, credentials]
Patient: [Patient name or identifier]
Reason for Visit: Anti-obesity medication initiation
Measurement Source: [clinic-measured / patient-reported]; [date if carried forward]
Clinical Summary
- [Diagnosis and eligibility snapshot including baseline weight, BMI, and qualifying weight-related complication if BMI < 30]
- [Medication selected and rationale for why this agent fits patient goals/comorbidities; why alternatives not chosen]
- [Contraindication screen result confirming key agent-specific items reviewed; state if none identified or list critical findings]
- [Counseling confirmation that risks, benefits, and alternatives discussed and patient agrees to plan]
- [Response target and follow-up timing]
Subjective
Patient Goals: [Patient-stated goals for weight, function, symptoms, and/or quality of life] (Use brief patient voice when helpful for preference-sensitive choices.)
Relevant History: [Weight trajectory, structured lifestyle programs, prior anti-obesity medications, bariatric procedures, current lifestyle pattern] (Include only information relevant to today's decision. Reference prior documentation by date rather than repeating unchanged details.)
Medical Context Affecting AOM Choice: [Comorbidities influencing selection, weight-affecting medications, relevant substance use]
Reproductive Status: [Pregnancy status/intent, contraception, breastfeeding] (Include only if relevant to the selected agent.)
Objective
Anthropometrics: [Height]; [Weight]; [BMI]; [BP]; [HR]; [Waist circumference if obtained]
Exam: [Pertinent focused examination findings by system] (Document only systems examined today.)
Data reviewed today: [Relevant baseline labs/tests with dates and results]
Orders placed today: [Baseline labs/tests ordered]
Assessment
[Diagnosis statement with obesity/overweight severity and weight-related complications]
Eligibility: Meets criteria for AOM because [BMI threshold and/or qualifying comorbidity]. Lifestyle intervention [ongoing / completed / insufficient response]. Medication appropriate now because [clinical rationale].
Plan
Shared Decision-Making: [Patient goals discussed; options reviewed including lifestyle alone, chosen AOM, and alternative pathway; rationale for chosen agent; patient understanding and agreement documented] (Avoid generic statements like "R/B/A discussed.")
Contraindication/Precaution Screen
Selected agent: [Agent name (generic/brand) and class]
General safety checks:
- Hypersensitivity to components: [Yes / No / Unknown]
- Pregnancy assessed: [Yes / No / Unknown]
- Breastfeeding assessed: [Yes / No / Unknown]
- Drug interaction/duplication check: [Yes / No]
Agent-specific contraindications/precautions: (Include only the section for the selected agent.)
- GLP-1/GIP agonists: Personal/family history MTC or MEN2: [Yes / No / Unknown]; History of pancreatitis: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Severe GI disease: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Gallbladder disease: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Renal impairment with dehydration risk: [Yes / No / Unknown]
- Naltrexone/bupropion: Chronic opioid use or withdrawal: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Seizure disorder or lowered threshold: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Uncontrolled HTN: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Eating disorder history: [Yes / No / Unknown]; MAOI within 14 days: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Suicidal ideation/unstable mood: [Yes / No / Unknown]
- Phentermine/topiramate ER: Pregnancy with contraception plan: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Glaucoma: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Hyperthyroidism: [Yes / No / Unknown]; MAOI within 14 days: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Nephrolithiasis/metabolic acidosis: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Unstable CV disease: [Yes / No / Unknown]
- Orlistat: Chronic malabsorption: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Cholestasis: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Warfarin/cyclosporine/levothyroxine interactions addressed: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Fat-soluble vitamin plan: [Yes / No]
- Phentermine (short-term): CV disease or uncontrolled HTN: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Hyperthyroidism or glaucoma: [Yes / No / Unknown]; MAOI within 14 days: [Yes / No / Unknown]; Substance use disorder history: [Yes / No / Unknown]
Mitigation plan for Yes/Unknown items: [Follow-up actions, additional testing, or deferral plan]
Prescription
Medication: [Generic (Brand)], [Dose], [Route], [Frequency]
Titration schedule: [Stepwise titration plan with dates/weeks]
Quantity/refills: [# units] with [#] refills
Administration: [Timing, food, injection technique if applicable]
Missed-dose guidance: [Agent-specific instructions]
Counseling Provided
- Expected benefits and timeline: [Anticipated weight loss range and time to response]
- Common side effects and mitigation: [Key side effects with strategies]
- Serious risks and red flags: [Symptoms requiring urgent care]
- Lifestyle co-therapy: [Nutrition, physical activity, behavioral support expectations]
- Cost/access: [Coverage, prior authorization if discussed]
Response Targets and Stop Rules
Baseline: [Weight] kg; BMI [value]
Early response milestone: [Target weight loss by timeframe on therapeutic dose]
Stop rule: [Discontinuation criteria if target not met or intolerance]
If discontinued: [Alternative therapy, taper if applicable, referral]
Monitoring Plan
Follow-up: [Intervals for tolerability/titration and maintenance]
Track: [Weight, vitals, adverse effects, adherence, mood if relevant]
Labs: [Agent/comorbidity-tailored labs with timing]
Med adjustments: [Plan for diabetes meds, BP meds as weight changes]
Referrals and Orders
Referrals placed: [Nutrition / Behavioral program / Sleep medicine / Bariatric surgery / Specialty consult] (Include only if placed.)
Medications ordered: [List]
Labs ordered: [List]
(If any required safety element cannot be completed, document "Unknown/Not assessed" with follow-up plan. Omit optional sections without data. Use person-first, non-stigmatizing language throughout.)
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