BMI Requirements for Eligibility
The FDA-approved criteria for weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound require a BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obesity) or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea. Many telehealth providers follow these same guidelines, though some may have slightly different thresholds for compounded medications. Your provider will calculate your BMI during the initial evaluation and determine whether you meet the clinical criteria.
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 reviewMedical Conditions That May Disqualify You
Certain health conditions make GLP-1 medications unsafe. These include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a history of pancreatitis, and known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis, may also be advised against these medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications - you should stop the medication at least two months before planning to conceive.
Age and Other Considerations
Most providers prescribe GLP-1 medications to adults aged 18 and older. Wegovy has FDA approval for adolescents aged 12 and up with obesity, but this is typically managed through in-person pediatric endocrinologists rather than telehealth platforms.
For older adults, providers will consider factors like kidney function, existing medications, and overall health status. There is no strict upper age limit, but a thorough medical evaluation becomes especially important for patients over 65.
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Medications That May Interact
GLP-1 medications can interact with other drugs, particularly insulin and sulfonylureas (which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined). Because GLP-1 agonists slow gastric emptying, they can also affect the absorption of oral medications.
Your provider will review your full medication list during the evaluation process. If you take oral birth control, blood thinners, or thyroid medication, discuss timing and potential interactions with your provider before starting treatment.
Learn more about potential side effects in our semaglutide side effects guide.
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.
The Evaluation Process
Most telehealth providers follow a straightforward process: you complete a detailed health questionnaire, provide your medical history and current medications, and have a consultation with a licensed provider (usually via video or asynchronous message). Some providers require recent lab work, while others may order labs as part of their program.
The evaluation typically takes one to three days, and if approved, your medication can be shipped within a week. For tips on choosing the right platform, read our guide on selecting a telehealth provider.