The 11 Best Sites to Buy GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Online, Reviewed by Experts in 2025
While insurance generally covers GLP-1s for the treatment of type 2 diabetes — though sometimes with limitations, depending on the insurance plan — far fewer insurance companies cover the medication for weight loss. Many insurers require prior authorization or a history of trying other treatments (known as step therapy) before covering the cost of these medications.
So, whether you’re already taking a GLP-1 or simply interested in seeing if you’d be a good candidate for this type of drug, we’re here to help. That’s why we’ve put together this list of online providers that, as of the time of publication, are still prescribing these medications. We will continue to update the list with any new developments.
Editor’s Note: In addition to name-brand GLP-1s, some of the companies on this list may offer compounded options. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and may carry greater risks than FDA-approved treatments.
Who’s a Good Candidate for the New Weight Loss Medications?
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Where to Find GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss Online
- With health coaching: Ro
- With no membership fees: Eden
- With a psychology-based approach: Noom Med
- Best for women: Nurx
- With dietitian-developed recipes and education: Hers/Hims
- With a comprehensive program: WeightWatchers
- With insurance: PlushCare
- 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 Health Coaching
Ro
Pros
- On-demand provider access via video or messaging
- Ongoing medication management and refill support
- Monthly health coaching
- Metabolic testing included in membership
- Insurance concierge service to help determine if your insurance will cover medication costs
- Cancel anytime
Cons
- Program does not accept insurance
- GLP-1 medication costs separate from membership
Price
- Body membership: $45 for the first month and $145 monthly for ongoing treatment as part of a Body membership (GLP-1 cost is not included in the Body membership cost)
- Brand-name GLP-1 medications, without insurance: About $900 to $1,000 per month
- Brand-name GLP-1 medications, with insurance: Varies based on insurance plan
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Not for the Body program, but insurance may cover the GLP-1s
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy
- Cancel anytime: Yes
Ro provides on-demand access to clinicians via video or messaging, as well as access to health coaches who can support your weight loss efforts. Once you sign up and 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, which indicates how many calories an individual needs to function in a state of rest, as well as how many calories that person may burn during daily activities and exercise. The test measures blood sugar levels, and thyroid and kidney function, among other components.
Ro Body memberships include metabolic testing at Quest Lab locations, but if you live in a state without a Quest Lab nearby, Ro will send you an at-home blood collection kit free of charge. If you live in a state that has Quest Labs but would prefer to do an at-home blood collection, you can purchase one directly from Ro for $75.
If your Ro provider prescribes GLP-1s, you will pick up your prescription at your preferred local pharmacy.
While Ro does not accept insurance for its program, its insurance concierge service will help coordinate insurance coverage for your medication if you are prescribed brand-name GLP-1s.

With No Membership Fees
Eden
Pros
- Doctor-led plans and coaching
- No additional membership fees
- Free expedited shipping
- Same price regardless of dosage
- Discounted first month
- No initial consult fee
- Access to active weight loss community
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- No diet or exercise plan included
- Not available in every state
Price
- Price goes down with a longer commitment, with a quarterly plan costing $276 per quarter, a six-month plan costing $246 per month, and a year-long plan costing $196 per month
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound
- Cancel anytime: Yes
As with many of the weight loss plans we’ve reviewed, your journey with Eden begins with a simple questionnaire about your health history, weight, and lifestyle. You’ll then decide whether you’d like to pay monthly or quarterly, or whether you’re willing to sign up for a six-month or year-long commitment. Prices go down with each tier as you sign on for a longer plan. Unlike many of the other plans we’ve reviewed, Eden doesn’t require an additional membership fee, nor does the company charge an initial consult fee.
Then you’ll schedule your telehealth appointment, where a doctor will review the information you’ve provided and let you know whether GLP-1s are appropriate for your weight-loss goals. Eden may prescribe brand-name GLP-1 treatments for people with a BMI above 30 or those with a BMI of 27 or higher and a comorbid condition.
Because success is harder alone, Eden’s app offers doctor-led nutritional coaching, cooking classes, on-demand workouts, and access to its user community for encouragement and tips.

With a Psychology-Based Approach
Noom Med
Pros
- GLP-1 medications shipped to your door
- Focus on behavior change through psychology
- Personalized program
- Some insurance companies cover some of Noom’s programs, as well as GLP-1 prescriptions through Noom
- Daily psychology education lessons
- Care team includes a clinician and a health coach
- Access to diet and exercise tracker
- Helps navigate insurance coverage for GLP-1s
- Noom app access
Cons
- Monthly membership price does not include GLP-1s
- GLP-1 prescriptions require blood work
- Not available in all states
Price
- Noom Med subscription: $42.25 per month (the cost of GLP-1 medication is not included in the monthly membership fee)
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound
- Cancel anytime: 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 it 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 calories, Noom categorizes foods into a color-coded system: 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, all designed to support their weight loss journey.
Noom can prescribe and ship brand-name versions like Ozempic and Zepbound, if your clinician deems it appropriate. Access to clinicians and semaglutide starts at $149, regardless of your insurance coverage, and brand-name medications carry an additional cost.

Best for Women
Nurx
Pros
- Support for side effects
- Unlimited messaging with your provider
- Accepts most insurance for medication
- Personalized weight management care targeted for women
- Free shipping for automatic refills
Cons
- Does not accept Medicaid
- Does not accept insurance for the medical consult fee
- No personalized diet or exercise plan
- Monthly fee does not include medical consult fee or medication
Price
- $39 medical consult fee
- Ongoing care fee of $59 per month
- GLP-1s range from $60 to $105 with insurance
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Yes
- Cancel anytime: Yes
Nurx specializes in care for women, and weight-management programs are just one of the company’s many offerings. Nurx’s 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 its app. Recognizing that every body is different, Nurx offers treatment adjustment when needed and prides itself in individualized care.
Users can receive their prescriptions from one of Nurx’s licensed partner pharmacies or choose to have their prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy. The company accepts most insurance plans for the cost of medication, but it doesn’t accept insurance for the monthly membership fee or initial consult fee.

With Dietitian-Developed Recipes and Education
Hers/Hims
Pros
- HSA and FSA eligible
- Personalized treatment plans
- Unlimited check-ins with licensed providers via messaging
- Support for side effects
- Program developed by weight loss specialists
- Includes nutrition and behavioral education and custom lessons
- Access to weight loss tools via the Hims/Hers app
Cons
- Not available in all states
- Does not accept insurance
Price
- GLP-1 prescriptions vary by brand and start at $599 per month
- Generic liraglutide available for $299 per month
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: No
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound
- Cancel anytime: 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 nutritional info.
Hers/Hims offers brand-name GLP-1 treatments, as well as generic liraglutide, which is much more affordable and was approved by the FDA earlier this year. Your provider may also offer a prescription for an anti-nausea medication as well, such as Zofran, to help you deal with any nausea, which is a common side effect of GLP-1 use.
The company understands how all aspects of a person’s life can contribute to weight loss, so the app offers recipes, meal plans, grocery lists, advice on reducing stress, guided meditations, advice on getting better sleep, ideas for daily movement, and tips about getting the most out of your weight loss plan.
Hers/Hims includes regular follow-ups and unlimited messaging through the app. While they don’t accept insurance, the program is eligible to use with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).

With a Comprehensive Program
WeightWatchers
Pros
- Whole food, point-free nutrition program
- Encourages daily physical activity
- Includes in-person and virtual workshops
- Access to WeightWatchers app
- Virtual checkups with board-certified clinicians, dietitians, and fitness trainers
- Accepts insurance
- Cancel anytime
Cons
- Not available to people with diabetes (alternate specialized program available)
- Not for people taking first-generation GLP-1s
- GLP-1 medications have additional fee
Price
- Pricing: Start today for as low as $25/first month*
*After first month, membership continues for as low as $74 per month for a 12-month commitment. All other Clinic commitment plans are $49/first month.
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic
- Cancel anytime: Yes, but if you’ve signed up for a certain number of months, you need to wait until the end of that contract.
WeightWatchers has been around for more than 60 years, and its comprehensive weight loss program has evolved with the times. In 2023, it acquired the telehealth company Sequence, now called WeightWatchers Clinic, for its prescription weight loss program, which offers major brand-name GLP-1s. These medications can lead to dehydration and muscle loss, so WeightWatchers also provides daily nutrition targets that prioritize protein, water, and fruits and veggies, as well as a daily activity goal to support weight loss.
WeightWatchers works with Olympia Pharmacy, a 503B outsourcing facility that is registered with the FDA. When you get your GLP-1 prescription through WeightWatchers Clinic, you will have ongoing follow-ups with board-certified doctors, dietitians, and fitness trainers. Additionally, if you’re approved for GLP-1 medications, WeightWatchers will help coordinate care with your insurance provider. Finally, with this program, you will also get access to the WeightWatchers app, which allows you to track food, look up recipes, and do weekly check-ins.

With Insurance
PlushCare
Pros
- Accepts health insurance
- Personalized program created by a board-certified doctor trained in weight management
- Ongoing treatment with virtual monthly doctor visits
- Cancel anytime
- Prescriptions can be picked up at your local pharmacy
Cons
- Must complete blood work before receiving a GLP-1 prescription
- Monthly membership fee charged on top of copay and medication costs
Price
- With insurance: $19.99 per month, plus standard copay (medication cost is not included in the monthly membership fee)
- Without insurance: $19.99 per month, plus $129 (medication cost is not included in the monthly membership fee)
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: No
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Victoza, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Bydureon
- Cancel anytime: Yes
PlushCare stands out as a GLP-1 provider because it’s one of the few companies that accepts insurance and is in-network with most major insurance providers. Not only that, but customer support will also help you navigate your individual insurance plan to improve your chances of getting the prescription 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 body mass index (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 continuous virtual visits with your care team to help you sustain your weight loss. PlushCare no longer offers compounded GLP-1 medications, but it now provides all brand names of the medication, including Ozempic.

With Advice From an RD
Form Health (via Lilly Direct)
Pros
- Dedicated care team, including a weight loss physician and registered dietitian
- Personalized plans
- Video visits and unlimited messaging
- Program covered by most insurance, including Medicare
- HSA and FSA eligible
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Cancel anytime
Cons
- Monthly fee doesn’t include GLP-1 meds
- Not available in all states
- Must have primary care physician with ongoing care
Price
- $299 monthly without insurance
- GLP-1 medications are an additional cost, and typically are about $1,350 without insurance
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Wegovy, Zepbound, Sexenda
- Cancel anytime: Yes
Form Health offers patients with an established primary care provider a personalized weight management plan with access to GLP-1 medications (when appropriate). With this membership, patients 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, if appropriate, GLP-1 medication (which is an additional cost not covered by the membership fee) for an individualized approach. Members also get frequent video visits with their care team and can reach them anytime using unlimited messaging.
During your first video appointment, 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 medication. Form Health may recommend GLP-1 treatments for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or for those with a BMI of 27 as well as a weight-related health condition. From there, users will have monthly follow-ups with their physician and registered dietitian to track goals and adjust the weight loss plan as needed.
When you start a Form Health membership, they will ship a personal 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. Finally, there are monthly video classes that you can attend.

With a Meal Delivery Service
G-Plans
Pros
- Fully personalized meal plans
- Ongoing doctor support
- Dietitian telehealth coaching
- App access
- Metabolic testing
- Daily nutrition education in the app
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Membership fee does not include the cost of medication
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
- Cancel anytime: Yes, but refunds may vary between plans
With G-Plans, users will first fill out a questionnaire and provide some of their personal health information. You’ll then schedule a telehealth appointment, during which your provider will share a treatment plan with you and may prescribe a GLP-1 medication.
Not only does G-Plans offer personalized AI-generated meal plans based on your health and metabolic profile — you can also order your meals directly through the company. While it’s not included in the cost of a membership, the optional meal delivery service can be a great benefit for those who find that a lack of time to cook healthy food is 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, which allows 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 and health coaches
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Offers personalized weight loss plans, including nutrition and exercise advice
- Works with your insurance company for GLP-1 coverage
- Semimonthly check-ins with your clinician (four times monthly in the first month)
- Access to the Found app
Cons
- Requires a six-month commitment
- GLP-1 medications are an additional cost
- Blood work must be completed to access GLP-1s
- Not yet available nationwide
Price
- Membership requires a six-month commitment: Prices vary depending on how you pay and do not include the cost of any GLP-1 medications you are prescribed, but can be as low as $17 per month with insurance.
- In full: $99 per month ($549 up front)
- Quarterly: $116 per month ($348 up front)
- Monthly: $129 per month ($129 up front)
Key Specs
- Accepts insurance: Yes
- Weight loss program included: Yes
- GLP-1 brand names offered: Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza
- Cancel anytime: No
Found offers each member a full-care team led by a physician who specializes in weight loss. The program offers 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 your weight, so that 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 an individual’s weight gain.
Membership plans include up to four consultations with a board-certified medical provider who specializes in weight loss during 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.
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.
It’s important to note that Found requires a six-month commitment at sign-up. If you choose to cancel before the six-month period ends, you will be charged for the remaining months in your plan, plus a $129 cancellation fee.
The Best Places to Buy GLP-1 Medications Online: A Comparison
Body membership: $45 for the first month and $145 monthly for ongoing treatment (GLP-1 cost is not included in the Body membership cost)
- Wegovy
- Ozempic
- Zepbound
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
- Ozempic
- Zepbound
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
- Wegovy
- Saxenda
- Ozempic
- Mounjaro
- Victoza
- Ozempic
- Rybelsus
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
- Saxenda
- Wegovy
- Zepbound
- Mounjaro
- Ozempic
With insurance: $19.99 monthly, plus standard copay; without insurance: $19.99 monthly, plus $129 (medication cost not included in monthly membership fee)
- Wegovy
- Saxenda
- Zepbound
- Rybelsus
- Mounjaro
- Ozempic
- Trulicity
- Bydureon
- Victoza
- Wegovy
- Zepbound
- Saxenda
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
How We Tested the Best Sites to Buy 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 ultimately made the list, we considered factors such as:
- Whether care is provided by a board-certified physician with weight management experience
- Whether brand-name GLP-1 medications are available
- Whether nutritional guidance is provided
- Whether the fee structure is transparent
- Whether an insurance concierge service is provided in cases where the company did not accept health insurance
We also interviewed a pharmacist, Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, and three medical doctors, Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, Sue Decotiis, MD, and Holly Lofton, MD, to learn more about the risks and side effects of taking GLP-1 medications.
As a registered dietitian with three years of experience working in a bariatric surgery clinic, I have worked extensively with patients taking GLP-1 medications. I am qualified to research and write about GLP-1s because I understand the type of care required for people taking these medications.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
“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.”
Ibrahim Hanouneh, MD, a gastroenterologist and coauthor of Regenerative Health, says, “GLP-1 reduces the rate of food absorption from the intestine and takes away the ‘hangry’ feeling. Studies also suggest that GLP-1 has a positive impact in patients with fatty liver disease, and we anticipate using this medication for management of fatty liver disease in the near future.”
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 without follow-ups with a doctor, and if possible, a registered dietitian.
Most doctors, including Dr. Jirapinyo, will recommend that you use a brand-name drug if you can find it, since those are the only versions that the FDA has approved after thoroughly reviewing their 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 help you find out if your pharmacy is licensed and regulated, the FDA offers a web page with state-by-state pharmacy licensure information.
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, do they provide an insurance concierge service to 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?
- Brand-name GLP-1s: Are brand-name GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro offered?
GLP-1s Are Approved to Be Used Alongside a Healthy Diet and Exercise
GLP-1s can go a long way when combined with diet and exercise. The medication should typically be just one aspect 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 Dr. Lofton, who is the director of NYU Langone’s Weight Management Program. “They should be given individualized guidance on creating a caloric deficit and exercise based on their ability levels, medical conditions, and goals.”
Lofton suggests that nutrition guidance be tailored to a patient’s likes, dislikes, and lifestyle. She also advises that patients be given recommendations about stress management, healthy sleep, fluid intake, and intake of macro- and micronutrients.
What to Consider When Choosing a GLP-1 Prescription Provider
“There are many factors coming into play when determining if a GLP-1 medication is indicated,” says Dr. Pessah-Pollack, who is a clinical associate professor of medicine, at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “Ensuring the right relationship with your health care provider is essential.”
Pessah-Pollack recommends finding a prescription provider who is board certified and has expertise in weight management, endocrinology, and metabolism, since GLP-1s are prescribed for both weight management and type 2 diabetes. Your clinician should perform a comprehensive evaluation at your first visit, including a discussion of the medication’s benefits and possible side effects, as well as provide a schedule for gradually increasing your GLP-1 dose.
How Do GLP-1s Work for Weight Loss?
Who Should Not Take GLP-1s?
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 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 Decotiis. If that’s the case, she adds that it’s extremely important to be in contact with the patient’s therapist or psychiatrist.
People who have previously had pancreatitis, have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a rare type of thyroid cancer), or have a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 should not use GLP-1 medications, says Pessah-Pollack. Similarly, Amin says, “Those with severe gastrointestinal disease or a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to GLP-1 agonists should avoid taking these medications. 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.”
Given the limited data on the use of GLP-1s during pregnancy, Decotiis agrees that their use is not recommended in that situation.
What Are the Possible Risks and Side Effects of Taking GLP-1s?
What Do Users Need to Know About Switching From Compounded GLP-1s to Brand Names?
Users will need a new prescription for a brand-name GLP-1 if their provider stops supplying the compounded medication. Unfortunately, brand-name GLP-1s are a lot more expensive, which could pose a challenge for those whose insurance does not cover the treatment.
Users should never switch prescriptions without the guidance of a health professional. Your provider will guide you through the process, but typically, there’s no need to taper off of compounded GLP-1s before switching to Ozempic, Wegovy, or any of the other brands.
“Because compounded GLP-1s are not regulated by the FDA, we can only speculate as to how patients would handle the transition to brand-name medication,” Lofton explains. “It is quite possible that this could be well tolerated, however, due to the differences in the chemical composition of compound of GLP-1, patients could also develop immunogenicity, which means that the previous use of compound GLP-1s could put the patient at a potential risk of not responding to the GLP-1 that is a brand name, or having adverse events or not being able to tolerate it, due to differences in the chemical makeup of the brand name and the compounded version.”
FAQ
While compounded GLP-1s are legal, they are not FDA approved, and there is concern regarding their safety, effectiveness, and quality. The FDA has received several reports of adverse events related to dosing errors, with some requiring hospitalization.
Additionally, the FDA removed tirzepatide from its drug shortage list in early October 2024, and it removed semaglutide from the list in February 2025. As such, it is no longer legal for pharmacies to make the compounded drugs as of May 22, 2025.
According to Pessah-Pollack, part of getting the cost of a GLP-1 prescription covered is knowing what the indications are. “GLP-1 agonists are indicated for weight loss in the setting of a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related complication like sleep apnea, elevated blood pressure, or prediabetes — or a BMI of 30 or above,” she explains.
If you meet these requirements, Pessah-Pollack explains that it’s important for your healthcare provider to document this, as it can significantly help with getting insurance approval. She adds that prior authorizations are often needed, and working with your clinician’s office to find out which papers need to be submitted is key to getting approval.
There are also some other medical diagnoses that may help you get coverage for GLP-1s. “GLP-1 agonists are also approved for type 2 diabetes,” says Pessah-Pollack, “and if you have this indication separately, it’s important to include this diagnosis when sending your prescription to the pharmacy.”
Finally, Pessah-Pollack notes that Wegovy has a separate indication for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks) in people who are overweight or obese and have an established heart disease. “If you do have heart disease, you may be a candidate for Wegovy specifically through this heart benefit.” She recommends speaking with your cardiologist to see if you’re eligible for a prior authorization and if they can help with an approval through their office.
A systematic review published in 2022 that combined the results of 23 studies found that people taking 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost an average of 27.4 pounds. People taking 3 milligrams of liraglutide lost an average of 11.5 pounds. As the dose of GLP-1 decreased, less weight was lost.
Overall, most people taking semaglutide at doses for weight loss (2.4 milligrams) can expect to lose 5 to 15 percent of their starting body weight.
A study published in 2023 found that people taking 15 milligrams of tirzepatide lost an average of 26 pounds. Those taking 5 milligrams lost an average of 17 pounds, while those taking 10 milligrams lost an average of 25.5 pounds. A study published in 2024 found that those taking tirzepatide lost an average of 25.3 percent of their starting body weight after 88 weeks.
A study published in 2024 that compared tirzepatide to semaglutide found that people taking tirzepatide lost significantly more weight than those taking semaglutide. This is likely because tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist medication. This dual action may explain why more weight loss is seen on tirzepatide.
Pessah-Pollack explains that several things can happen when a person stops taking a GLP-1 medication. “You may notice an increase in appetite and less satiety in the short term,” she explains, “and over time, there is the potential for regaining weight, especially if calorie consumption increases.”
However, “Despite what people see in the media, GLP-1 drugs are not lifelong prescriptions,” says Decotiis. She notes that there are ways for people to slowly taper off GLP-1s and keep the weight off. “In my practice, I monitor patients using a body composition scale that monitors muscle mass, water, and fat,” she explains, “and I slowly decrease their dosage while carefully monitoring that they aren’t losing muscle and that they’re drinking enough water.”
While a recent study found that exposure to GLP-1 medications in the first trimester was not associated with a risk of major birth defects, compared with diabetes alone, given the limited data on using GLP-1s during pregnancy, Decotiis and Pessah-Pollack do not recommend using them during pregnancy.
In addition, Pessah-Pollack advises that patients stop using these medications for at least two months before trying to become pregnant.
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