Use a five-part framework: medication status, clinician relationship, pharmacy transparency, total cost and follow-up.
1. Identify the medication pathway
Find out whether the service offers FDA-approved brand-name products, compounded preparations, or both. These are different regulatory categories.
2. Confirm clinician involvement
A legitimate prescription program should involve a licensed clinician who evaluates whether treatment is medically appropriate rather than guaranteeing a prescription after payment.
3. Ask which pharmacy fulfills the prescription
If compounding is involved, ask for the pharmacy name and verify licensure through the relevant state board. Avoid sellers that are vague about sourcing.
4. Calculate all-in cost
Include membership, medication, shipping, labs, supplies, dose changes and commitment length.
5. Evaluate follow-up
Ask how side effects, dose changes, refills and urgent questions are handled.
Sources & verification
We use primary sources for time-sensitive commercial and regulatory claims.
- FDA — Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
- FDA — Warning letters to telehealth companies about compounded GLP-1 marketing
- HealthRx — About & compounded-medication disclosure
Last reviewed: August 19, 2026