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Most Popular1DirectMeds
DirectMeds
- Injectable GLP-1 plans with unlimited telehealth visits included
- Fast pre-approval process. Free shipping on all orders.
- No long-term commitment required. Cancel anytime.
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People's Choice2MEDVi
Medvi
- Board-certified physicians create personalized GLP-1 plans
- Free unlimited medical consults and ongoing care coaching
- Medication delivered directly to your door. Free shipping.
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3MyStartHealth
MyStartHealth
- Comprehensive wellness-focused GLP-1 telehealth program
- Get started online with a quick eligibility check
- Board-certified physicians. Free shipping included.
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4OceansMD
Oceans MD
- Affordable GLP-1 plans — no insurance required
- Quick medical approval process with licensed providers
- 100% online prescriptions with fast, free shipping
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5RoBody
Ro Body
- Semaglutide weight loss program from a trusted telehealth brand
- 24/7 provider messaging. Ongoing clinical support included.
- Flexible payment options. Free shipping on all orders.
Our partners may provide compounded medications that have not undergone review or approval by the FDA for safety, quality, or effectiveness. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a licensed clinician may prescribe these medications for weight loss if in their clinical judgment use of the product is medically appropriate. These drugs may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Talk to your provider immediately about symptoms.
Our #1 Pick
DirectMeds
- Injectable GLP-1 plans with unlimited telehealth visits included
- Fast pre-approval process. Free shipping on all orders.
- No long-term commitment required. Cancel anytime.
Calorie-managed diets and exercise have been the mainstay approach of commercial weight loss programs for decades. But as weight loss medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy® and others become household names, people trying to lose weight are exploring adding medications to their weight loss toolkit.
Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Effective?
Obesity is a condition that affects more than 40% of the adult population in the United States. When factoring in candidacy for medications — such as those with overweight and a weight-related condition — the numbers get even higher. Medical experts note the need for an “all-hands-on-deck approach” with providers across the healthcare spectrum.
Many providers are familiar with the latest weight-loss medications, but not all individuals are candidates. A licensed healthcare provider can determine whether GLP-1 medication is appropriate based on your medical history, current health, and weight loss goals.
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Popular GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts like the GLP-1 hormone released in the digestive tract when eating. This weight-regulating hormone signals fullness to the brain, delays stomach emptying, and helps lower blood sugar. Wegovy® is FDA-approved specifically for weight management in qualifying adults, while Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and may also aid in weight loss.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®)
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it targets two incretin hormones instead of one. Zepbound® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss results with tirzepatide.
Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
Liraglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by decreasing appetite and slowing stomach emptying, leading to feelings of fullness and lower calorie intake. Saxenda® is FDA-approved for weight management and is administered as a daily injection, while semaglutide-based medications are weekly injections.
Compounded GLP-1 Medications
Compounded versions of semaglutide are available through certain online programs at a significantly lower cost than brand-name options. These are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies and require a prescription from a licensed provider. While they contain the same active ingredients, compounded medications have not undergone the same FDA approval process as brand-name drugs.
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How to Choose the Best GLP-1 Program for You
Weight management is complex, and what works best varies from person to person. When choosing an online GLP-1 program, consider these factors:
Medication type: Do you prefer brand-name FDA-approved medications or are you comfortable with compounded versions at a lower cost? Some programs offer both options.
Budget: Monthly costs range widely. Compounded programs can start under $200/month, while brand-name programs may cost $400 or more. Some programs accept insurance, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Support level: Some programs include dedicated health coaches, dietitian consultations, and regular check-ins. Others focus solely on prescribing medication. Consider how much ongoing support you need.
Convenience: Look at factors like how quickly you can get started, shipping speed, ease of contacting your provider, and whether the platform offers an app for tracking progress.
Whether you're interested in trying weight loss medication, considering a commercial weight loss plan, or combining the two, your first step should be consulting a healthcare provider. Your doctor can discuss the pros and cons and help choose the best plan for you.
Sources
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3):205-216.
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only subcutaneous injection that has not been approved by the FDA as safe and effective to treat obesity and overweight; however, studies have shown that it may be associated with weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only subcutaneous injection that helps to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in adults with obesity and adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition.
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only subcutaneous injection that, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, helps to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition.