I was recently quoted in Forbes Health's ranking of online GLP-1 providers. The article looks at how these services compare on price, medications and user experience. I am not reviewing or endorsing any platform here. Instead, I want to expand on the part of the conversation I care most about: what a careful start to weight loss medication looks like, however you get it.
Weight and BMI are only the starting point
Forbes Health quoted me saying, "Weight and BMI are necessary, but part of a bigger picture when it comes to assessing a patient pursuing weight loss medication." GLP-1 medications are effective tools, and they are meant for people who meet medical criteria. But the number on the scale does not tell you why your weight changed or what else is going on in your body.
Why a physical exam matters
As the article notes, a physical exam before a prescription can help catch signs of:
- insulin resistance,
- thyroid dysfunction,
- fatty liver disease,
- risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and
- mobility issues that may limit exercise.
These findings can change which treatment is right for you, how quickly to move, and what to monitor.
Why baseline labs matter
Going straight to a prescription can also mean skipping lab work. Labs give you a "metabolic baseline," a snapshot of your blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and thyroid function and more before you start. With a baseline in hand, we can tell later whether the medication is helping, and we can screen for conditions that may be affecting your weight in the first place.
What I see in my practice
The article also shared what I see in the office. It quotes me saying "I see many patients who've gotten GLP-1 [receptor] agonists online" and "Most of them report initial weight loss, convenience and affordability." Convenience is a real benefit, and I understand why people choose it. The other side of that picture is that I often see people once they have had unpleasant side effects they want treated, and sometimes when they want to move to a brand-name product under a doctor's supervision.
FDA-approved versus compounded
Brand-name GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved for weight management. Compounded versions of semaglutide or tirzepatide are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are sold (FDA). In my practice I prescribe only FDA-approved GLP-1 medications.
Questions to ask any GLP-1 provider
- Will someone examine me and review labs first? Ask whether a physical exam or lab work is part of the process.
- Is the medication FDA-approved? Ask exactly which product and which pharmacy.
- What is the full cost? Ask about membership fees, medication costs and what happens as the dose goes up.
- Who do I call about side effects? You want a named clinician and a clear way to reach them.
- What is the plan for nutrition, strength and the long term? The medication is one tool, and lasting results usually need more.
If you have already started online
Many people start this way and do well. If that is you, consider asking for a visit where your history, your labs and your current medication can be reviewed together. Bring your dose history, any side effects and a list of your other medications and supplements. That review is also a good time to talk about protein intake, strength training and what your plan is if you stop or change medications.
Seek care right away for severe or persistent stomach pain, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration while taking any GLP-1 medication.
If you want a medically supervised approach, you can learn more about weight management and GLP-1 care in my practice, or start with a short call.
New to the practice?
Start with a free 15-minute conversation.
An introduction to how care works here. No medical advice is given on the call.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only. It is not medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. GLP-1 medications are not right for everyone, and benefits, risks and side effects vary from person to person. Talk with your own healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or testing. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. This article is not sponsored and does not endorse any specific product.
Sources
- Jessica Rendall. "6 Best Online GLP-1 Providers For Weight Loss (2026)." Forbes Health, audited and verified September 14, 2026. https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/best-online-glp-1-providers/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss." https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss