Clear, sourced answers to the questions people ask most about GLP-1 weight loss medications and online programs. Search below or browse by topic. This is general information, not medical advice; talk to a licensed clinician about your own situation.
The basics
What is a GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medicines that mimic a gut hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. They slow stomach emptying and reduce hunger. The best known are semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), which also acts on a second hormone, GIP.
Which GLP-1 medications are approved for weight loss?
For chronic weight management, FDA-approved options include Wegovy (semaglutide, as an injection and, since 2025, a tablet), Zepbound (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide) and Foundayo (orforglipron), a newer oral option. Ozempic, Mounjaro and Rybelsus are approved for type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
No. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and is the version approved for chronic weight management. Using Ozempic only for weight loss is off-label and is often not covered by insurance.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor only; tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial, adults on tirzepatide lost more weight on average (about 20%) than those on semaglutide (about 14%) after 72 weeks.
Who is eligible for GLP-1 weight loss treatment?
Weight management GLP-1s are generally labeled for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. A licensed clinician makes the final decision. Check your number with our BMI calculator.
Results and side effects
How much weight do people lose on GLP-1s?
In the main clinical trials, adults lost about 15% of body weight on average with semaglutide 2.4 mg after 68 weeks (STEP 1), and up to about 21% with the highest tirzepatide dose after 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1). Individual results vary widely.
What are the most common side effects?
Digestive effects are most common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach discomfort, usually most noticeable when starting or increasing the dose. Read our side effects guide.
What serious risks should I know about?
Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. These medicines carry a warning about thyroid C-cell tumors and should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. Your prescriber should review these risks with you.
What happens if I stop taking a GLP-1?
Many people regain weight after stopping. In the STEP 1 extension, participants regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year of stopping semaglutide. Never stop or change your dose without talking to your prescriber.
Can I take a GLP-1 if I am pregnant or planning pregnancy?
Weight management GLP-1s are not recommended during pregnancy. The Wegovy label advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Talk to your clinician before trying to conceive.
How do I avoid losing muscle on a GLP-1?
Eating enough protein and doing regular resistance training are the main strategies clinicians recommend to help preserve muscle while losing weight. See our guide to preventing muscle loss.
Getting a prescription online
Can I get a GLP-1 prescription online?
Yes. Many telehealth programs offer an online evaluation by a licensed clinician who can prescribe a GLP-1 if appropriate. Programs differ in price, medication type and support. Compare them in our directory of US GLP-1 programs.
What is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Compounded versions are prepared by a pharmacy rather than made by the brand manufacturer. They are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not reviewed them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Read compounded vs brand-name GLP-1s.
How can I spot a fake or unsafe GLP-1 seller?
Red flags include selling without a prescription, no licensed clinician review, “research use only” labels, prices far below the market and no named US pharmacy. Check the pharmacy license and use the FDA BeSafeRx resources. See our red flags guide.
Which GLP-1 programs help with insurance?
Programs in our directory that offer insurance support include Amazon One Medical, PlushCare, Ivim Health, Fridays, LifeMD, Nurx, Amazon On-Demand Care, Klarity Health, Zealthy and Midi Health. Use our program finder to narrow the list.
Is microdosing a GLP-1 safe?
Microdosing, meaning taking doses below the approved schedule, has not been studied or approved for weight loss. Some programs market it, but you should only change your dose under a clinician’s supervision. Read our article on splitting and microdosing risks.
Costs and insurance
How much do GLP-1s cost without insurance?
It depends on the medication, dose and route. Brand-name medication bought through manufacturer self-pay programs is usually cheaper than full list price, while compounded programs and memberships vary widely. Add up every fee with our GLP-1 cost calculator and read the cost guide.
Does insurance cover GLP-1s for weight loss?
Some plans do, usually with prior authorization; many exclude medicines used only for weight loss. Coverage is more likely when the medicine is prescribed for an approved use such as type 2 diabetes. See our insurance coverage guide.
Does Medicare cover GLP-1 medications?
Medicare Part D has traditionally excluded drugs used only for weight loss, but it can cover GLP-1s prescribed for approved medical uses. Rules have been changing, so check our Medicare guide and your plan.
Can I use an HSA or FSA for a GLP-1?
Often yes, when the medication is prescribed to treat a medical condition, under IRS rules for medical expenses. Check with your plan administrator. Read HSA and FSA rules for GLP-1 programs.
Can I buy Wegovy or Zepbound directly from the manufacturer?
Yes, with a valid prescription. Eli Lilly runs LillyDirect for Zepbound and Novo Nordisk runs NovoCare Pharmacy for Wegovy, both offering self-pay options.
About GLP1Hub
Does GLP1Hub sell medication?
No. GLP1Hub (glp1hub.us) is an independent comparison site. We do not sell, prescribe or ship medication. We may earn a commission from some links, which never changes our rankings. See our affiliate disclosure.
Is GLP1Hub the same as the GLP-1 Hub podcast?
No. GLP1Hub (glp1hub.us) is an independent comparison site for US GLP-1 weight loss programs and is not affiliated with the GLP-1 Hub podcast or glp-1hub.com.
Sources
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) injection: US Prescribing Information. www.novo-pi.com
- Eli Lilly and Company. Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection: US Prescribing Information. pi.lilly.com
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as compared with semaglutide for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-5). N Engl J Med. 2025. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Wilding JPH, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- US Food and Drug Administration. FDA’s concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss. www.fda.gov
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity. www.niddk.nih.gov
- Internal Revenue Service. Publication 502: Medical and dental expenses. www.irs.gov