The Most Affordable Ways to Get GLP-1 Meds Online, According to Experts

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

GLP-1 medications have received a lot of well-deserved attention for the seemingly miraculous way they support weight management. But, unfortunately, these medications aren’t something you can just pick up over the counter from a drugstore, since they require a prescription and support from a medical provider. Not to mention: the astronomical cost of medical services and medication. 

Fortunatley, telehealth companies exist to make GLP-1 meds more accessible and affordable, while also offering monthly support from qualified medical experts. 

Best Places to Get GLP-1 Online at a Glance

• Noom
• Hers
• Nurx
• PlushCare
• Ro
• Alloy 
• WeightWatchers

“GLP-1 analogues are a class of medications that mimic a physiologic gut hormone (named GLP-1) that normally gets released when we consume food,” says Dr. Adrienne Youdim, a triple board-certified doctor and weight loss expert. By mimicking this hormone, they’re able to signal fullness to your brain, reducing food noise and gut mobility. “They reduce body weight by helping people to comply with a healthy diet without the symptoms of hunger and craving that often occur and make it impossible to succeed,” says Dr. Louis Aronne, a weight management expert and the co-creator of youtheory Muscle-Guard Protein. He explains that, within a one-year period, the average person can lose between 15% and 20% of their body weight. 

These weight loss medications are an excellent option for individuals seeking a different approach to weight loss, as they are highly effective when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. According to Dr. Youdim, their benefits extend beyond weight loss, too. In addition to quieting that food noise, these types of weight loss medications can actually reduce heart disease, “that might be independent of weight loss,” in addition to “improvements in heart function and functional status in individuals with heart failure.” The medication is also currently being studied for how it can target symptoms of kidney disease and Alzheimer’s.   

Who Is a Candidate for GLP-1 Medications?

While qualification is between an individual and their medical provider—whether it be your general practitioner or a telehealth provider—doctors say that people with health concerns related to weight are the best candidates for GLP-1 medications. “Research shows that it is possible to improve many complications of obesity like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart and kidney failure, sleep apnea, excessive liver fat, and even osteoarthritis with these medications,” says Dr. Aronne. “Many people have more than one of these problems, and weight loss from GLP-1s can make them all better—no other medications can do that.” On top of that, some research also shows positive effects on reducing alcohol intake, mood, and more in some individuals. 

What to Expect From GLP-1 Medications

The effects of GLP-1s can be felt almost immediately in some people. According to Dr. Youdim, individuals who take the medication typically experience a reduction in appetite fairly quickly. “Some experience this at starting doses,” she notes, adding that she has many patients who have lost significant weight without ever escalating the dose. “Others may require dose escalation or maximal doses to experience an effect, and studies show that 20% of individuals are complete non-responders, meaning they do not experience any weight reduction despite maximal doses of the drug.” 

With this in mind, the average experience with GLP-1s includes “a gradual onset of benefits,” says Dr. Edwin Davila, an osteopathic physician and member of NASM’s Scientific Advisory Board. “Appetite suppression and reduced food cravings [are] often noticeable within the first few weeks, followed by steady weight loss over several months.” Dr. Davila also emphasizes the importance of considering the entire picture, not just the medicine. “While GLP-1 medications provide powerful support for weight management, the degree of weight loss depends heavily on adherence to a modest caloric deficit below total daily energy expenditure and on engaging in regular physical activity to increase caloric utilization,” he explains. “Patients who combine medication with consistent lifestyle changes—rather than relying on pharmacology alone—are more likely to achieve and maintain substantial, long-term health improvements.”

Nutrient intake is another thing to consider when starting GLP-1s. Since these medications work so well at quieting the hunger, it’s easy not to get enough nutrients into your diet. “While these medications are producing excellent results in most people, it is possible that some people actually don’t eat enough,” says Dr. Aronne. “This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, and other metabolic issues.” In lots of these cases, Dr. Aronne says he sees patients reduce their protein intake, which can lead to muscle loss. “We recommend supplementing protein in those cases.” 

How to Get GLP-1 Medications Online 

If you’re excited about all that GLP-1s have to offer and want to find out if you’re a candidate, you don’t have to leave your home to get access to a prescription. With telehealth providers like Hers, Nurx, Ro, and Alloy, you can book a virtual consultation with a medical provider to learn more about your candidacy and whether or not these weight loss medications are the right option for you. 

Ahead, we break down these virtual care options (plus more), so you know what to expect and can choose the right one for your needs. 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Hers and Noom are STYLECASTER sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.