GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are designed to mimic a hormone, GLP-1, that your body naturally produces. That hormone helps lower blood sugar, delays stomach emptying, and ultimately helps you feel full. GLP-1 medications are meant to have the same effect.
Most people have heard of these medications by now, and they’ve been game-changers for many people managing their weight or blood sugar. But it’s important to note that GLP-1 medications aren’t necessarily the right choice for everyone, and they can come with drawbacks—for example, they aren’t always covered by insurance, which can result in a high price tag, and compounded versions of GLP-1 medications are often marketed alongside branded medications despite not being FDA-approved.
But one of the major advantages of GLP-1s is that they’re now frequently available via online GLP-1 platforms, meaning nine-to-fivers focused on their careers can skip the doctor’s office and get a prescription online if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, there are pros and cons to this approach, outlined below in addition to tester feedback about each program. Find out what our testers loved and disliked, and the key things our experts said to avoid in a GLP-1 program.
Disclaimer: This review discusses FDA-approved branded semaglutide medications only. Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight management in eligible patients; Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes in eligible patients. Compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved and are outside the scope of this review.
Best Online GLP-1 Programs of 2026
- Best Online GLP-1 Program Overall: Noom Med
- Best Online GLP-1 Program for Returning Patients: Remedy Meds
- Best Online GLP-1 Program Without Insurance: Shed
- Best Online GLP-1 Program with Oral GLP-1s: Ro
- Best Versatile Online GLP-1 Program: Hims & Hers
- Best Online GLP-1 Program for Beginners: Mochi Health
- Best Online GLP-1 Program with Additional Support: Weight Watchers
Best Online GLP-1 Programs Comparison Table
Note: Many of these programs also offered compounded GLP-1 medications, which are not tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy.
Best Online GLP-1 Program Overall: Noom Med
Noom Med
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Noom
- Our thoughts: Our tester appreciated the detailed questionnaire and quick approval
- Who it’s for: Professionals looking for an efficient yet thorough evaluation process that helps them get medication quickly if approved, but has a sense of thoroughness in the approval process
- What makes it different: No direct communication with the clinician
Pros
- Comprehensive questionnaire
- Quick evaluation process
- Low initial fee
Cons
- There wasn’t a virtual meeting or phone call with a clinician
- Medication costs typically increase as dosage increases
Our Thoughts on Noom
Noom Med, which is owned by the digital health platform Noom, connects members with clinicians who can prescribe weight-loss medications if members are eligible. The majority of available medications are GLP-1s, including some compounded drugs (which aren’t FDA-approved). Noom Med also advertises not only access to medication for qualified individuals, but tailored support “so you can lose the weight, keep it off, and potentially one day live med-free.”
To get started, interested individuals take a brief intake survey, which is reviewed by a clinician, and then medication is prescribed if necessary. The company says that after that, you can “stay on track with unlimited access to your clinician and medication refills, where clinically appropriate.”

Clementine, a Noom Med user, shared her experience using the platform. She said it took roughly 15 minutes to complete the assessment, which covered topics like weight history, medical history, prescriptions or current medications, lifestyle, diet, exercise, and previous weight loss attempts. “I felt like the intake was very thorough and it made me trust Noom more,” said Clementine, adding, “It did take some time to get through the questions, but I’d rather ensure they have all the information versus just willy-nilly handing me something.” She rated the assessment experience a 5 out of 5.
“I think it was only like five minutes until I heard back that I was approved,” said Clementine, explaining, “I was sent messages from the medical professional with prescription information, dosage information, and lots of documentation on how to use the medicine. I did not get on a call or have to do any in-person visits.”
This kind of quick turnaround may appeal to people who are busy at work and need a GLP-1 program that doesn’t require a big time commitment, though in general we advise looking for a program with clinician contact. Clementine also said Noom Med told her there would be some follow-up when she’d nearly completed her initial dosage.
Clementine said the medication was shipped two days after the prescription was approved, and she received it three days after it shipped. She said she paid an initial fee of $41 to Noom Med, and then around $300 for the first month of medicine. “The cost will go up (not sure how much) after the first month because the dose will be higher,” she explained, noting, “You pay for the meds one month at a time, and there is a subscription fee to Noom Med, which is paid every 12 weeks and costs approximately $400.”
“Overall, I would definitely recommend Noom Med based on my experience thus far. It was easy to sign up, and even though the cost is still kind of high in my opinion, it is still cheaper than going out of pocket since my insurance doesn’t cover these types of medications. I’m looking forward to getting through my intro dose and seeing how the rest of the process goes!” She rated the overall experience a 4 out of 5 and gave a 5 out of 5 for the likelihood she’d recommend Noom Med to others.
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Foundayo, generic liraglutide
- Insurance accepted: If you have insurance, Noom Med works to help maximize your coverage for medication and clinician services, but there’s a cash-pay option if you don’t have insurance
- Membership cost: Starts at $39 for the Noom Med telehealth program, plus the cost of medication
Best Online GLP-1 Program for Returning Patients: Remedy Meds
Remedy Meds
| Fortune score | 3.5/5 |
at Remedy Meds
- Our thoughts: Our tester liked the simple, straightforward questionnaire and that there was no long-term commitment
- Who it’s for: Experienced GLP-1 users who may not need as much education surrounding medication options
- What makes it different: The streamlined questionnaire designed to be completed quickly
Pros
- Short, streamlined questionnaire
- Access to licensed clinicians
- HSA/FSA accepted
Cons
- Not much educational support when choosing a medication
- No opportunity to meet with clinician until after choosing a medication
- Fewer branded GLP-1s available
Our Thoughts on Remedy Meds
Remedy Meds advertises personalized GLP-1 treatment and “unlimited clinician-led care,” with the focus being primarily on compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. The company also offers Ozempic and Zepbound, and the site says it takes 90 seconds to get your personalized plan.
Chloe used Remedy Meds, saying the assessment took “roughly five minutes or less” and was pretty straightforward and simple. “I didn’t find the assessment to be cumbersome,” she said, adding, “I think the company asks the most important health-related questions, including asking about health history, current medications, and more.” She rated the assessment experience a 3.5 out of 5.

Our tester said she was given an option to choose between certain medications and noted that this platform might be best for experienced GLP-1 users because “there wasn’t too much guidance on which medication to choose.” Chloe said she was able to schedule a consultation with a provider after choosing her medication, however.
As for costs, “I like that there are no membership fees with Remedy Meds,” said Chloe, explaining, “You pay monthly, but there’s no long-term commitment.” She said the medications are also HSA/FSA eligible. This might appeal to professionals who want a pared-down option where you simply pay for medication, and that’s it, with no further commitment or membership to manage.
Chloe rated the overall experience of using Remedy Meds a 3.5 out of 5, saying, “I think the platform is easy to use and straight to the point, which is a pro for folks who are knowledgeable and know what they want. For newbies, I think a more educational telehealth platform may be ideal.” She rated Remedy Meds a 3.5 out of 5 on the likelihood she’d recommend it to others.
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Ozempic, Zepbound
- Insurance accepted: No insurance accepted
- Membership cost: Prices start at $1,299 per month
Best Online GLP-1 Program Without Insurance: Shed
Shed
| Fortune score | 3.5/5 |
at Shed
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved how easy it was to use this platform, and we liked that she had an actual meeting with a provider
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want the chance to ask questions directly with a provider, and who want medication quickly
- What makes it different: A post-questionnaire meeting with a provider
Pros
- Opportunity to meet with a provider early on and ask questions
- Quick approval process
- Medication arrived soon after sign-up
Cons
- Provider visit was very brief
- Meeting with provider began late and didn’t provide any updates on wait time
Our Thoughts on Shed
Shed is a digital health platform, and it offers numerous GLP-1 medications—both branded and compounded—as part of its weight-loss category. The website advertises personalized, provider-led treatment plans and ongoing support throughout the process.
We got feedback about Shed from Catherine, who received GLP-1 medication from the platform.
Catherine first needed to complete an assessment. She said of the experience, “I appreciated how quick the form was to complete while also addressing all major areas. Other forms were long because, between each section, they included information about the product or website. And since I didn’t want to miss anything important or a question, I would read each one.” But with Shed’s assessment, said Catherine, “The assessment provided simple options and asked what I would be interested in taking. I had no issues completing the form or any other website experience issues.” She also reported that she received results instantly. Catherine rated the assessment experience a 4.5 out of 5.
“Upon completing my initial questionnaire, it prompted me to schedule a 15-minute virtual appointment with a provider,” said Catherine, who was impressed that she was able to get something scheduled for the following morning. When the actual appointment time arrived, Catherine said, “I did have to wait for the provider for 11 minutes before they logged on. I was worried that I was on the wrong link or missed something.”
She noted that the provider with whom she was meeting did not have their camera on and asked if Catherine was familiar with the medication or had any questions. They ultimately said they’d approve the prescription and that Catherine could expect a follow-up appointment in one month. “It took about 45 seconds, and then the call was over,” said Catherine. She rated her experience with the medical provider a 3 out of 5. While we appreciate that she actually had a call with a provider after completing her questionnaire, some professionals might find the very short meeting time unacceptable if they’re used to having ample time to ask follow-up questions in meetings.
As for price, her medication was $299 for a one-month supply. “There are various prices listed on the website based on which product you select,” said Catherine, adding, “They do accept FSA/HSA payments, and there were no hidden or surprising fees.” She also added that she received the medication one day after it shipped, and it shipped one day after the prescription was approved.
Catherine rated the overall experience a 4 out of 5, saying, “The experience has been great thus far. Very simple and easy to navigate. Pretty user-friendly as well. I wish the provider had given some information about the product and usage, but I also acknowledge that I said I didn’t have any questions. Also, the approval process and shipping were super easy, and I appreciated how quick it was.”
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Foundayo, Wegovy, Zepbound
- Insurance accepted: No insurance required, cash-pay only
- Membership cost: Ranges from $99 to $125/month depending on medication, plus the cost of medication
Best Online GLP-1 Program with Oral GLP-1s: Ro
Ro
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Ro
- Our thoughts: Our testers felt confident that the intake questionnaire was similar to what an in-office experience would be like, only more convenient.
- Who it’s for: Busy professionals looking for an experience that feels similar to a doctor’s office visit
- What makes it different: The detailed follow-up questions on the intake survey, and the upfront membership payment
Pros
- Thorough intake questionnaire
- Relevant follow-up questions asked during intake process
- Oral GLP-1 options, like the Wegovy pill, are available
Cons
- Challenging to get information from their website because they try to make you complete questionnaire first
- Need to pay membership fee before a provider reviews the intake questionnaire
Our Thoughts on Ro
Ro is a digital health platform that, like many other programs in this lineup, offers different categories of services for issues pertaining to hair, skin, fertility, and more—including weight loss. When it comes to accessing weight-loss medications, the website advertises the monthly membership as low as $74 per month and “lowest cash-pay prices for FDA-approved medication with manufacturer discounts passed directly to you.” The company also accepts insurance and has oral GLP-1 medications, like the Wegovy pill, not just injections.
Our tester Juliette tried Ro and said the initial assessment took about 10 to 15 minutes. “The questionnaire seemed very comprehensive to me,” she said, explaining, “It asked me a lot of personal questions such as my weight, health goals, medications, and efforts to lose weight in the past. It seemed like the questionnaire asked everything that an in-person provider would have asked, except I didn’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops to set up an appointment.”
Juliette also noted that the questionnaire was designed to ask the necessary follow-up questions when appropriate, which she appreciated. As she said, “For example, if I checked that I had a preexisting health condition, it asked me about severity, treatment, and when I was diagnosed.” Juliette rated the questionnaire a 5 out of 5.
According to Juliette, the initial assessment doesn’t require interaction with a licensed provider, but a Ro-affiliated provider reviews the information to determine whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you. At the time of this writing, Juliette hadn’t yet met with a provider or been prescribed any medication, but she noted that before you can meet with a provider, you need to pay for the membership—and then, if you’re deemed ineligible for treatment, you’d receive a refund.
Overall, Juliette rated Ro a 4.5 out of 5, and a 4 out of 5 for the likelihood that she’d recommend it to others.
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Zepbound, Wegovy, Foundayo, Ozempic, Saxenda
- Insurance accepted: Patients with any form of government insurance are not eligible for Ro, otherwise Ro works with your insurance company to help get costs covered; you can also opt for cash payment
- Membership cost: $45 for the first month, $145/month after that, plus the cost of medication
Best Versatile Online GLP-1 Program: Hims & Hers
Hims & Hers
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Hims & Hers
- Our thoughts: Our tester appreciated the evaluation questions, though would have preferred meeting with a clinician afterward before receiving a prescription
- Who it’s for: Busy professionals looking for a weight-loss medication with fast delivery
- What makes it different: Cash-pay only and quick turnaround times
Pros
- Simple onboarding process
- Quick shipping available
- Option to speak with a clinician after signing up for an account
Cons
- No meeting with a medical provider after completing the questionnaire
- Cash-pay only, insurance not accepted
Our Thoughts on Hims & Hers
Hims & Hers are technically two different telehealth companies, but they have the same parent company. They’re essentially the same platform, just with different target audiences. While Hims and Hers each offer assistance with various things—hair loss, skin care, and more—we looked closely at their weight-loss program. Both Hims and Hers offer multiple GLP-1 options, oftentimes in multiple forms. For example, Wegovy is available in both pill and pen form, and Zepbound is available in a vial or as a pen.
Our tester, Grady, used Hims and shared his experience. He said of onboarding, “The process didn’t involve talking to a medical professional. It was just a simple series of questions that took about 10 minutes, and then the website presented me with several products approved by a medical provider.” He found the assessment experience pretty straightforward, rating it a 4 out of 5.

After completing the questionnaire and getting approved for a prescription, Grady said he then selected next-day shipping, and the medication arrived on time. “So the entire process was only two days for me, but if you opted for standard shipping, it would probably be closer to a week,” he said.
As for costs, Grady said, “I paid out of pocket. It was $39 for the first month, then $149 a month after that.”
“I definitely loved how simple and quick the process was,” said Grady, explaining, “The questions were easy to answer while still being sensitive and thorough. I felt like the website was really taking my body type and busy lifestyle into account. That said, it would have been nice to actually talk to a medical provider, rather than just being told I was approved—just in case I had questions.”
For those who prioritize extensive research, as many top performers do, be aware that this platform doesn’t necessarily offer a provider visit after the intake survey. However, Grady also explained, “Once you’ve signed up for an account, there’s a portal where you can talk to medical personnel if you want. So maybe I’ll do that down the line.”
Grady rated his overall experience a 4 out of 5, and gave another 4 out of 5 for the likelihood he’d recommend this platform to others.
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Wegovy, Zepbound, Foundayo, Ozempic, Mounjaro
- Insurance accepted: No
- Membership cost: $39 for the first month, then $149/month plus the cost of medication
Best Online GLP-1 Program for Beginners: Mochi Health
Mochi Health
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Mochi Health
- Our thoughts: Our tester felt this platform was very beginner-friendly, and he liked the emphasis on clinician support
- Who it’s for: Professionals with limited knowledge of GLP-1s who want to make sure they speak with a provider prior to receiving a prescription
- What makes it different: Prescription not issued until after meeting with a provider
Pros
- Easy intake survey
- Clinician meeting prior to receiving a prescription
- Overall experience felt friendly for beginners
Cons
- No estimate provided regarding intake review turnaround time
- More experienced GLP-1 users may prefer to receive a prescription prior to meeting with a clinician
Our Thoughts on Mochi Health
Mochi Health advertises “personalized care” for various things, including dermatology, hair, mental health, and GLP-1 medications. The website notes that Mochi Health offers access to board-certified doctors, clinically backed treatments, and medical guidance, and also says that users receive “ongoing guidance from providers, dietitians, and care teams throughout your journey.”
Our tester, Gavin, said it took 10 to 15 minutes to complete the initial assessment, explaining, “I think this survey was pretty easy, and it didn’t take a long time at all. Mochi Health covers all the bases, including my health history, family health history, lifestyle, and current medications. They did not provide an estimate of how long it would take to hear about results.” He rated the assessment experience a 4 out of 5.
At the time of writing, Gavin had not yet met with a provider, though he noted that any medication he receives would be selected with guidance from a clinician. He also said, ‘With Mochi Health, you do not get prescribed any medication right away; you need to first meet with a clinician.” We think busy consultants and executives used to doing their due diligence would appreciate this emphasis on the clinician review step, which helps ensure medications are being responsibly prescribed.
As for costs, “The medications vary in fee, depending on what your doctor recommends,” said Gavin, adding, “However, it’s important to know they have a separate monthly membership fee of $79, which you have to pay alongside your medication cost.”
Gavin rated Mochi Health a 4 out of 5 overall, and another 4 out of 5 for the likelihood he’d recommend it to others. “I think the online assessment is easy and accessible for most people,” he said, explaining, “They cover all the relevant questions, and I like that you don’t necessarily select a medication before you meet with your doctor because I don’t know a lot going into it. I think this makes Mochi Health pretty beginner friendly.”
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic,
- Insurance accepted: Insurance coverage varies depending on treatment plan, provider, and medication type. Some may be eligible for insurance coverage, while others may be self-pay. Mochi helps members with this process
- Membership cost: For new subscribers prices are $79 for one month; $167 for three months; $314 for six months; or $548 for 12 months
Best Online GLP-1 Program with Additional Support: Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Weight Watchers
- Our thoughts: Our tester said the intake survey took about five minutes, and she liked having the option to pay with insurance or out of pocket
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want the convenience of an online platform plus the added nutrition and fitness support
- What makes it different: The focus on not only weight loss, but behavior changes as well
Pros
- Short intake survey
- Both insurance and cash-pay accepted
- Additional support available, including for nutrition and fitness
Cons
- Initial survey felt somewhat incomplete, lacking key questions about lifestyle
- Membership fee required in addition to medication costs, though that’s fairly common across these types of platforms
Our Thoughts on Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers Med+ program aims to make it easy and convenient for eligible individuals to get weight-loss medication, including GLP-1s. One of Weight Watchers’ selling points is that its program helps people build and maintain healthy habits by assigning each person a care team for regular check-ins and using the Weight Watchers app to support habit-building.
The sign-up process is as follows: Take an online survey to see if you’re eligible for a GLP-1 or other medication; have a telehealth consultation with a board-certified clinician who can determine if medication is a safe and appropriate choice for you; get your prescription (if you’re deemed eligible) and go through insurance approval; receive your medication; and then receive ongoing support after that, if desired.

Our tester, Ellen, said the Weight Watchers assessment was quite short, taking about five minutes. She said the questions were brief and that the assessment didn’t feel cumbersome, though she added, “I would have loved to see a few more questions about my current exercise routine and diet; however, they asked the most basic health questions, and my doctor will go over the rest with me.” She rated the assessment a 4 out of 5.
“I was not able to choose a treatment for myself; however, once I entered my height and weight, the assessment asked if I was open to weight-loss medication or if I wanted to try the WW program instead. I like that this platform gives folks multiple options—it seems like the goal really is to help people lose weight with whatever form makes them most comfortable.”
“I have not had my check-in with my doctor yet; however, I did qualify for a GLP-1,” said Ellen, adding, “I like that Weight Watchers offers FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including both injection and injection-free options. I also like that you do have the option of going through insurance or paying out of pocket.” She did note that there’s a separate membership fee to continue getting access to a licensed clinician, but she understood it’s not uncommon for that to be the case.
One other thing Ellen commented on was the additional support available. “I also like that personalized nutrition counseling and fitness plans are part of the Med+ membership,” she explained, saying she likes Weight Watchers’ “holistic approach” to weight loss.
Ellen rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5, and another 4 out of 5 for the likelihood she’d recommend it to a friend. For people who work all day and don’t always have time to meet with a dietician or head to the gym, having nutrition and fitness support as part of their GLP-1 program might be useful.
Specs:
- Branded GLP-1 medication offered: Wegovy, Foundayo, Zepbound, Ozempic, Saxenda
- Insurance accepted: They will work with your insurance to minimize out-of-pocket costs, or you can do cash pay
- Membership cost: $25/month for the first two months on a 12-month plan, then $74/month for the remainder of that plan, plus the cost of medication
Why the Right Online GLP-1 Program Matters to Professionals
For professionals interested in GLP-1 usage, finding the right medication platform can result in three key things: identifying the right medication, consultation with a licensed provider, and the convenience of getting medication delivered directly to your home. All three of these can directly impact workplace performance by ensuring you’re taking a medication best suited for your unique needs, and by ordering and receiving the medication without having to take time off work to go to the doctor’s office or pharmacy.
These online GLP-1 programs are known for their convenience, which helps you stay focused on other priorities. That said, you should always consult a healthcare professional before seeking access to a GLP-1 medication.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Online GLP-1 Programs
Here’s what we looked for when testing online GLP-1 programs.
Safety
Because GLP-1s require prescriptions and medical supervision, we prioritized sites that are widely recognized and that have affiliations with actual healthcare providers.
Availability and Accessibility
We generally sought to include platforms that are accessible to most people in the United States, though there may be slight variation in accessibility from program to program.

First-Person Trials
We worked with testers who either initiated or completed the signup process, and we also tried to include testers of different ages, genders, body types, and backgrounds.
Convenience
We looked for platforms that deliver directly to your home, as we know convenience is important.
Value
Assessing value is usually quite subjective; what matters most to you may matter less to another person. We looked at several factors that are often part of the equation, though, including things like insurance and membership costs, as well as medication costs.
How Online GLP-1 Programs Work
According to Jay Luthar, M.D., an instructor at Harvard Medical School and the founder and medical director at Lutanen Health in Boston, “Your gut naturally makes a hormone called GLP-1. It gets released when you eat, and it does a few jobs at once: it slows down how fast food leaves your stomach so you feel full longer, it signals your brain that you’ve had enough, and it helps control blood sugar by telling the pancreas to release insulin and to stop releasing a hormone that raises blood sugar.”

But the catch is that your natural GLP-1 gets broken down within minutes, said Luthar, whereas “the medications people call ‘GLP-1s’ are lab-made lookalikes that fit into the same receptors but stick around for days instead of minutes.” They activate those same signals, meaning less hunger, feeling full sooner, and steadier blood sugar, according to Luthar.
Types of GLP-1 Medications
There are many types of GLP-1 medications available, some more popular than others. For example, many people have heard of brand-name medications like Ozempic, but folks might be less familiar with Saxenda or Trulicity.
It’s also important to note that these medications are often approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for different reasons. For example, in the semaglutide category, Ozempic is approved to help improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health, while Wegovy is approved to help support weight loss in people with overweight and obesity. So while two GLP-1 drugs may appear in the same category, they may be FDA-approved and prescribed for different reasons. And then, adding to the complexity of this topic, some GLP-1s may also be prescribed for off-label use.
Luthar gave an overview of some of the most popular GLP-1s, noting, “Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the two dominating the conversation right now,” while “Liraglutide is older and is used much less than it once was. Dulaglutide is another that’s still widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes.” Here’s how he described them:
- Liraglutide: “A GLP-1 medication that wears off faster, so it’s a daily injection. It’s also meaningfully less effective for weight loss than the newer two, and more people stop it because of side effects.”
- Semaglutide: “A GLP-1 medication engineered to last about a week, so it’s a weekly injection. It also has the strongest track record for the outcomes that matter most beyond the scale: it’s been shown in large trials to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
- Tirzepatide: “This one activates two hormone systems (GLP-1 and GIP) instead of one. In head-to-head comparisons it produces the largest average weight loss and the biggest blood sugar improvements.”
Luthar also explained, “Because tirzepatide leads on weight and semaglutide leads on proven heart benefits, professional guidelines currently treat both as first-choice options rather than crowning one winner. The right choice depends on someone’s medical history, other medications, insurance, and what they’re trying to achieve, which is a conversation for a clinician who knows the whole picture.”
Possible Side Effects
Luthar also cautioned, “These are real medications with real trade-offs, not a shortcut,” explaining that the most common problems are stomach-related and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. They’re usually worst when GLP-1 medication dosage is increased, but side effects often taper off afterward. “Going slowly with the dose helps,” said Luthar, who noted the following other possible side effects:
- “Less common but more serious issues include gallbladder problems, inflammation of the pancreas, and worsening of existing diabetic eye disease.”
- “Because food sits in the stomach longer, anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists need to know someone is on one of these before surgery or a scope.”
- “Some of the weight lost is muscle and bone, not just fat, which is one reason protein intake and strength training matter alongside the medication.”
- “They should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or the genetic condition MEN 2, and they aren’t for use in pregnancy.”
This is why you need to have a conversation with a doctor who understands your overall health, like a primary care provider you’ve worked with for years, said Luthar.

How to Find the Best Online GLP-1 Programs for You
If you’ve discussed GLP-1 usage with a healthcare provider and feel ready to choose an online program, here are some things to consider.
Insurance Coverage
We recommend contacting your health insurance provider to confirm which GLP-1 medications and online programs your plan covers. You can sometimes find insurance eligibility information directly on the various programs’ websites, but we still recommend confirming coverage directly with your insurance provider.
Provider Support
Consider how much support you’re looking for in an online GLP-1 program, and keep that in mind while examining options. If that information is not clearly outlined on the company website, we recommend contacting customer service to determine how much support is offered throughout the signup process and beyond. For example, is a telehealth provider visit required before you receive a prescription? Are there dietitians available to answer questions about appropriate nutritional intake while on a GLP-1? Think about what type of support might benefit you, as each program has its own approach.
Medication Options
Different GLP-1 programs offer different types of medication, so make sure the medication your healthcare provider recommends is offered by whichever program you select. If you’re unsure of which GLP-1 you’ll take, consider choosing a program that offers a wide variety of options.
Cost
Costs vary widely depending on which medication you’re prescribed, your insurance coverage, any added program fees, and so on. Make sure you’re clear on costs before committing, keeping in mind that some of the costs may be recurring.
Clinical Testing and Safety
Anyone interested in a GLP-1 medication should be aware of the difference between branded medications, which are FDA approved for specific uses, and compounded medications, which are not tested for safety, efficacy, or quality before they are sold. We focused on branded GLP-1 medications for this article because they’re FDA approved.
Benefits of Online GLP-1 Programs for Weight Management
Here are some of the upsides of using an online GLP-1 program.
- No in-person visit necessary: These online platforms allow you to get a prescription from the comfort of your own home, instead of having to take time off from work to see your healthcare provider.
- Clinician access: While it may not be the same as a traditional doctor visit, most of these GLP-1 programs still offer access to a licensed clinician who reviews your history before authorizing any kind of prescription. Some sites even advertise unlimited access or immediate appointments, meaning consumers can still receive medical supervision even though it’s via telehealth rather than in person.
- Additional support in some cases: Certain platforms might offer additional support in the form of dietician visits, or access to other types of healthcare professionals.
- Medication delivery: Many GLP-1 programs will ship medication directly to your door, saving you a trip to the pharmacy.
Additionally, said Luthar, “These programs have expanded access to these medications, which can be particularly beneficial for people who live in an area where healthcare resources are limited.” However, he added, “Convenience isn’t the same as comprehensive care.” Luthar explained that managing a GLP-1 well involves more than writing a prescription, saying, “The doctor should prescribe based on the patient’s goals and a full picture of their health, monitor for side effects, and offer guidance on the lifestyle changes that make these medications more effective. This can be difficult to do in an online model if the patient-physician relationship starts and ends with the prescription.”
How to Take GLP-1s
Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider for instructions on how to take any GLP-1 medication that you’re prescribed, as it’s not necessarily the same for every medication. According to Luthar, dosing schedules can vary depending on the medication, and the medication form can also vary. For example, he said liraglutide wears off faster, so it’s a daily injection, whereas semaglutide is engineered to last about a week, so it’s a weekly injection.
What to Avoid in Online GLP-1 Programs
According to Luthar, people should look for:
- A licensed clinician who actually reviews the case and can be reached afterward
- Scheduled follow-up visits built in, not sold as an add-on
- Prescriptions for an FDA-approved, brand-name product
Luthar identified some red flags as well, suggesting people avoid the following:
- A “custom,” “personalized,” or compounded version instead of the approved drug: “These are not FDA-approved, not generics, and testing has found problems with dosing accuracy, purity, and contamination,” said Luthar, adding, “Overdoses from compounded products have landed people in the hospital. If a site pushes a custom blend or added vitamins, walk away.”
- Marketing that promises a prescription in minutes, or implies the medication is right for basically everyone
- No way to reach a clinician after the first order
- A checkout that feels more like buying sneakers than seeing a doctor
Our Experts
For this article, we spoke with Jay Luthar, M.D., an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and the founder and medical director at Lutanen Health in Boston.
He’s a board-certified internist who prescribes GLP-1 medications to patients when necessary and also speaks about longevity medicine, healthy aging, advanced diagnostics, lifestyle medicine, and current healthcare trends and new medical research.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
We consider Noom Med the best GLP-1 program overall, as we appreciated the detailed online assessment and efficient review process—all things that might appeal to a busy professional who wants to save time but make sure a job is done thoroughly. We’d ideally have preferred more direct contact with a licensed clinician, but Noom Med does offer the opportunity to communicate with a clinician via asynchronous chat. Finally, we liked having the option to use insurance or select cash-pay.
Editor’s Note: Some GLP-1 programs may offer unbranded—or compounded—medications in addition to FDA-approved, branded medications like Ozempic® or Wegovy®. We excluded compounded medications in this review, as these medications are not tested for safety or effectiveness. Additionally, readers should be aware that sometimes FDA-approved medications may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. We encourage anyone interested in GLP-1 medication to discuss their questions and/or concerns with a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to order GLP-1 online?
We named Noom Med the best overall platform, but reader preferences may vary depending on medications offered, whether insurance is accepted, and more. Be sure to think about what’s most important to you in a GLP-1 platform and choose accordingly.
What is the most reliable GLP-1 telemedicine option?
The programs highlighted in this article were all found to be reliable telemedicine options, but there can be variation in how the program itself operates, its features, the frequency of contact with a clinician, and so on.
How much is a GLP-1 without a membership fee?
We highlighted medication costs in the table above, but it’s hard to predict exact costs because it depends on the platform you’re using, whether or not you’re using insurance, the medication you’re prescribed, the dose, and more. We recommend reaching out to a specific platform directly, by emailing or chatting with the customer service team, to get more specific information about medication pricing.

