The 13 Best Websites for Buying GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Online, Reviewed by Experts
For years, Ozempic has been known as the GLP-1 medication that can help you lose weight, but it’s still only approved for the management of type 2 diabetes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, doctors have been prescribing Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs off-label for weight loss — if you can afford the high monthly cost. But now there are three FDA- approved GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss: liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound).
So whether you’re already taking a GLP-1, looking for an oral option, or simply researching GLP-1s, we’re here to help. Here are 13 online providers that prescribe GLP-1 weight loss medications online — and we’ll continue to update our list with any new options.
Where to Find GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss Online
- With no membership fees: Eden
- With dietitian-developed recipes and education: Hers/Hims
- With health coaching: Ro
- With a psychology-based approach: Noom Med
- Best for women: Nurx
- With insurance: PlushCare
- Best for savings: GoodRx
- Best for variety of choices: Sesame
- With a comprehensive program: Weight Watchers
- Best for weight loss guarantee: LifeMD
- With advice from an RD: Form Health (via Lilly Direct)
- With a meal delivery service: G-Plans
- With a doctor-led weight loss program: Found

With No Membership Fees
Eden
Pros
- No initial consult fee or additional membership fees
- Same price regardless of dosage
- $80 off first month
- Doctor-led plans and coaching
- Access to active weight loss community
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- Diet or exercise plans not included
- Not available in every state
Price
- Brand name GLP-1s start at $1,399
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: No
- Brand names offered: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes
Signing up for Eden begins with a questionnaire about your health history, weight, and lifestyle. Unlike many of the other plans we’ve reviewed, Eden doesn’t require an additional membership fee or an initial consultation fee. After completing the questionnaire, you’ll schedule a telehealth appointment, at which a doctor will review your information and prescribe GLP-1s if appropriate for your weight loss goals. Doctors may prescribe GLP-1 treatment for people with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with preexisting conditions. Because success is harder alone, the Eden app offers doctor-led nutritional coaching, cooking classes, on-demand workouts, and access to its user community for encouragement and tips. For GLP-1s, it costs $129 for the first month ($80 off), then $209 per month.

With Dietitian-Developed Recipes and Education
Hers/Hims
Pros
- FSA/HSA eligible
- Personalized treatment plans
- Unlimited messaging check-ins with licensed providers
- Side-effect support
- Program developed by weight loss specialists
- Includes nutrition and behavioral education, custom lessons
Cons
- Not available in all states
- Doesn’t accept insurance
Price
- GLP-1s costs vary by brand, start at $1,799 per month
- Generic liraglutide available for $299/month with upfront payment of one-year commitment price of $3,588/year, depending on product/subscription plan chosen
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, generic liraglutide
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes
Unlike many online GLP-1 companies, Hers/Hims offers patients access to nutrition education and recipes developed by registered dietitians. Patients also get access to behavior-change lessons and a habit tracker to record medication, weight, sleep, movement, and nutrition.
Hers/Hims offers brand-name GLP-1s, as well as generic liraglutide, which is much more affordable and was approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2025. Your provider may also offer a prescription for anti-nausea medication as well, since nausea is a common side effect of GLP-1s.
The company understands how all aspects of life can contribute to weight loss, so the app offers recipes, meal plans and grocery lists, advice on reducing stress, guided meditation, advice for getting better sleep, ideas for daily movement and tips for getting the most out of your weight loss plan. Hers/Hims includes regular follow-ups and unlimited messaging through the app. While it doesn’t accept insurance, the program is FSA/HSA eligible.

With Health Coaching
Ro
Pros
- Monthly health coaching, metabolic testing included in membership
- On-demand provider access via video or messaging
- Ongoing medication management, refills
- Oral and injectable options available
- Helps navigate insurance coverage for GLP-1s
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- GLP-1 medications additional fee
Price
- Branded GLP-1 medications: $45 for first month, $145 monthly for ongoing treatment in the Body membership
- GLP-1s cost $900 to $1,000 per month without insurance; price with insurance varies
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- Brand names offered: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable and oral
- Cancel any time: Yes
Ro provides on-demand access to clinicians via video or messaging, as well as to health coaches who can support your weight loss efforts. Once you complete an intake form, your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your health profile, which may include metabolic testing.
Because weight management varies from person to person, getting a clear picture of a person’s metabolic makeup can support an individualized approach to weight loss. Metabolic testing measures a person’s energy expenditure, giving an idea of how many calories an individual needs to function at a state of rest, as well as how many calories that person may burn during daily activities and during exercise. The test measures blood sugar levels, thyroid and kidney function among other components.
Body memberships include metabolic testing at Quest Lab locations, but if you live in a state without a nearby Quest Lab, Ro will send you a free at-home blood collection kit. If your Ro provider prescribes GLP-1s, you can pick it up at your local pharmacy. The company offers Wegovy in pill form as well as injectable GLP-1s. While Ro doesn’t accept insurance for their program, its insurance concierge service will help coordinate insurance coverage if you’re prescribed GLP-1s.

With a Psychology-Based Approach
Noom Med
Pros
- Focus on behavior change through psychology
- Personalized program
- Care team includes clinician, health coach
- Access to diet and exercise tracker
- Can help navigate insurance coverage for GLP-1s
Cons
- Not available in all states
- Membership fee doesn’t include GLP-1s
- GLP-1 prescriptions require blood work
Price
- $69 for the first 4 weeks, then $279 per month (medication costs are not included)
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes
Not only does Noom currently offer brand name GLP-1 drugs, it also offers a psychology-based weight-management program. Noom’s program focuses on promoting weight loss through behavior modification, and includes daily psychology education lessons designed to help you identify and change behaviors that may be preventing you from losing weight.
Instead of encouraging users to count every calorie, Noom categorizes foods as green, yellow, or orange. While this system can be helpful for people looking for a simple way to manage their eating, some healthy foods — such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds — are categorized as orange foods (foods to eat less often) because of their calorie density, which could potentially discourage people from including these healthy foods in their diets.
Users also get access to virtual one-on-one health coaching, support groups, food and exercise trackers, and more to support their weight loss journey. Noom providers can prescribe Ozempic and Zepbound when appropriate.

Best for Women
Nurx
Pros
- Personalized weight-management care targeted to women
- Side-effect support
- Unlimited messaging with your provider
- Accepts most insurance for medication
Cons
- Doesn’t accept Medicaid or insurance for medical consult fee
- No personalized diet or exercise plan
- Monthly fee doesn’t include medical consult fee or medication
Price
- $49 medical consult fee
- $59 per month for ongoing care
- GLP-1s start at $1,000/month on average; $60 to $105 with insurance
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Zepbound, Wegovy, Saxenda, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes
Nurx specializes in care for women, and providing weight-management programs is just one of the company’s many offerings. Nurx providers have expertise in women’s health, and the majority of the medical team is made up of women. It offers brand-name GLP-1s, along with personalized guidance, check-ins, and side-effect support, which may include additional medication. Users are given access to unlimited messaging with their provider as well, and they are encouraged to call the medical team if there’s an urgent matter.
Nurx provides progress tracking and healthy diet and exercise recommendations on their app. Recognizing that every body is different, Nurx offers treatment adjustment when needed and prides itself on individualized care. Users can receive their prescriptions from one of Nurx’s licensed partner pharmacies or have prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy. Nurx accepts most insurance to cover medication; however, it doesn’t accept insurance for the monthly membership fee or the initial consult.

With Insurance
PlushCare
Pros
- Accepts health insurance
- Personalized program created by doctor trained in weight management
- Ongoing treatment with virtual monthly doctor visits
- Prescriptions can be picked up at local pharmacy
Cons
- GLP-1 prescriptions require blood work
- Monthly membership fee charged on top of copay, medication costs
Price
- With insurance: $19.99 monthly, plus standard copay
- Membership (without insurance): $19.99 monthly, plus $129 for new visit and repeat medical visits
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Victoza, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Bydureon
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes
PlushCare stands out as a GLP-1 provider because it’s one of the few companies that accept insurance and is in network with most major insurance providers. Plus, customer support will help you navigate your individual insurance plan to improve your chances of getting prescriptions covered.
PlushCare offers personalized weight loss programs created by board-certified physicians. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician, who will only prescribe GLP-1s if they feel the medication is suitable for your situation. Patients with a BMI of 30, or a BMI of 27 with one weight-related medical condition (like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes), are candidates for weight loss medications like GLP-1s.
Once you’ve received your prescription, you can reach out to your health coach at any time via the mobile app. After you reach your goal weight, you’ll move into the maintenance phase with continual virtual visits with your care team to help you sustain your weight loss.

Best for Savings
GoodRx
Pros
- Allows for comparison shopping at local pharmacies
- Offers coupons for meds
- Oral and injectable options available
- Regular check-ins with healthcare team
Cons
- Can’t use coupons or discounts with health insurance
- Telehealth services not available in all states
- GLP-1 medications additional fee
Price
- $119/month for unlimited online healthcare, plus cost of medication
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable and oral
- Cancel any time: Yes
We like GoodRx because users can shop around to compare prices of medications at different nearby pharmacies. The company also offers plenty of opportunities for savings by offering coupons, giving users the ability to choose whether it makes more financial sense for them to use available discounts or their insurance to purchase meds.
While GoodRX is known best as a pharmacy coupon site, it does allow you to also get a prescription for GLP-1s directly through its websites. You’ll book an initial consultation through GoodRx, where a medical provider will review your medical history, and if you qualify, you’ll receive your GLP-1 prescription. You’ll also continue to have regular follow-ups with a healthcare team to help you manage their dosage and any side effects they experience.
GoodRx offers the Wegovy pill as well as injectable Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Saxenda. Access to unlimited online healthcare with GoodRx costs $119 per month, but that doesn’t cover the cost of prescriptions.
Those who opt for a Gold Membership get extra perks, like bigger savings, free prescription delivery, and the ability to add family members, friends, and pets to their account. And whatever membership you choose, you can cancel at any time.

Best for Variety of Choices
Sesame
Pros
- Widest availability of GLP-1s on our list, including oral options
- Membership includes video consultations and lab work
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Users may experience communication issues between Sesame and local pharmacies
- Refunds may be slow
Price
- $99 per month, plus the cost of medication
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza, Trulicity, Byetta, generic GLP-1s
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable and oral
- Cancel any time? Yes
We love the variety of GLP-1 medications that Sesame offers, which includes generic GLP-1s and oral options for those who prefer to skip the injectables. Members can access a wide variety of virtual medical care, such as urgent care, mental health care, weight loss medications, and more. If you’re interested in weight loss medication, Sesame will provide you with video doctor visits, unlimited chats with your care team, and lab work as needed. GLP-1 medication is an extra cost.
Sesame accepts insurance, but users without insurance can easily access the prices of meds without insurance. During sign-up, users complete a medical intake form and choose their provider for their initial consultation. Your physician may order lab work to assess your overall health, and if you’re prescribed medication, you can choose to have it delivered by a partner pharmacy, or you can pick it up at your local pharmacy.

With a Comprehensive Program
Weight Watchers
Pros
- Whole food, point-free nutrition program
- Encourages daily physical activity
- Includes in-person and virtual workshops
- Virtual checkups with board-certified clinicians, dietitians, fitness trainers
- Oral and injectable options available
- Can help navigate insurance coverage for GLP-1s
Cons
- Not available to diabetics (alternate specialized program available)
- Not for people taking first-generation GLP-1s
- GLP-1 medications additional fee
Price
- $839/year for one-year commitment, not including price of medication
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable and oral
- Cancel any time: Yes, but if you’ve signed up for a certain number of months, you need to wait until the end of that contract.
Weight Watchers has been around for more than 60 years, and its comprehensive weight loss program has evolved with the times, offering GLP-1s to those who qualify, including oral Wegovy. GLP-1 medications can lead to dehydration and muscle loss, so Weight Watchers provides daily nutrition targets that prioritize protein, water, and fruits and veggies. It also provides a daily activity goal to support weight loss.
Weight Watchers works with Amazon Pharmacy, CenterWell Pharmacy, and Lilly Direct to deliver meds. When you get your GLP-1 prescription, you’ll get ongoing follow-up care with board-certified doctors, dietitians, and fitness trainers. Additionally, if you’re approved for GLP-1 medications, Weight Watchers will help coordinate care with your insurance provider. You also get access to the Weight Watchers app to track food, look up recipes, and do weekly check-ins.

With a Weight Loss Guarantee
LifeMD
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- Personalized weight loss program including access to GLP-1s
- Oral and injectable options available
- Can help navigate insurance coverage for care
- Lab work included in membership fee
Cons
- Not all insurance plans accepted
- Nonrefundable membership fee
Price
- $75/month with one-year commitment, plus cost of medication
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Mounjaro, Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable and oral
- Cancel any time: Yes, but no early termination of membership fees
Not sure if weight loss medications can work for you? Sign up with LifeMD, which guarantees users will lose 10 percent of their body weight or receive a refund. Membership in the LifeMD weight loss program gives you access to expert clinicians, weight loss coaching, lab work if necessary, and continuing care as you navigate weight loss with GLP-1s, with both injectable and oral options available. The medication costs are not included in the monthly price.
Users will first take an online assessment, which is reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether they are eligible for treatment. If you haven’t had lab work done in the last year, labs will be ordered for your care team to gain insights into your unique metabolism so that you can work together to shape a personalized care plan. You’ll have medical supervision as your medication is adjusted as needed, as well as support from a dedicated care team and health coaches.
LifeMD doesn’t accept insurance for its membership fee, but you’ll work directly with the team to determine if your insurance will cover your GLP-1 medication, if you qualify for it. However, those with Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare are not eligible for GLP-1s through LifeMD, due to coverage limitations for these medications.

With Advice From an RD
Form Health (via Lilly Direct)
Pros
- Care team includes weight loss physician and registered dietitian
- Personalized plans
- Video visits, unlimited messaging available
- FSA/HSA eligible, accepts Medicare
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Medications, lab work not included in membership fee
- Must be under active care of primary care provider (PCP)
Price
- $299 monthly without insurance
- GLP-1s cost around $1,350 without insurance
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Wegovy, Zepbound, Sexenda
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes
Form Health offers users with an established primary care provider a personalized weight-management plan with access to GLP-1 medications when appropriate. With a membership, you get a dedicated care team that includes a board-certified weight loss physician and a registered dietitian. Personalized care plans incorporate nutrition, physical activity, mindset work, and GLP-1 medication (cost not covered by the membership fee). Members also get frequent video visits with their care team and can reach them at any time using unlimited messaging.
During your first video appointments, your doctor and dietitian will develop a personalized weight loss plan, which may include diet, exercise, behavioral health, and FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1 treatment. Form Health may recommend GLP-1 treatment for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 when accompanied by a weight-related condition. From there, users will have monthly follow-ups with their physician and registered dietitian to track goals and adjust the weight loss plan accordingly.
When you join Form Health, it will ship a scale to your home so you can keep track of your weight loss. There’s also optional online community support, which may benefit those who don’t want to feel alone in their journey.

With a Meal Delivery Service
G-Plans
Pros
- Fully personalized meal plans
- Ongoing doctor support, dietitian telehealth coaching
- Metabolic testing
- Nutrition education available in app
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- GLP-1 medications additional cost
Price
- $99 a month when paying in full; $129 a month when paying month to month
- GLP-1 costs vary
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Zepbound
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable
- Cancel any time: Yes, but no early termination of membership fees
With G-Plans, you’ll fill out a questionnaire with personal health information, then schedule a telehealth appointment, during which your provider will create a treatment plan and may prescribe a GLP-1 medication, if appropriate.
Not only does G-Plan offer personalized AI-generated meal plans based on your health and metabolic profile, but you can order your meals directly through the company, as well. While it’s not included in the cost of a membership, the optional meal-delivery service is a great benefit for people who find cooking healthy meals a barrier to their weight loss efforts.
Once you sign up for a membership, with or without the optional meal delivery service, you’ll get ongoing support from a weight loss physician, one-on-one dietitian coaching, and daily nutrition education in the app. You can also track your progress in the app, allowing you to visualize your work toward reaching your goal weight.

With a Doctor-Led Weight Loss Program
Found
Pros
- Physicians specialize in weight loss, access to nutrition experts, health coaches
- Personalized weight loss plans, nutrition, exercise advice
- Can help navigate insurance coverage for GLP-1s
- Oral and injectable options available
- Semimonthly check-ins with clinician
Cons
- Requires six-month commitment
- GLP-1 medications additional cost
- GLP-1 prescriptions require blood work
- Not available in all states
Price
- Membership requires a six-month commitment; prices vary depending on how you pay and don’t include the cost of the GLP-1 medication you’re prescribed: $2,388 paid up front with insurance; $3,588 paid up front with no insurance
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza
- Type of GLP-1 available: Injectable and oral
- Cancel any time: No
Found offers users a care team led by a physician specializing in weight loss. The program is a holistic approach to weight loss that includes diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication when appropriate. The program also utilizes MetabolicPrint, a proprietary prescription engine that identifies health traits that affect weight so your provider can create a tailored treatment plan. Using answers given by the patient in an online questionnaire, MetabolicPrint can help identify the root causes of your weight gain.
Membership plans include up to four consultations with a board-certified medical provider specializing in weight loss in the first month and up to two consultations per month in the following months. The membership also includes one-on-one coaching from a certified health coach throughout your weight loss journey. Access to GLP-1s is only available to people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and higher with a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. The company offers prescriptions for both injectable and oral GLP-1s.
Found uses third-party pharmacies, but you have the option to fill your prescription at a local pharmacy if you prefer. Found only uses pharmacies accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). It’s important to note that Found requires a 12-month commitment at sign-up. If you choose to cancel before the six-month period ends, you’ll be charged for the remaining months in your plan, plus a $129 cancellation fee.
Comparison Table
How We Chose the Best Sites for Buying GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medications Online
To create our list of the best sites to buy GLP-1 weight loss medications online, we reviewed 22 companies selling GLP-1 medications. When determining which companies made our list, we considered factors such as:
- Whether care was provided by a board-certified physician with weight-management experience
- Whether brand-name GLP-1 medications were available
- Whether nutritional guidance was provided
- Whether the fee structure was transparent
- Whether an insurance concierge service was provided in cases where the company did not accept health insurance
The experts we consulted include:
- Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD
- Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD
- Sue Decotiis, MD
- Holly Lofton, MD
- Pichamol Jirapinyo, MD, MPH
- Michelle Pearlman, MD
- Monica Amin, PharmD
As a registered dietitian with three years of experience working in a bariatric surgery clinic, I’ve worked extensively with patients taking GLP-1 medications. I’m qualified to research and write about GLP-1 medications because I understand the type of care required for people taking these medications.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 agonist drugs, often called GLP-1s, are injectable medications that work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that your small intestine makes in response to food. GLP-1s are medications for type 2 diabetes and weight management that are injected (or taken orally) daily or weekly. Sometimes GLP-1s that are approved for type 2 diabetes can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Off-label means the drug is being prescribed for a condition that it was not originally designed for. You should only take a drug off-label if your doctor gives you a full exam, knows your medical history, and thinks it’s a good idea for you, says Pichamol Jirapinyo, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston and cofounder of Everself.
GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar by encouraging more insulin to be released from the pancreas, says Monica Amin, PharmD, a pharmacist at Marley Drug and Medicure in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. GLP-1 also suppresses glucagon, a hormone that works opposite to insulin and keeps your blood sugar level from dropping too low.
“Once blood sugar levels begin to increase following a meal, these medications help the body increase insulin production, thereby lowering blood sugar levels,” says Amin. “This decrease in blood sugar levels plays an important role in managing type 2 diabetes and leading to improved glucose control. GLP-1 agonists also cause weight loss by enhancing satiety [feelings of fullness], reducing appetite, and delaying stomach emptying, resulting in decreased calorie intake and potential weight reduction.”
What to Look for When Buying GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Online
There are several factors to consider when buying GLP-1 weight loss medications online. Not all companies are reputable, and it’s important to ensure that you won’t simply be given medication and not followed up with by a doctor, and if possible, a registered dietitian.
Most doctors will recommend you use the brand-name drug if you can find it because that’s the only version that is FDA-approved after being thoroughly reviewed for safety, efficacy, and quality. To find a safe online pharmacy when purchasing any medication, here are some ways to make sure it’s reputable.
“A trustworthy pharmacy always mandates a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, operates with a physical address and telephone number in the United States, and ensures the availability of a licensed pharmacist to address questions. It’s important to avoid companies that offer medications without a prescription,” explains Amin. To find out if your pharmacy is licensed and regulated, the FDA offers a tool called Be Safe Rx.
Other factors to consider when buying GLP-1 weight loss medications online include:
- Price: Does the monthly membership include the price of the GLP-1 medication, or do medications cost extra? Does the price increase as the medication dose increases?
- Insurance: Does the company accept health insurance? If not, can they help you navigate getting insurance to cover your medication?
- Care team: Does the care team include a board-certified physician with weight-management experience? Are other team members, such as registered dietitians and certified personal trainers, available?
- Follow-up: What does follow-up care look like? Will you have unlimited access to your clinician, preferably through video calls?
- Type of GLP-1s available: Are brand-name GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro offered? Do they offer oral versions in addition to injectables?
Other things to know about buying GLP-1 medications online:
- You need a prescription from a doctor to buy GLP-1s online.
- To qualify for a GLP-1 medication, you’ll need to have a consultation with a physician.
- The FDA has approved some GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, but you must meet the following criteria: BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with existing health issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- Some counterfeit drugs have been found on the market. Other drugs that are unapproved or mislabeled have been marketed and sold. The FDA recommends only purchasing from a state-licensed pharmacy to protect yourself.
Do I Have to Eat Healthy and Exercise When Taking GLP-1s?
GLP-1s can go a long way when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The medication should typically be just one part of an individual’s weight-management plan. “A patient should always be given lifestyle recommendations when starting a GLP-1, as this will optimize the results when taking the medication,” says Holly Lofton, MD, director of NYU Langone’s Medical Weight Management Program in New York City. “They should be given individualized guidance on creating a caloric deficit and exercise based on their ability levels, medical conditions, and goals.” Dr. Lofton suggests that nutrition guidance be tailored to a patient’s likes, dislikes, and lifestyle. She also advises that users get recommendations about stress management, healthy sleep, fluid intake, and food intake.
What to Consider When Choosing a GLP-1 Provider
Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, a diabetes and metabolism endocrinologist in New Hyde Park, New York, recommends finding a provider who is board-certified and has expertise in weight management, endocrinology, and metabolism. Your clinician should perform a comprehensive evaluation at your first visit, including a discussion of benefits and possible side effects, and provide a schedule for gradually increasing your GLP-1 dose.
Is the Pill Form of Wegovy as Effective as Injectable GLP-1 Medication?
In the same study, people using both the pill form and the injectable form of GLP-1s experienced frequent gastrointestinal adverse events. With close numbers like that, the choice comes down to personal preference. Users do need to remember to take the oral medication every day, while injectable GLP-1s are typically taken once a week.
How Does a GLP-1 Work for Weight Loss?
Who Should Not Take GLP-1 Medication?
GLP-1s aren’t safe for everyone. “Individuals with gastroparesis, a condition involving delayed stomach emptying, should be cautious about taking GLP-1 receptor agonists,” says Dr. Jirapinyo. “The combination of the medication and preexisting gastroparesis symptoms could exacerbate nausea and vomiting.”
“I don’t recommend people who have a history of an eating disorder take GLP-1 drugs unless they absolutely need treatment,” says Sue Decotiis, MD, triple board-certified physician in New York City. If this is the case, she adds that it’s extremely important to be in contact with the patient’s therapist and/or psychiatrist.
There’s also limited data on the use of GLP-1s during pregnancy, and Dr. Decotiis and Dr. Pessah-Pollack do not recommend using GLP-1s during pregnancy. “Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also speak with their doctor before taking GLP-1 agonists as the safety during pregnancy and lactation is not well established,” says Amin.
What Are Possible Risks and Side Effects of Taking a GLP-1?
“Gastrointestinal side effects are common on GLP-1s,” explains Pessah-Pollack, “which includes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.” There’s also a rare risk of pancreatitis. “If there is severe stomach pain radiating to the back, urgent medical evaluation is warranted,” she advises.
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Nicole Bonaccorso
Author
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Sarah Glinski, RD
Author
Sarah is a registered dietitian and accomplished health and nutrition writer known for her expertise in crafting engaging content. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and biology with distinction from the University of Alberta. She started her career in 2018 as a clinical dietitian and has experience in several clinical areas, including weight management, diabetes, kidney disease, oncology, gut health, and intuitive eating.
In 2022, Sarah took her wealth of clinical experience and transitioned to freelance writing. She has contributed to outlets like Forbes Health, Well+Good, Livestrong, Yahoo!, and PS, and has written about topics ranging from mental health to gut health to diabetes care. Her goal as a writer is to convey complex health information in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.
Sarah is dedicated to simplifying complex health information so people can make informed decisions regarding their health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada, where she enjoys reading or crocheting in the company of her husband and two cats.

Sean Hashmi, MD
Medical Reviewer
Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California. As the regional director for clinical nutrition and weight management at a prominent healthcare organization in Southern California, Dr. Hashmi oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge nutritional programs and weight management strategies. With his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to providing evidence-based solutions, he is a highly sought-after speaker and a leader in his field.
Hashmi founded the nonprofit organization SelfPrinciple.org to provide accessible and accurate health, nutrition, and wellness information to the public. Through this platform, he shares the latest research findings, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. Self Principle also supports children's education by providing scholarships, books, and supplies, so that students have the resources necessary to succeed academically and build a brighter future.

Orlando de Guzman
Fact-Checker
Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.
De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.
De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.

Lili Ladaga
Editor
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