How to Choose the Right GLP-1 Weight Loss Provider
A comprehensive guide to selecting a provider that's safe, legitimate, and right for your needs.
5-Step Decision Framework
Verify Medical Credentials
Ensure licensed physicians, NPs, or PAs are involved in prescribing
Check Medication Quality
Confirm they use FDA-approved or 503B compounded medications
Compare Total Costs
Look beyond monthly pricing—include consultation fees, shipping, supplies
Evaluate Support Quality
Check availability of medical staff, response times, and ongoing care
Read Real Reviews
Look for patterns in customer experiences across multiple platforms
What to Look For in Detail
1. Medical Credentials & Licensing
✅ Must Have:
- Licensed physicians (MD/DO), nurse practitioners, or physician assistants
- Proper state medical board licensing
- Direct physician oversight of prescriptions
- Clear information about who your prescriber will be
❌ Red Flags:
- Only "health coaches" or unlicensed staff
- Refusing to disclose prescriber credentials
- No actual medical consultation required
- Prescriptions without proper evaluation
2. Medication Source & Quality
FDA-Approved Options
- • Ozempic® / Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- • Mounjaro® / Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
- • Guaranteed quality and consistency
- • Full FDA oversight and testing
503B Compounded
- • Same active ingredients
- • Usually more affordable
- • Must be from licensed 503B pharmacy
- • Look for USP compliance
⚠️ Avoid:
- • "Research chemicals" or unregulated sources
- • International pharmacies with no US licensing
- • Pills or oral semaglutide (only injectable is approved)
- • Providers who won't disclose pharmacy information
3. Transparent Pricing
True monthly cost should include ALL of these:
Included Costs:
- ✓ Medication itself
- ✓ Initial consultation
- ✓ Follow-up appointments
- ✓ Shipping & handling
Often Extra:
- • Needles & syringes
- • Lab work
- • Membership fees
- • Subscription commitments
Compare apples to apples: A $200/month provider with free shipping and supplies may be cheaper than a $150/month provider with $50 in extra fees.
4. Ongoing Medical Support
GLP-1 medications require monitoring. Good providers offer:
Initial Phase (Months 1-3)
- • Check-ins every 2-4 weeks
- • Side effect management
- • Dose adjustments as needed
- • Response to questions within 24-48 hours
Maintenance Phase (Month 4+)
- • Monthly check-ins
- • Progress monitoring
- • Lab work as needed
- • Continued prescription management
Ask These Questions:
- • How often will I speak with a medical provider?
- • What happens if I have side effects?
- • Can I message my doctor between appointments?
- • What's your typical response time?
5. Reviews & Reputation
Don't rely on one source. Check multiple platforms:
✓ Good Signs
- • Consistent ratings (4+)
- • Recent reviews
- • Detailed experiences
- • Mix of pros and cons
⚠️ Warning Signs
- • Only 5-star reviews
- • All reviews same date
- • Generic language
- • No negative reviews
❌ Red Flags
- • BBB complaints
- • Billing issues
- • Can't cancel
- • Fake medications
Where to Check:
- • Google Reviews
- • Trustpilot
- • Better Business Bureau
- • Reddit (r/Semaglutide, r/Mounjaro)
- • Facebook groups
- • Health forums
Telehealth vs. In-Person: Which is Right for You?
Telehealth Providers
Pros:
- ✓ More affordable ($200-400/month)
- ✓ Convenient online visits
- ✓ Medication delivered to your door
- ✓ Flexible scheduling
- ✓ Often faster to get started
Cons:
- ✗ Less face-to-face interaction
- ✗ May require separate lab work
- ✗ Limited emergency support
- ✗ Compounded medications often used
Best for:
People comfortable with online care, looking for affordability, and who don't have complex medical needs.
In-Person Clinics
Pros:
- ✓ Face-to-face consultations
- ✓ Comprehensive medical care
- ✓ FDA-approved medications
- ✓ Integrated with other health services
- ✓ Better for complex cases
Cons:
- ✗ More expensive ($500-1,400/month)
- ✗ Requires office visits
- ✗ Less convenient scheduling
- ✗ Limited geographic availability
Best for:
People with complex medical histories, those who prefer in-person care, or if you have insurance coverage.
Your Provider Selection Checklist
Use this before making your final decision