What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes. They mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which your gut produces after eating. Medications like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro and Zepbound) have shown remarkable results for weight management in clinical trials, leading to FDA approval specifically for weight loss.
Our top 2 picks
Our two recommended GLP-1 providers, shown with the same verified pricing and ratings as our full comparison.
1
Excellent
9.6out of 10
Limited Offer - GLP-1 for $69/mon
Money-back guaranteeFree expedited delivery
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injections (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injections (GLP-1 + GIP) · 100% online doctor review and prescription · Dosage adjustments through the patient portal
Starting price
$79$69/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Compounded semaglutide ($69/mo) and tirzepatide ($119/mo)
- 5-minute health qualifier; doctor review usually within 24 hrs
- Free 1-2 day shipping - temperature-controlled, tracked, insured
- No insurance required, no clinic visits, cancel anytime
Pricing starts at
from $69/month
embody offers doctor-prescribed GLP-1 weight loss treatment - compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide injections - through a 100% online process. Getting started takes a roughly 5-minute health qualifier, after which a medical practitioner reviews your chart (embody says usually within 24 hours, often under 5). Pricing is flat and simple: $69/month for semaglutide and $119/month for tirzepatide, with no insurance required, no hidden fees, and no clinic visits. Medication ships in 1-2 days in temperature-controlled, tracked, insured packaging, and embody is LegitScript-certified and works with US-based 503A compounding pharmacies. On Trustpilot, embody averages 3.8 across 8,398 reviews - an honest, mixed-to-positive record whose recent reviews cluster around two themes: responsive, proactive customer service ('from my very first inquiry I've had excellent communication... customer service updated me every step,' writes one tirzepatide patient) and the no-surprises pricing ('Love the fact that there are no surprises as in costly up front cost'). A 3.7 also means a minority of customers had negative experiences - worth reading both ends of the reviews before deciding, as with any provider.
Read full embody review2
Exceptional
9.7out of 10
Most Comprehensive GLP-1 Medication Access
Transparent pricingNo insurance required
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide (GLP-1) injection · Compounded tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP) injection · Brand-name Zepbound and Wegovy · One simple injection per week
Starting price
$199$89/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Compounded GLP-1 from $89/mo, GLP-1 + GIP from $149/mo
- Brand-name options too: Zepbound and Wegovy
- Clinician-guided - physician, PA, or nurse practitioner
- Free shipping (about 5-7 days)
Pricing starts at
from $89/month
altRx bills itself as "the #1 most affordable GLP-1 program," and its published prices largely back that up: compounded GLP-1 (semaglutide) from $89/month and GLP-1 + GIP (tirzepatide) from $149/month - flat at every dose, so the price doesn't climb as you titrate up - alongside one of the few genuine brand-name shelves in this space (Ozempic $1,149, Zepbound $1,249, Wegovy $1,579 per month). It's a self-pay telehealth service: you complete a short assessment, a licensed provider (physician, PA, or nurse practitioner) reviews it, and if appropriate a prescription goes to a licensed US pharmacy, with free shipping in about 5-7 days. No insurance is required, Buy Now, Pay Later is available, and you can pause or cancel anytime. Two things to know before the details: shipping is slower than the 1-2 day providers (embody, DirectMeds), and Trustpilot does not currently display an aggregate score on altRx's profile - the individual reviews we quote on this page are real, but there's no independent average to lean on the way there is for rivals like Medvi (4.3 across 14,836) or embody (3.8 across 8,398). One of the real 4-star reviews we surface notes a refill 'yet to be fulfilled with zero reason as to why' - worth factoring in alongside the price advantage.
Read full altRx reviewHow They Reduce Appetite
GLP-1 medications work primarily by targeting receptors in the brain that regulate hunger and satiety. When you take these medications, they slow gastric emptying - meaning food stays in your stomach longer - and signal to your brain that you are full.
Many patients describe it as the volume being turned down on food noise: the constant background chatter of cravings and hunger that can make weight management so difficult. This isn't willpower - it's biochemistry.
The Role of Insulin and Blood Sugar
Beyond appetite suppression, GLP-1 medications help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release when glucose levels are high and reducing glucagon secretion. This dual action helps prevent the blood sugar spikes and crashes that often trigger cravings and overeating. For patients with insulin resistance - a common factor in weight gain - this mechanism can be particularly beneficial.
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Tirzepatide: The Dual-Action Approach
Tirzepatide takes things a step further by targeting two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual-agonist approach has shown even greater weight loss results in clinical trials, with some participants losing over 20% of their body weight.
For a detailed comparison, see our guide on tirzepatide vs semaglutide. The GIP receptor activation provides additional metabolic benefits that complement the GLP-1 pathway.
What To Know Before Starting GLP-1 Treatment
Before starting GLP-1 treatment, it's important to understand a few key things. These medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician and aren't suitable for everyone. Some people may experience side effects, especially during the first few weeks as the body adjusts.
GLP-1s also tend to work best when combined with basic lifestyle habits like balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
That's why choosing a provider that offers proper medical screening and ongoing follow-up support is essential for both safety and long-term success.
What to Realistically Expect
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-20% of body weight with semaglutide and up to 22% with tirzepatide over 68-72 weeks. However, results vary significantly between individuals.
Most patients begin noticing appetite changes within the first two weeks, with meaningful weight loss becoming visible around weeks 4-8. For a week-by-week breakdown, read our guide on what to expect your first month on medication.
The medications are typically administered as once-weekly injections, with doses gradually increased over several months to minimize side effects.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are usually most pronounced during dose increases and tend to improve over time.
Starting at a low dose and gradually titrating up helps most patients manage these effects. For a full breakdown, see our semaglutide side effects guide.
More serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, which is why medical supervision during treatment is important. Take our quiz to find a provider with strong clinical oversight.