5 Things to Know Before Choosing an Online GLP-1 Clinic (2025 Guide)
Daniel Zvi
The rise of online weight loss clinics has made access to prescription medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and compounded generics easier than ever. These GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications have transformed obesity treatment, but not all providers operate similarly.
If you’re considering telehealth for weight management, knowing what to look for regarding effectiveness, safety, cost, coverage, and provider quality is essential. This guide covers the five most important things to know before choosing an online clinic, whether you prefer brand-name FDA-approved medications or more affordable compounded options.
1. Understand which medications are available
When comparing online weight loss clinics, the first thing to check is which medications they can prescribe and whether those options are FDA-approved or compounded alternatives.
Brand-name FDA-approved GLP-1s and dual-agonists
These medications have been tested in large clinical trials and approved by the FDA for chronic weight management:
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) – Approved for obesity and cardiovascular risk reduction
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) – Approved for obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) – Daily injection for chronic weight management
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, widely prescribed off-label for weight loss
- Ozempic (semaglutide) – Approved for type 2 diabetes; frequently used off-label for weight loss
These brand-name drugs offer standardized dosing, clinical trial backing, and may be eligible for insurance coverage or manufacturer discount programs.
Please note, Ozempic and Mounjaro are not FDA-approved for weight loss, but many clinics prescribe them off-label.
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Compounded GLP-1s and dual-agonists
Some online clinics also offer compounded versions of semaglutide or tirzepatide. These are custom-made medications prepared by U.S.-licensed compounding pharmacies for individual prescriptions.
Pros:
- Lower cost (often $150–$400/month)
- More flexible supply during drug shortages
- Customizable dosing and delivery formats (e.g., multi-dose vials)
Considerations:
- Not FDA-approved, though legal when prepared properly
- Must be made by a state-licensed, reputable compounding pharmacy
- Product quality can vary; ask for Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing lab-tested purity and potency
Pros & cons: Brand-name vs compounded GLP-1s
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Brand-name FDA-approved | Backed by extensive clinical trials, insurance coverage is possible, manufacturer savings programs, and standardized dosing | Significantly higher cost; may face insurance denials; supply shortages possible |
| Compounded GLP-1s | Lower cost; customizable dosing; more supply flexibility during shortages | Not FDA-approved; quality varies; no manufacturer savings; must vet pharmacy source carefully |
2. Compare effectiveness using clinical trial data
Not all GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications deliver the same level of weight loss, and clinical trial data is the most reliable way to understand their potential benefits. By looking at head-to-head studies and long-term results, you can make a more informed decision about which option may suit your goals.
What the data shows
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg)
- Trial: STEP-1
- Population: Adults with overweight or obesity (no diabetes)
- Result: ~15% average weight loss at 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes
- Key takeaway: Significant and sustained weight loss, plus cardiometabolic benefits like improved blood pressure and lipid profiles.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- Trial: SURMOUNT-1
- Population: Adults with overweight or obesity (no diabetes)
- Result: Up to ~21% average weight loss at 72 weeks, depending on dose
- Key takeaway: Among the largest average weight losses seen in a major obesity trial.
Head-to-Head Comparison
- Trial: SURMOUNT-5 (2025)
- Result: Tirzepatide produced ~20.2% average weight loss vs 13.7% for semaglutide at 72 weeks
- Key takeaway: Tirzepatide may outperform semaglutide in absolute weight loss, though individual tolerability and insurance coverage should guide choice.
Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg)
- Trial: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (2015)
- Population: Adults with overweight or obesity
- Result: ~8% average weight loss at 56 weeks
- Key takeaway: Effective, but requires daily injections and generally produces less weight loss than newer weekly agents.
Real-world expectations vs. trial results
While clinical trials offer a reliable baseline, actual results vary. Here’s what to know:
- Weight regain is common if medication is stopped — as shown in the STEP 4 trial and real-world discontinuation studies
- Individual response differs — some people lose more, others less
- Lifestyle support matters — most trial participants received regular coaching on diet and exercise, which amplified results
Ask your online clinic how they support dose titration, nutrition, and progress tracking. Following a medically supervised protocol, like in the trials, improves results and reduces side effects.
3. Know the safety profile and eligibility criteria
GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists are generally well-tolerated when prescribed and monitored properly — but they’re not right for everyone. Before starting any weight loss medication online, make sure the clinic reviews your medical history, screens for contraindications, and provides clear safety guidance.
⚠️ Common side effects
Most side effects are gastrointestinal and typically occur during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is increased.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and improve over time. Starting at a low dose and slowly titrating upward helps improve tolerability.
⚠️ Serious (but rare) risks
Though uncommon, these complications have been reported in clinical trials and require immediate attention:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder disease (including gallstones)
- Kidney injury from dehydration
- Hypoglycemia (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas)
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma – rare, but GLP-1 drugs carry a boxed warning due to this potential risk (especially in people with a personal/family history of thyroid cancer)
Eligibility for GLP-1 & dual agonist medications
Online clinics typically follow label-based criteria:
BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), or
BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Dyslipidemia
- Cardiovascular disease
Some medications also have expanded indications:
- Wegovy – approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity and established heart disease
- Zepbound – approved for weight loss in people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Safe use of compounded GLP-1s
If you're considering compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, here’s how to ensure safety:
- ✅ Make sure the compounding pharmacy is state-licensed and U.S.-based
- ✅ Ask for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity, potency, and sterility
- ✅ Confirm the medication is made using FDA-registered active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- ❌ Avoid providers offering bulk pre-filled vials or pens without personalized prescriptions — this may violate FDA guidance
Eligibility criteria for FDA-approved weight loss indications
Most online clinics will follow label-based eligibility:
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), or
- BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes)
- Expanded indications:
- Wegovy — cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with obesity/overweight and established cardiovascular disease
- Zepbound — treatment of moderate–to–severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity
4. Understand cost and insurance coverage
GLP-1 and dual-agonist weight loss medications are highly effective — but they’re also some of the most expensive treatments on the market. Whether you're paying out of pocket or hoping to use insurance, it's critical to understand the full cost landscape before choosing a clinic.
Cost factors
- Medication type (brand vs compounded)
- Dose and supply format (single-dose pens vs multi-dose vials)
- Insurance coverage and prior authorization success
- Clinic membership or consultation fees
Current pricing for weight loss injections
| Option | Monthly Cost (No Insurance) | Notes |
| Wegovy / Zepbound | $800–$1,300 | Retail cash price at most U.S. pharmacies |
| With insurance | $0–$100 copay | Requires prior authorization + diagnosis |
| Compounded GLP-1s | $150–$400 | Cash-only; varies by clinic and supplier |
Even if you plan to use compounded medications for cost reasons, choose a clinic that can check your insurance benefits; you may qualify for brand-name coverage or manufacturer discounts.
5. Vet the clinic’s quality and telehealth practices
The convenience of online weight loss clinics is real, but so is the risk of working with providers who cut corners or operate without proper medical oversight.
Here’s how to separate credible telehealth programs from red flags.
Provider qualifications
- Board-certified MDs, NPs, or PAs
- Preferably with experience in:
- Obesity medicine
- Endocrinology
- Internal medicine
Medication transparency
- Clear disclosure if medications are brand-name, compounded, or both
- If compounded: pharmacy details, sourcing, and safety protocols
Follow-up and support
- Regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly)
- Dose adjustments based on progress and side effects
- Direct messaging or telehealth access for urgent concerns
Regulatory compliance
- GLP-1s are not controlled substances, so they can be prescribed via telehealth
- State laws may still require a video consult for first prescriptions
Red flags to avoid:
- No live consult before prescribing
- No mention of pharmacy or medication source
- Unrealistic claims
✅ Final checklist before you choose a clinic
Ask these 5 questions before choosing a clinic:
- Who reviews my intake and prescribes the medication?
- Is the medication brand-name, compounded, or both?
- Where is the medication sourced and compounded?
- How often will I be monitored?
- Can I talk to a real provider if something goes wrong?
FAQs
Q. Can I get Ozempic for weight loss online?
A. Yes. Some clinics prescribe it off-label, though Wegovy is the FDA-approved option for weight management. Compounded semaglutide is also available through certain telehealth providers.
Q. Is Zepbound better than Wegovy?
A. In SURMOUNT-5, Zepbound showed greater average weight loss, but individual response, insurance, and tolerance all matter.
Q. Will my insurance cover GLP-1 medications?
A. Coverage varies widely. Check your plan and ask if the clinic provides prior authorization support. Medicare covers Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction in eligible patients.
Q. Are compounded GLP-1s safe?
A. Yes, when sourced from reputable, state-licensed compounding pharmacies using FDA-registered ingredients. Ask for transparency on sourcing and lab testing.
How soon will I see results?
A. Most weight loss occurs over 6–12 months. Expect gradual progress, with the greatest early losses in the first 4–6 months.
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