GLP-1 weight loss: the no-BS guide
Most articles on GLP-1s read like ad copy. This one doesn't. Below is what you need to evaluate a program, pricing, eligibility, side effects, refund risk, and the difference between branded and compounded versions.
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What GLP-1s actually do
GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide) mimic a gut hormone called GLP-1. They slow stomach emptying, increase insulin secretion in response to food, and reduce hunger signaling in the brain. The result is meaningful weight loss for most people: 10-15% body weight on semaglutide, 15-20% on tirzepatide in trials.
Who qualifies
FDA-approved indications are BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity (high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnea, etc). Telehealth clinicians screen against the same criteria, though state law affects what they can prescribe asynchronously.
Branded vs compounded
Branded drugs (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro) cost $1000-1350/month at retail without insurance. Compounded versions are made by 503A/503B pharmacies during an FDA-declared shortage. They cost $200-500/month, but they're not FDA-approved drugs, and the legal landscape shifts. Buyer beware.
Telehealth vs in-person
Telehealth is faster (days, not weeks), often cheaper, and you'll never sit in a waiting room. In-person is better if you have complex comorbidities, want body composition tracking, or need controlled-substance support medications. Both are legitimate paths.
Side effects, plainly
Most common: nausea (worst in the first 4-6 weeks), constipation, fatigue. Less common: gallbladder issues, pancreatitis (rare), kidney issues if dehydrated. Stop the medication and talk to a clinician if you can't keep fluids down. Don't push through severe symptoms.