Most sites show you a "$39 first month" hook. We show the real monthly price at the dose people stay on — then check who actually ships on time, answers the phone, and uses a named pharmacy. Prices individually sourced and dated. Rankings are never bought.
Your situation changes what matters most. Pick where you are — we'll point you to the right answer first.
The big number is the maintenance price — what you pay at the dose you stay on. The intro rate is shown underneath, because the "$39 first month" is the #1 cause of overcharged complaints. Filter to narrow the field; tap a program for the full breakdown and source.
bmiMDCompounded
HealthRxCompounded
WellMedrCompounded
FoundFDA-approved + compounded
DirectMedsCompounded
roFDA-approved
embodyCompounded
MEDViCompounded
TrimRxFDA-approved + compounded
AltRx CompoundedMaintenance prices are what buyers typically pay at the dose they stay on, drawn from each provider's sourced pricing (see its review) and our Oct 2026 analysis of 88 price reports. Compounded GLP-1s aren't FDA-approved, insurance rarely covers them, and prices change monthly — always confirm the current number at the provider before you buy.
The headline price is almost never the price you keep paying. Here's the pattern to plan for — and the trap to avoid.
Intro rates like "$39 first month" or "$79 to start" get you in the door. Real, but temporary.
By your maintenance dose you're paying the ongoing price — often 2–5× the intro. Example: a program that starts at $39 can run ~$298/mo once membership + medication kick in.
Multiply the maintenance price by 12 and add any prepay. That total — not the first month — is what decides value. Our table leads with it.
The FDA sent warning letters to 55+ telehealth firms in 2026. Run any program past these five before you hand over a card — experienced buyers do.
Read the full checklist →Not "the winners" — the three that best fit distinct needs, each with the trade-off we'd want a friend to know before signing up.
Branded wegovy, zepbound, ozempic & foundaya, async + optional video
One of the most recognized names in direct-to-consumer telehealth
Tends to sit at the higher end on total monthly cost
Compounded + branded compounded + branded (wegovy, zepbound), video (insurance) or async (self-pay)
The strongest coaching and behavior-change program in our lineup
The coaching-heavy model is overkill if you only want a prescription
Compounded compounded semaglutide & tirzepatide, clinician-reviewed telehealth
Genuine two-way clinician access, including messaging between visits
Not the cheapest month-one price on the market
Shed is a straightforward telehealth weight-loss program focused on a simple, quick start with GLP-1 medication. It trades depth for ease, which makes it a reasonable pick for first-timers who value simplicity.
Intro/platform rate; semaglutide injection commonly from $199/mo, dose-tiered; ~2-month minimum. As of Sep 2026 · source: glpchart.com.
bmiMD takes a physician-led, medical-first approach to weight management. It's one of the most clinically thorough programs we reviewed, which makes it a strong fit for people with complex health needs — at the cost of speed and a higher price point.
On 12-month plan; $109 (6-mo) / $119 (3-mo) / $129–$159 month-to-month. As of 2026 · source: glp1picks.com.
AltRx is a value-focused telehealth program built around compounded GLP-1 medications and a fast, streamlined intake. It trades some of the coaching depth of premium programs for a notably lower monthly cost and quick time-to-start.
The $89/mo promo (semaglutide; tirzepatide from $149/mo) ran through Sep 5, 2026 and has ended; current standard pricing is not clearly published — confirm at checkout. As of Sep 2026 · source: altrx.com.
MEDVi is a straightforward telehealth program offering both semaglutide and tirzepatide with a quick, uncomplicated process. It's a sensible middle-ground pick for people who want efficient GLP-1 access without a lot of extras.
On 12-month prepay; month-to-month is $299/mo; tirzepatide higher. As of 2026 · source: health.usnews.com.
HealthRx is a prescription-forward telehealth program that emphasizes reliable medication access and pharmacy coordination. It's a practical choice for people who want the meds handled cleanly, with less focus on coaching.
On 12-month plan; $133/mo (3-month) to $189/mo month-to-month; same price at every dose. As of 2026 · source: matchglp1.com.
DirectMeds is a value-focused program built around simple, direct-to-door medication delivery and a fast signup. It trades coaching and extras for a low price and minimal friction.
Sublingual/oral semaglutide; injectable semaglutide ~$297/mo, tirzepatide ~$399/mo. As of Sep 2026 · source: clearmetabolic.com.
WellMedr takes a rounded, clinician-guided approach to weight management that considers wellness beyond the medication itself. It's a balanced all-rounder rather than a category leader.
Lowest rate on 12-month prepay; month-to-month advertised at $88/mo; tirzepatide from ~$89/mo. As of Sep 2026 · source: exploretreatments.com.
Most-reported issue: first orders or refills not shipped (months 0–1).
Sprout is a beginner-friendly telehealth weight-loss program that pairs GLP-1 medication with lifestyle guidance and a supportive, low-pressure approach. It's aimed at people easing into treatment for the first time.
Intro starting rate; ongoing ~$249/mo (semaglutide) / ~$299/mo (tirzepatide). As of Sep 2026 · source: health.usnews.com.
TrimRx is a telehealth weight-loss program that specializes in tirzepatide-based plans with flexible titration support. It's a focused option for members who have already decided tirzepatide is the route they want to take.
Advertised 'from $179/mo'; semaglutide ~$199–$349/mo by plan length; branded far higher. As of Aug 2026 · source: health.usnews.com.
Most-reported issue: support goes quiet; some prepaid plans undelivered (months 3–7).
Real price against real price, plus the one difference that usually decides it. Each comparison weighs the trade-offs in full.
Browse all head-to-head comparisons →
Work through these in order and you'll narrow 12 programs to two or three — built from what buyers tell us actually goes wrong. Provider-selection guidance, not medical advice.
Ignore the '$39 first month' hook — it's the single biggest cause of 'overcharged' complaints. Look at the price at the dose you'll stay on: compounded programs typically run about $138/mo (most land $109–$169), branded Wegovy or Zepbound about $335/mo ($299–$450). The lowest real monthly prices we track are bmiMD and HealthRx. Membership programs bill the drug on top of the fee, so add both.
Branded (Wegovy, Zepbound, the Wegovy pill, Foundayo) is FDA-approved, trial-tested and consistent, but costs more and usually needs insurance to be affordable. Compounded is a pharmacy-mixed copy — cheaper, but not FDA-approved, quality varies by pharmacy, and it's now a legal gray zone after the 2024 shortage ended. Never buy 'research peptides' sold 'not for human use'. We label every option so you always know which you're looking at.
The #1 thing buyers ask for is a human who answers — and it's the #1 complaint when it's missing. Most compounded programs approve you from a form with no call. If you want real clinician time, coaching and someone to reach when a refill is late, weight support heavily: Found and ro score highest. Check the reply time and whether anyone picks up before you commit.
The cheapest headline prices almost always need a prepaid multi-month plan. That's fine until a refill is late or the drug doesn't suit you — then 'no refund' and 'can't cancel' become the complaint. Before paying for months up front, find the cancel and refund terms in writing, and prefer a provider you can cancel online.
Check five things: it's licensed to prescribe in your state; it names its pharmacy and type (503A compounds for one patient, 503B makes larger batches under tighter rules); a licensed clinician — ideally named — signs off; you can cancel online; and refunds are spelled out. The FDA sent warning letters to 55+ telehealth firms in 2026, so this matters.
Each program gets a 0–10 on four factors from the sourced data; the overall is the weighted average. We weight trust and support above the sticker price — and we don't rank on raw Trustpilot stars, because invited reviews run up to 2.7 stars higher than unprompted ones.
Read the full methodology →| Factor | Weight | What we evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 15% | What you get for the price — not just the lowest sticker. A premium program that includes FDA-approved medication, insurance help and real support can be good value. |
| Support | 30% | Real clinician access, coaching and follow-up — video visits and a care team score higher than async-only. |
| Medications | 25% | Medication options and legitimacy — FDA-approved branded (Wegovy, Zepbound) rates above compounded-only, and breadth and flexibility add points. |
| Transparency | 30% | How clearly and publicly pricing, terms and availability are stated — plus track record and any regulatory red flags. |
You complete a medical intake online, a licensed clinician reviews it (often over a video or structured visit) to decide whether a medication such as a GLP-1 is appropriate and safe for you, and if so a prescription is sent to a pharmacy and delivered to your door. The better programs add coaching and ongoing check-ins on top of the prescription.
Eligibility is a clinical decision, but these medications are generally considered for adults with a higher body-mass index, or a slightly lower BMI alongside a weight-related condition. A licensed clinician weighs your full health history, current medications and any contraindications. No legitimate program can promise a prescription before that review.
It varies widely by provider, medication (branded vs compounded), and your dose. Rather than publish prices that go stale within weeks, we show a relative tier ($–$$$) and link you to each provider's current offer. When comparing, always look at the total monthly cost at your expected maintenance dose — not just the intro price.
It can be, when there is a genuine clinical evaluation by a licensed prescriber, clear medication and pharmacy information, and a real way to reach someone about side effects. Be wary of any service that ‘guarantees’ a prescription with no meaningful review. Every program we rank is scored partly on exactly these safety signals.
Neither is universally better; they work in related but different ways, and the right choice depends on your tolerance, health profile, availability and your clinician's judgment. Some programs specialize in one. If you're undecided, a broad program keeps both options open.
Because these medications work on appetite regulation, stopping without a plan can bring hunger — and weight — back. That's why we weight ongoing coaching and maintenance support heavily: the programs that help you build habits and taper carefully give you the best shot at keeping results.
Sometimes. Coverage for GLP-1 medications varies a lot by plan and by whether the drug is branded or compounded. Some programs help you check and navigate insurance; many members pay out of pocket, which is part of why compounded options are popular. Check current coverage with the provider and your insurer.
The medicine and the need for a prescription are the same — the difference is convenience and structure. Online programs handle the visit, prescription, pharmacy and follow-up in one place, often with coaching built in. If you have a complex medical history, a provider with deeper clinical oversight (or your own physician) may be the better route.