Lab Testing for Weight Loss

Safe, Smart, and Personalized Care

At PrecisionMD Wellness and Weight Loss, patient safety always comes first. Before prescribing medications for weight loss, we want to be sure there are no hidden health issues that could affect your treatment. That’s why we require patients to have had basic lab work completed within the last 6–12 months.

If you’ve already had labs done with another provider, we can review those results. If you haven’t, we can help you get them quickly and conveniently.

Basic Lab Work: What We Require

The goal of basic lab testing is to confirm that there are no major health concerns that would prevent safe use of weight loss medications. This includes checking for:

Kidney function

Liver function

Blood counts and electrolytes

Blood sugar and lipids

These tests help us make sure you’re a good candidate for medical weight loss and that your treatment plan is safe.

Optional Advanced Lab Testing

For patients who want to take a deeper look into possible contributors to weight gain or fatigue, we offer more in-depth testing. This can include:

These labs are not required to begin your program, but they can provide valuable insight and help us personalize your care.

Why Advanced Labs Can Matter for Weight Loss

Weight struggles aren’t always about diet and exercise alone. In many cases, medical issues uncovered through labs are the hidden reason patients can’t lose weight despite their best efforts. Advanced testing can reveal:

Thyroid Function

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, causes fatigue, and makes weight loss frustratingly difficult.

Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance

Elevated insulin or blood sugar can signal prediabetes, which fuels cravings, weight gain, and energy crashes. Addressing it improves metabolism and makes weight loss more effective.

Sex Hormones & Cortisol

Low testosterone in men, or changes in estrogen and progesterone in women, affect muscle mass, fat distribution, and energy. High cortisol from stress can also drive abdominal weight gain.

Cholesterol & Lipids

Lipid levels show cardiovascular risk but also reflect metabolic health, which often improves with the right weight loss approach.

Vitamin & Nutrient Levels

Deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, or iron can leave you fatigued and hinder metabolism. Correcting these supports energy and fat loss.

By identifying and addressing these hidden factors, we can create a plan that goes beyond calorie counting — one that targets your body’s unique needs for better, longer-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about our services, products, and policies. This section is designed to help you get the information you need—fast and easy.
Do I need labs before starting medication?
Yes. We require basic safety labs within the last year to ensure you’re a good candidate for weight loss medications. If you’ve had labs done with your primary care provider, we can use those results.
No problem. We can order the necessary tests for you.
Absolutely. We’re happy to review recent results so you don’t have to repeat testing unnecessarily.
No. Advanced lab testing is optional. Some patients choose it if they want to better understand underlying issues such as thyroid imbalance, insulin resistance, or nutrient deficiencies.
Sometimes. At PrecisionMD, we don’t file insurance directly for labs, but we offer very reasonable cash prices. If you prefer, we can send you to a local lab that will file insurance on your behalf — though we cannot guarantee reimbursement.

Lab Testing in Decatur, Madison, and Across Alabama

We review labs for patients in our Decatur and Madison clinics and through telemedicine statewide. Whether you bring recent results or need new testing, we’ll make sure you have what’s required for safe, effective care — and the option for more advanced insight if you want it.

Make sure your weight loss journey starts safely. Schedule your consultation today and learn what labs you need.