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You can get a legitimate GLP-1 prescription online — from a licensed physician, shipped to your door — in as little as 3 days. Here is exactly how to do it.
GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) have become the most effective weight loss treatments available, producing 15–22% body weight reduction in clinical trials. The barrier used to be access: specialist wait times, insurance battles, and pharmacy shortages. Telehealth has removed most of those barriers. This guide walks you through the exact process, step by step.
Before you start: Get our free guide — The 2026 Guide to Getting GLP-1 Medication Online — which covers eligibility, costs, and which platforms have the best track record.
Step 1 — Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before spending time on any platform, check whether you qualify. The FDA eligibility criteria for GLP-1 weight loss medication are:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea
If you have PCOS, many physicians will prescribe GLP-1 medications even at lower BMIs because of the metabolic component. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, GLP-1 medications are contraindicated.
How to check your BMI quickly:
Divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. Or use any online BMI calculator. A BMI of 27+ with a health condition, or 30+ without, is the threshold.
Step 2 — Choose a Telehealth Platform
Not all GLP-1 telehealth platforms are the same. Here are the four most reliable options based on physician quality, pricing, and track record:
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Medication Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Care | Transparent pricing, physician choice | $49 consult + ~$200/mo | No (prescription only) |
| Hims & Hers | All-inclusive monthly plan | $199/month | ✅ Yes |
| TeleWellnessMD | Hormone + weight loss combo | $149/month | ✅ Yes |
| PlushCare | Insurance billing | $129 first visit | No (prescription only) |
Our recommendation for most people: Start with Sesame Care if you want the most affordable and transparent option. Choose Hims & Hers or TeleWellnessMD if you want everything managed in one place.
Step 3 — Complete the Online Intake Form
Once you choose a platform, you will fill out a health intake form before your consultation. This typically takes 10–15 minutes and covers:
- Current weight and height
- Medical history (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid conditions, etc.)
- Current medications and supplements
- Previous weight loss attempts
- Goals and timeline
Be honest and thorough. The physician uses this information to determine eligibility and the appropriate starting dose. Omitting medications or conditions can create safety issues.
Most platforms also ask for recent bloodwork. Some require it before prescribing; others will order labs for you as part of the process. If you have recent results (within 6 months) from a metabolic panel, thyroid panel, or HbA1c, have them ready.
Step 4 — Complete Your Consultation
The consultation format varies by platform:
Synchronous (video call): You speak directly with a physician in real time. Typically 15–30 minutes. Platforms like PlushCare and Sesame Care use this model.
Asynchronous (questionnaire review): You complete a detailed questionnaire and a physician reviews it within 24 hours without a live call. Hims & Hers uses this model for most prescriptions.
What to expect during the consultation:
– The physician will review your intake form and ask follow-up questions
– They will explain the medication, dosing schedule, and potential side effects
– They will confirm your eligibility and discuss your goals
– If approved, they will send the prescription to a pharmacy
Questions to ask your physician:
– What starting dose do you recommend for me?
– Should I use compounded semaglutide or brand-name Wegovy/Ozempic?
– What side effects should I watch for in the first few weeks?
– How often will we have follow-up check-ins?
– What happens if I experience side effects?
Step 5 — Understand Your Medication Options
After your consultation, you will typically be offered one of two options:
Compounded Semaglutide
- What it is: Semaglutide manufactured by a licensed compounding pharmacy — the same active ingredient as Ozempic/Wegovy, different manufacturer
- Cost: $150–$250 per month (significantly cheaper than brand-name)
- Availability: Widely available through telehealth platforms
- Legal status: Legal when prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed by an FDA-registered compounding pharmacy
Brand-Name Wegovy or Ozempic
- What it is: Novo Nordisk’s branded semaglutide products
- Cost: $900–$1,400 per month without insurance; often covered with prior authorization
- Availability: Wegovy shortages have improved in 2026; Ozempic is more consistently available
- Best for: Patients with insurance coverage or who prefer brand-name medications
Which should you choose? For most people without insurance coverage, compounded semaglutide is the practical choice. The active ingredient is identical; the cost difference is substantial. If you have insurance, pursue brand-name coverage through PlushCare or your primary care physician.
Step 6 — Receive and Start Your Medication
Once prescribed, your medication ships directly to your home. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days for compounded semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy.
What arrives in the package:
– Pre-filled syringes or vials with syringes
– Alcohol swabs
– Dosing instructions
– Contact information for your care team
Starting your first injection:
GLP-1 medications are self-administered subcutaneous injections — under the skin, not into a vein or muscle. The most common injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your platform will provide detailed instructions, and most have video guides.
Starting dose: Most protocols begin at 0.25 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks to minimize side effects, then titrate up every 4 weeks based on tolerance and results.
Step 7 — Manage Side Effects in the First Month
The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, and reduced appetite. These are most pronounced in the first 4–8 weeks and typically improve as your body adjusts.
Practical tips for managing side effects:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large meals
- Avoid high-fat, greasy foods — they significantly worsen nausea
- Stay hydrated — dehydration amplifies nausea
- Take your injection at night — many people find side effects are less noticeable when sleeping through the worst of them
- Do not skip the titration schedule — starting at too high a dose is the most common cause of severe side effects
If you experience severe vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or sharp abdominal pain, contact your care team immediately.
Step 8 — Track Your Progress and Adjust
GLP-1 medications work gradually. Most people see:
- Weeks 1–4: Reduced appetite, early weight loss of 2–5 lbs
- Months 1–3: Consistent weight loss of 1–2 lbs per week at therapeutic dose
- Months 3–12: Continued weight loss; average 15% body weight reduction
- 12+ months: Maintenance phase; some patients taper dose, others continue
Your telehealth platform should schedule monthly check-ins to review your progress, adjust dosage, and address any concerns. If they do not, request them — regular medical oversight is important.
How Much Does GLP-1 Telehealth Cost? (Full Breakdown)
| Cost Component | Compounded Route | Brand-Name Route |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $49–$129 | $49–$129 (or insurance) |
| Monthly medication | $150–$250 | $0–$1,400 (insurance dependent) |
| Monthly platform fee | $0–$99 | $0–$99 |
| Total monthly (ongoing) | $150–$350 | $0–$1,500 |
For most people without insurance coverage, the compounded route costs $150–$350 per month all-in. This is the most accessible option for the majority of patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to get GLP-1 medication through telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth prescriptions are legal in all 50 states when issued by a licensed physician who has conducted a proper medical evaluation. Compounded semaglutide is legal when dispensed by an FDA-registered compounding pharmacy.
Do I need to see a doctor in person first?
No. Telehealth platforms are designed to handle the entire process remotely — consultation, prescription, and follow-up care.
How long does the process take from sign-up to first injection?
Typically 3–7 days: 1–2 days for consultation and prescription, 2–5 days for shipping.
Can I get GLP-1 medication without insurance?
Yes. Compounded semaglutide is specifically designed for patients without insurance coverage and costs $150–$250 per month.
What if I stop losing weight?
This is called a weight loss plateau and is common around months 3–6. Your physician may increase your dose, add a second medication, or recommend dietary adjustments. Do not stop the medication without consulting your care team.
Is tirzepatide available through telehealth?
Yes, though less widely than semaglutide. TeleWellnessMD and some other platforms offer compounded tirzepatide. It generally produces greater weight loss but has less long-term safety data.
Can I switch platforms after starting?
Yes. Your prescription is yours — you can transfer it to a different pharmacy or switch to a different telehealth platform at any time.
The Bottom Line
Getting GLP-1 medication online is a straightforward, legal, and increasingly common process. The key steps are: confirm eligibility, choose a reputable platform, complete your consultation honestly, understand your medication options, and commit to the titration schedule.
The platforms with the strongest track record are Sesame Care (best pricing), Hims & Hers (best all-inclusive), and TeleWellnessMD (best for women with hormonal factors). Start with the one that matches your priorities.
Get the full guide: The 2026 Guide to Getting GLP-1 Medication Online — everything in one place, including a checklist for your first consultation.