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By HealthVetted Editorial
Reviewed & updated
Getting a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Zepbound used to mean an in-person specialist visit. Today, much of the process can happen through telehealth — but a legitimate path still runs through a licensed clinician who evaluates whether the medication is right for you. This guide walks through eligibility, the online intake flow, and how to tell a real, safe provider from a sketchy one. Not sure where to start? Use our [GLP-1 eligibility quiz](/tools/glp1-eligibility-quiz), then compare the safest options on [best prescription GLP-1](/best-prescription-glp1).
This is general information, not medical advice. Whether a GLP-1 is appropriate — and which one, at what dose — is a decision for you and a licensed clinician.
GLP-1 medications for weight management are approved for adults who meet specific clinical criteria. According to federal health guidance, prescription weight-management drugs are generally considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher when paired with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol 78.
BMI is a screening measure based on your height and weight. A BMI in the obesity range (30+) or the overweight range (27–29.9) with a comorbidity is the standard entry point. Obesity is treated as a chronic disease, which is why these medications are framed as long-term tools used alongside diet and physical activity — not quick fixes 8.
Eligibility isn't only about the number on the scale. A clinician also reviews your medical history, current medications, and risk factors before deciding whether a GLP-1 is appropriate. You can get a quick read on whether you likely meet the thresholds with our [eligibility quiz](/tools/glp1-eligibility-quiz), but the quiz is a starting point — not a prescription.
The brand names get confusing, so here's the short version:
| Brand | Drug | Approved use |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | semaglutide | Chronic weight management 3 |
| Zepbound | tirzepatide | Chronic weight management 4 |
| Ozempic | semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes 5 |
| Mounjaro | tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes 6 |
Wegovy and Zepbound are the versions FDA-approved specifically for weight management 34. Ozempic and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredients but are approved for type 2 diabetes 56. In clinical trials, semaglutide produced roughly 15% average body-weight reduction over 68 weeks 1, and tirzepatide produced roughly 21% over 72 weeks 2 — results achieved alongside lifestyle changes. You can dig into the differences on our [Wegovy vs Zepbound comparison](/compare/wegovy-vs-zepbound) and the pillar overview, [GLP-1 for weight loss](/glp-1-weight-loss).
A typical online process for a GLP-1 prescription looks like this:
A legitimate clinician does more than rubber-stamp an order. They:
The telehealth space has its share of bad actors. Before you hand over payment or personal data, verify:
Online options generally fall into a few buckets. Branded injectables (Wegovy, Zepbound) are FDA-approved for weight management 34. Compounded GLP-1s are custom-mixed by pharmacies and may cost less, but they aren't FDA-approved products — review [best compounded GLP-1](/best-compounded-glp1) before choosing this route. Oral options are an emerging category covered on [best oral GLP-1](/best-oral-glp1). If you're weighing a GLP-1 against non-prescription approaches, [supplements vs GLP-1](/supplements-vs-glp1) and [berberine vs Ozempic](/berberine-vs-ozempic) lay out the evidence gap honestly.
Out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1 medications can be significant, and insurance coverage for weight management varies widely 7. Before committing, estimate your spend with the [GLP-1 cost calculator](/tools/glp1-cost-calculator) and check for savings options with the [savings calculator](/tools/glp1-savings-calculator). Asking a provider up front about coverage, generic alternatives, and program fees can prevent surprises.
GLP-1s work best as part of a broader plan. Federal activity guidance recommends regular aerobic activity plus muscle-strengthening exercise, which supports general health and helps preserve lean muscle during weight loss 10. Pair that with the nutrition and behavioral support your clinician recommends 8.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria, the practical path is: confirm your BMI and any comorbidities, run the [eligibility quiz](/tools/glp1-eligibility-quiz), and review vetted, clinician-backed options on [best prescription GLP-1](/best-prescription-glp1). From there, an online intake connects you with a licensed provider who decides — based on your individual health — whether a GLP-1 is right for you. For the full landscape, start at the pillar guide, [GLP-1 for weight loss](/glp-1-weight-loss).
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Federal health guidance indicates prescription weight-management drugs are generally considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. A licensed clinician makes the final call after reviewing your full history. You can get a quick read with our eligibility quiz.
Sometimes. Many telehealth platforms use asynchronous review, where a clinician reviews your written intake without a live call. However, some states legally require a synchronous (video or phone) visit. Either way, a licensed provider must evaluate you before prescribing.
No. A responsible clinician can and will decline if a GLP-1 isn't safe or indicated for you. Any service that promises approval before evaluating your health is a red flag, not a legitimate medical provider.
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) contain the same active ingredients but are approved for type 2 diabetes.
Be cautious if there's no identifiable licensed prescriber, the intake skips screening questions about thyroid cancer history or your other medications, the service guarantees approval, or it isn't transparent about whether you're getting FDA-approved branded products or compounded versions.