Where to Get a Prescription for GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Online

While Ozempic might be making headlines every day, it’s not the main GLP-1 approved for weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three GLP-1 medications for weight loss: Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

All other GLP-1 medications (like the aforementioned Ozempic) are FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes, but some are also being prescribed off-label for weight loss.
With the FDA approvals of several GLP-1s, though, prescriptions are on the rise, with 9 million prescriptions written in the last three months of 2022 alone.

This has made it difficult for the companies manufacturing this drug to keep up with demand, leading to shortages that are likely to continue through 2025.
During shortages like this, the FDA allows for certain compound pharmacies to offer compounded drugs — or copies of the brand-name drug — to help bridge the gap for patients looking to fill their prescriptions.

This has led to several online pharmacies to begin offering these compound GLP-1s. However, because compounded drugs have not been FDA-approved, it’s very important to make sure you fill your prescription at a licensed compound pharmacy. “Obtaining medications from unauthorized sources or without proper medical oversight can pose significant health risks, including the potential for counterfeit or substandard products, inadequate dosing, and adverse drug interactions,” explains Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a pharmacist with SingleCare.

So whether you have a prescription for a GLP-1, or you’re interested in seeing if you’d be a good candidate for one, we’ve done the research for you to help you find legitimate online pharmacies and telehealth companies prescribing and filling prescriptions for GLP-1s. Here are those online providers offering these services:

Who’s a Good Candidate for the New Weight Loss Medications?

Leading endocrinologist Caroline Messer, MD, offers her advice on the newest weight loss medications.
Who’s a Good Candidate for the New Weight Loss Medications?

Where to Get a Prescription for GLP-1 Drugs Online

Most Convenient

Henry Meds

Pros

  • Compounded GLP-1s come in two- to three-month supplies
  • First prescription ships in two days
  • No long-term contracts required
  • 30-day full refund available (if needed)
  • Licensed U.S. clinicians
  • Price includes clinical support, medication
  • Can switch providers
  • Includes regular one-on-one telehealth meetings

Cons

  • Only compounded medications available
  • Doesn’t accept insurance
  • Not available in all states
  • Prices vary according to GLP-1 you’re prescribed
  • Higher medication prices if you don’t use their third-party pharmacies
  • No health coaching

Price:

  • $149 per month without GLP-1
  • $297 to $449 per month with GLP-1

The money-back guarantee, rigorous pharmacy standards, easy-to-use app, telehealth appointments, and low prices are what makes Henry Meds convenient. The company believes in being transparent and has no hidden fees.

Henry Meds’ GLP-1 plan is geared toward long-term weight management. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician who will only prescribe GLP-1s if they feel it’s suitable for your situation.

It’s worth noting that the reason Henry Meds can help you pay less for your GLP-1 prescription is because it does not send you name-brand drugs — only compounded versions of the medications you’re prescribed. Henry Meds only uses compounding pharmacies that are licensed by state boards and inspected by the FDA. If you choose to fill your prescription from Henry Meds at your local pharmacy — which it does allow you to do — just be aware the cost of your medication may be higher.

Henry Meds doesn’t offer health coaching, but it does offer monthly telehealth visits with your clinician and a two- to three-month supply of medicine shipped to your door in two days. The company is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant and LegitScript certified, and it uses strict security measures to keep your information safe.

Accepts Insurance

PlushCare

Pros

  • Accepts health insurance
  • Personalized program created by your doctor
  • Board-certified doctors trained in weight management
  • Includes weight-maintenance phase
  • Ongoing treatment with monthly virtual doctor visits
  • No commitment required
  • Can use your local pharmacy for prescriptions

Cons

  • GLP-1s cost extra, may not be covered by insurance
  • Expensive without insurance

Price:

  • With insurance: $16.99 per month, plus standard copay
  • Without insurance: $16.99 per month, plus $129 for the first visit and $99 for monthly visits

PlushCare offers personalized weight loss programs that are created for you by a board-certified physician. Once 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. Your health coach is available any time via the mobile app.

At PlushCare, GLP-1 medication is only available to people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and higher, or 27 and higher with comorbidities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. To help you find GLP-1 medication, PlushCare works with regulated and licensed pharmacies to provide compounded drugs.

PlushCare accepts insurance and is in network with most major insurance companies, which can help you also cut down on your out-of-pocket cost for your prescription. The company will also help you navigate the insurance company to try to get the GLP-1s covered. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician who will only prescribe GLP-1s if they feel it’s suitable for your situation.

Offers Weight Loss Coaching

Noom Med

Pros

  • Focus on behavior change through psychology
  • Personalized program
  • Daily psychology education lessons
  • Helps navigate insurance coverage for GLP-1s
  • Care team includes clinician and health coach

Cons

  • Strict eligibility criteria
  • Two subscription fees (Noom Med and Noom Weight)
  • Monthly membership fee doesn’t include GLP-1 medication
  • Only available in 35 states

Price:

  • $49 per month, plus the cost of Noom Weight
  • Noom Weight costs $70 per month or $209 per year

 

Not only does Noom offer GLP-1 drugs, it also offers weight loss coaching in a variety of formats so you can choose which works best for you. Formats include a personal health coach, group support, or an SOS plan. Instead of encouraging users to count every calorie, it has a color-based system of green, yellow, and orange foods. No food is off limits, but the program discourages calorie-dense (orange) foods, some of which are nutritious and satisfying. The Noom app allows you to track your food and access your personal health coach and your daily psychology-based lessons. In this way Noom treats the whole person — mind and body.

It’s easy to make sure your medication is coming from a legitimate pharmacy because Noom Med does not supply medications. It requires you to use a pharmacy of your choice that you know and trust. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician who only prescribes GLP-1s if they feel it’s best for you. Note: You may meet with a nurse practitioner instead of a physician.

And a heads-up on additional costs:

  • Requires lab work not covered by subscription fee
  • There’s a $72 cancellation charge if you cancel a doctor appointment within 24 hours

Read our honest Noom review.

Offers Nutrition Counseling

LillyDirect

Pros

  • Board-certified physicians
  • RDNs certified in obesity, weight management
  • 30-day full refund of onboarding fee
  • Help with mindset, nutrition, exercise
  • Message care team any time
  • No long-term contracts required
  • Includes regular telehealth calls

Cons

  • Monthly fee doesn’t include GLP-1 meds
  • Not available in all states
  • Must have primary care physician with ongoing care

Price:

  • $199 one-time onboarding fee
  • $99 to $199 per month

LillyDirect specializes in obesity and weight management, has rigorous standards for its pharmacies, and is the only GLP-1 weight loss program on our list that connects you with registered dietitians for nutrition counseling. Its board-certified physicians are affiliated with the American Board of Obesity Medicine. The company contracts with Form Health, a weight loss telehealth company, to offer its GLP-1 weight loss program. To qualify for GLP-1 medication, you have to have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with comorbidities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

The company’s weight loss plan is geared toward long-term weight management with a plan for the sixth month and beyond. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician who will only prescribe GLP-1s if they feel it’s suitable for you. Every month, the plan includes one virtual visit with your doctor and two virtual visits with a registered dietitian nutritionist. That person will help you determine what healthy foods are at your local grocery store, how to incorporate exercise into your day, and how to work on mindset shifts. They will also check in about possible medication side effects.

LillyDirect offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied after 30 days. The company is also HIPAA compliant and LegitScript certified, and it uses strict security measures to keep your health and financial information safe. LillyDirect only works with pharmacies that are licensed and accredited.

Offers a Weight Loss Plan

WW Clinic

Pros

  • Whole food, point-free nutrition program
  • Includes in-person and virtual workshops
  • Access to WW app
  • Works with insurance companies for GLP-1 coverage
  • No food restrictions
  • Virtual check-ups with board-certified health professionals

Cons

  • Program not for diabetics
  • Monthly fee doesn’t include GLP-1 medication
  • People on first-generation GLP-1s count WW points
  • No nutrition education
  • Doesn’t accept insurance

Prices:

  • $23 per month if your doctor prescribes GLP-1
  • $99 per month if you need WW to prescribe GLP-1s

WW has been around for more than 60 years and has evolved with the times. Formerly known as WeightWatchers, WW rebranded and teamed up with weight loss company Sequence for its prescription weight loss program.

WW recognizes that GLP-1 medications may lead to dehydration, so it encourages adequate water consumption for all of its members. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a provider. Your physician will only prescribe GLP-1s if they feel it’s suitable for your situation. WW works with Carepoint Pharmacy, a digital pharmacy that is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and Utilization Review Accreditation Commission. Note: You may meet with a nurse practitioner instead of a physician.

For more information, read our honest review of WW.

Offers Regular Doctor Consultations

Found

Pros

  • Physicians specialize in weight loss
  • Personalized nutrition and exercise advice
  • Works with your insurance to cover GLP-1
  • Doesn’t restrict foods
  • Monthly check-ins with physician
  • Guidance on stress management and sleep habits
  • Can address genetic and hormonal issues

Cons

  • Only available in 42 states
  • Doesn’t accept insurance
  • GLP-1s cost extra
  • Expensive unless you commit for several months

Prices:

  • $129 per month with three-month commitment
  • $99 per month with six-month commitment

Found offers a full-care team led by a physician who specializes in weight loss. The program offers a holistic approach to weight loss, which includes diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication (when necessary). The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician, who will only prescribe medication if it’s indicated. Access to GLP-1s is only available to people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with comorbidities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Found uses third-party pharmacies that it calls “e-pharmacies,” but they allow you to fill your prescriptions at your own local pharmacy (although the cost won’t be covered). Found only uses pharmacies that are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

Read an honest review of Found written by a registered dietitian.

The Best Places to Buy GLP-1 Medications Online: A Comparison

Cost
Accepts Insurance
Process
GLP-1 Brand-Name Medications Offered
$149 to $449 per month
No
Fill out an online intake form, then set up a virtual doctor visit
As of June 2024, offers only compounded GLP-1 medications
$16.99 per month plus copay with insurance, $16.99 plus $99 to $129 monthly without insurance
Yes
Begin by booking an appointment online and having labs drawn
  • Bydureon
  • Mounjaro
  • Ozempic
  • Rybelsus
  • Saxenda
  • Trulicity
  • Victoza
  • Wegovy
  • Zepbound
$49 plus $70 membership
No
Must join Noom’s weight loss program to see doctor
  • Bydureon
  • Contrave
  • Metformin
  • Mounjaro
  • Ozempic
  • Rybelsus
  • Saxenda
  • Topiramate
  • Trulicity
  • Victoza
  • Wegovy
$199 one-time onboarding fee and $99 to $199 per month
Yes
Start by taking a short quiz or booking a free 15-minute call
  • Wegovy
  • Zepound
  • Saxenda
$23 to $99 per month
No
Must join WW’s GLP-1 weight loss program to see doctor
  • Wegovy
  • Zepbound
  • Saxenda
$99 to $129 per month
No
Must join the Rx Path program to see doctor
  • Mounjaro
  • Ozempic
  • Rybelsus
  • Saxenda
  • Trulicity
  • Victoza
  • Wegovy
  • Zepound

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 agonist drugs, often called GLP-1s, are injectable medications that work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that your small intestine makes in response to food.

GLP-1s are medications for type 2 diabetes and weight management that are injected daily or weekly. Sometimes GLP-1s that are approved for type 2 diabetes can be prescribed off-label for overweight or obesity. Off-label means the drug is being prescribed for a condition that it was not originally designed for. You should only take a drug off-label if your doctor gives you a full exam, knows your medical history, and thinks it’s a good idea for you, says Pichamol Jirapinyo, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston and cofounder of Bariendo.
The drugs mimic the action of an incretin hormone, or gut peptide, called GLP-1, which is secreted by the small intestine.

“Our bodies have a natural process that kicks in after we eat, releasing a hormone from the small intestine called GLP-1,” says Michelle Pearlman, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist with Prime Institute in Coral Gables, Florida. “This hormone plays a crucial role in managing our insulin levels and blood sugar and sends signals back to our brain to tell us that we are full.”
GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar by encouraging more insulin to be released from the pancreas, says Monica Amin, PharmD, a pharmacist at Marley Drug and Medicure in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. GLP-1 also suppresses glucagon, a hormone that works opposite to insulin and keeps your blood sugar level from dropping too low.

“Once blood sugar levels begin to increase following a meal, these medications help the body increase insulin production, thereby lowering blood sugar levels,” says Dr. 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, 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 Medications Online

Finding GLP-1 drugs online can be complex. Most doctors, including Jirapinyo, will recommend you use the brand-name drug if you can find it because that’s the only version that is FDA-approved after being thoroughly reviewed for safety, efficacy, and quality.

However, due to the shortage of GLP-1 drugs, there are legitimate online telehealth services and compounding pharmacies that can issue a compound drug — and for less than the cost of the brand-name one. If you choose to go this route, Jirapinyo recommends only obtaining these drugs if a medical provider evaluates your health history, reviews what other medications you’re taking, and prescribes it for you through a compounding pharmacy that is licensed by your state board.

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. You can also check that it is accredited and state-licensed as a compounding pharmacy. To find out if your pharmacy is licensed and regulated, the FDA offers a tool called Be Safe Rx.

Other things to know about buying GLP-1 medications online:

  • You need a prescription from a doctor to buy GLP-1s online.
  • To qualify for a GLP-1 medication, you’ll need to have a consultation with a physician who must prescribe the medication for you.
  • The FDA has approved some GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, but you must meet the following criteria: BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with comorbidities like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  • The FDA has warned consumers that some counterfeit drugs have been found on the market.

    Other drugs that are unapproved or mislabeled have been marketed and sold. The FDA recommends only purchasing from a state-licensed pharmacy to protect yourself.

  • Keep in mind that GLP-1s are approved to be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

FAQs

Who should avoid 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.”

“GLP-1 agonists may not be appropriate for patients with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer because these medications can exacerbate these conditions,” Amin explains. “Additionally, 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.”

Many studies have been done on GLP-1s, but it’s important to note that they’re often funded by pharmaceutical companies, which may cloud the results. One study on Ozempic showed that those who combined it with healthy eating and exercise lost 14.9 percent of their body weight. A study on Wegovy showed those receiving weekly injections along with a lifestyle program lost 16 percent of their body weight over the course of 68 weeks. A review published in 2023 suggests that GLP-1s can potentially improve blood sugar, benefit cardiovascular health, protect your kidneys, delay diabetes complications, decrease your risk for type 2 diabetes, and treat obesity.

Most likely. “More research is needed on the long-term use of GLP-1s, but the current understanding is that these medications are needed for long-term use,” says Rekha Kumar, MD, chief medical officer of Found and former American Board of Obesity Medicine medical director. She reminds us that we should view obesity as a chronic condition and stop looking for quick fixes.

“We’ve made great strides in seeing obesity as a biologically rooted disease, but we’re still conditioned to view weight as a short-term problem versus a chronic condition. [This] is part of what has contributed to consumer surprise when studies show that stopping use of these medications results in weight being gained back [when] compared with other chronic disease care where long-term support is seen as necessary,” says Dr. Kumar.

Studies show that programs that utilize behavior change along with a healthy diet and exercise lead to more success with weight loss. Medications like GLP-1s may be helpful, but they’re only part of the solution. “Weight gain after discontinuation of GLP-1 is quite common. This may vary from person to person depending on many factors, so it is crucial to incorporate GLP-1 in a comprehensive weight-management program that includes diet and exercise,” says Dr. Hanouneh. “Otherwise, I’m afraid it’s a setup for failure and disappointment because weight may come back as soon as you discontinue the GLP-1 medication.”

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. FDA Approves Weight Management Drug for Patients Aged 12 and Older. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. June 15, 2021.
  2. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. June 4, 2021.
  3. FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 8, 2023.
  4. Logan P. On the Increase in Use of GLP-1s. Indiana University School of Medicine. June 27, 2024.
  5. Compounding When Drugs Are on FDA’s Drug Shortages List. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 9, 2024.
  6. Latif W et al. Compare and Contrast the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs). StatPearls. February 25, 2024.
  7. Nauck MA et al. Incretin Hormones: Their Role in Health and Disease. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. February 2018.
  8. Rix I et al. Glucagon Physiology. Endotext. July 16, 2019.
  9. FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Counterfeit Ozempic (Semaglutide) Found in U.S. Drug Supply Chain. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. January 10, 2024.
  10. FDA’s Concerns With Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 2, 2024.
Additional Sources
  • Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. February 10, 2021.
  • Wadden T et al. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. February 24, 2021.
  • Wang JY et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Obesity: Role as a Promising Approach. Frontiers in Endocrinology. February 1, 2023.
  • Olateju IV et al. Role of Behavioral Interventions in the Management of Obesity. Cureus. September 2021.

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Courtney Southwick, MS

Author

Courtney Southwick is a freelance health science writer and owner of Courtney Southwick Freelance. She covers various health and disease topics, and reports on new scientific studies in the field of health and fitness. Her work has appeared in Medscape, Health, Livestrong, Eating Well, and others.

When not writing, she likes driving or hiking through the Texas hill country and traveling with her husband as much as possible.

Sean-Hashmi-bio

Sean Hashmi, MD

Medical Reviewer

Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California. As the regional director for clinical nutrition and weight management at a prominent healthcare organization in Southern California, Dr. Hashmi oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge nutritional programs and weight management strategies. With his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to providing evidence-based solutions, he is a highly sought-after speaker and a leader in his field.

Hashmi founded the nonprofit organization SelfPrinciple.org to provide accessible and accurate health, nutrition, and wellness information to the public. Through this platform, he shares the latest research findings, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. Self Principle also supports children's education by providing scholarships, books, and supplies, so that students have the resources necessary to succeed academically and build a brighter future.