5 Things to Know Before Choosing an Online Weight Loss Clinic
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 understand is which medications they can prescribe.
Brand-name FDA-approved GLP-1s and dual-agonists
These drugs have been studied extensively in large clinical trials and have FDA approval for weight management:
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) – Chronic weight management; cardiovascular risk reduction
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) – Chronic weight management; moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) – Chronic weight management
Some brand-name GLP-1s like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Compounded GLP-1s and dual-agonists
Many online clinics also offer compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide through licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies. These custom-made medications are often at a lower cost and may be available in forms or doses not offered by brand-name manufacturers.
- Advantages: lower price, more flexible supply during brand shortages, potential for alternative formulations (e.g., multi-dose vials).
- Considerations: It must be sourced from a reputable, state-licensed pharmacy; product quality can vary; it is not FDA-approved but legal if prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies for individual prescriptions.
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
While trial results are encouraging, it’s important to note that:
- Weight regain is common if treatment stops (documented in STEP-4 and post-discontinuation analyses).
- Individual response varies — some people may lose more or less than the average.
- Lifestyle support matters — participants in these trials received nutrition and activity counseling alongside medication.
Ask any online clinic how they monitor progress and adjust dosing. Following the titration schedule from the trials can improve results and minimize side effects.
3. Know the Safety Profile and Eligibility Criteria
GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP medications are generally safe when used under medical supervision, but they aren’t right for everyone. Understanding potential side effects, contraindications, and eligibility criteria can help you choose a clinic that matches your health profile.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort
- Typically, most noticeable during dose escalation; manageable with gradual titration
Rare but serious risks
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney injury from dehydration
- Hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)
Eligibility (general)
- BMI ≥ 30, or
- BMI ≥ 27 with ≥1 weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes)
- Some indications (Wegovy for CV risk, Zepbound for OSA) expand eligibility
Safe use of compounded GLP-1s
If choosing compounded medications:
- Confirm the compounding pharmacy is state-licensed and uses FDA-registered API suppliers
- Ask your clinic for a certificate of analysis (CoA) verifying purity and potency
- Ensure prescriptions are individualized — bulk “pre-filled” orders without a patient name are a red flag
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
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4. Understand Cost and Insurance Coverage
GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications can be life-changing, but they’re also among the most expensive weight management treatments on the market. Whether you’re paying out of pocket or hoping for insurance coverage, it’s essential to understand how pricing works and what support options are available.
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
- Without insurance: $800–$1,300/month for Wegovy or Zepbound retail
- With insurance: Copays may range from $0–$100/month after meeting prior authorization requirements.
- Compounded versions: Often $150–$400/month
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 an online weight loss clinic is appealing, but the quality of care can vary widely. A reputable telehealth provider should offer not just a prescription, but comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management.
Provider qualifications
- Board-certified MDs, NPs, or PAs
- Experience in obesity medicine or endocrinology
- Multidisciplinary support (dietitians, behavioral coaches)
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
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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