The rise of telehealth has revolutionized access to healthcare, including weight loss programs. Telehealth provides convenience, affordability, and accessibility, particularly for those in remote areas or with limited insurance coverage. This article explores some of the best telehealth services for weight loss, examining their offerings, costs, and potential pitfalls.
The Appeal of Telehealth for Weight Loss
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, leverages technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. It allows patients to consult with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need for travel, reduces wait times, and can be more affordable than traditional in-person visits.
For weight loss, telehealth offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Appointments can be scheduled around busy schedules, eliminating the need to take time off work.
- Accessibility: Telehealth expands access to medical specialists, particularly for those in rural areas or with disabilities.
- Affordability: Telehealth services can be more affordable, especially for those without insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover weight loss programs.
- Privacy: Telehealth provides a discreet way to seek medical care, which can be particularly appealing for those who are self-conscious about their weight.
Telehealth is particularly useful for:
- Getting regular check-ups for ongoing or recurring health conditions
- Treating minor conditions
- Getting mental health care services, including counseling and medication management
- Monitoring a new medication
What to Look for in a Telehealth Weight Loss Service
Choosing the best telemedicine service depends on individual needs, budget, and desired speed of access to care. Here are some key features to consider:
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- Range of Services: Does the service offer a comprehensive weight loss program that includes medication, counseling, and nutritional support?
- Healthcare Professionals: Are the clinicians experienced in weight loss and obesity management?
- Cost and Accessibility: Is the service affordable and accessible, even without insurance?
- Specialized Care: Does the service offer specialized care for individuals with specific health conditions?
- Communication Style: Does the service offer the preferred style of communication, such as video calls, phone calls, or messaging?
- Additional Services: Does the service offer lab work or prescriptions?
- Payment Options: How do you prefer to pay for services?
Top Telehealth Weight Loss Programs in 2025
Here's a review of some of the leading telehealth weight loss programs, considering their pros, cons, and unique features:
1. ShedRx: Best and Cheapest Overall
ShedRx is a telehealth company that offers prescriptions and delivery of affordable GLP-1 medications to all 50 states. ShedRx stands out for its flexibility, allowing customers to choose between coaching and medication support.
Pros:
- Starts at $199/month for compounded semaglutide
- $50 discount available
- Optional coaching for $70/month
- Offers lozenges, drops, and injectables
- Available in all 50 states
- Fast and easy sign-up process
- 10% weight-loss guarantee within 9 months
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Requires prepayment before clinical approval
- Not currently accepting insurance
- Some delays in shipping due to demand
- Cancellation process can be clunky
Bottom Line: ShedRx is a top pick for patients who want affordable GLP-1 access without rigid program rules. Its pricing, flexible support model, and wide medication options set it apart from other low-cost providers.
2. Eden: Best Value with Included Coaching
Eden Health is an online GLP-1 clinic offering predictable flat-rate pricing, community support, and coaching access, with both compounded and brand-name medications available.
Pros:
- Flat-rate pricing
- Community support
- Coaching access
Cons:
- Undisclosed lab costs
- Can be expensive
Bottom Line: Eden is a solid choice for patients who want more than just medication delivery.
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3. GobyMeds: Best for Wide Availability
GobyMeds provides compounded GLP-1 medications through a streamlined online process, including telehealth consultations and direct-to-doorstep delivery.
Pros:
- Low cost: as low as $119/month
- Affordable 3-month starter bundle at $359 (avg. $119/month)
- Price includes consult, medication, cold-packed shipping, fitness and nutrition education
- Supportive resources for conditions like PCOS
- State-licensed pharmacies in all 50 states
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Cons:
- No included fitness or behavioral coaching
- Insurance not accepted (direct pay only)
- Brand-name options are not cheap
Bottom Line: If you're seeking an affordable introduction to GLP-1 therapy, GobyMeds offers a competitively priced starter bundle.
4. Hims and Hers: Best for Wegovy Access
Hims and Hers offer a comprehensive telehealth platform that provides both branded and compounded options, ongoing provider support, and medication delivery.
Pros:
- Access to brand-name GLP-1 medications without insurance
- Price includes consult, medication, shipping, messaging app, fitness, behavioral coaching, and nutrition education
- Offers generic liraglutide as a more affordable option
- Offers comprehensive gender-based wellness in addition to GLP-1
Cons:
- 6-month Wegovy plan must be paid up front ($3594)
- Higher costs for brand-name treatments
- Long-term affordability may be a concern for some patients
- Insurance not accepted (direct pay only)
Bottom Line: Hims and Hers both offer convenient access to brand-name and compounded GLP-1 medications without requiring insurance.
5. Ro Body Program: Best for Zepbound
Ro Body Program is a strong contender for patients who want a reputable platform that can help them use their insurance for Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, or offer a compounded alternative when coverage falls short.
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Pros:
- Price includes consult, shipping, messaging app, behavioral coaching, tracking tools, and nutrition education
- Insurance-friendly with live eligibility checks
- Offers both compounded and FDA-approved options
- Strong track record of patient support and results
Cons:
- Monthly membership required
- $145/month membership fee adds to total cost
- Some brand-name GLP-1s can exceed $1000/month without coverage
Bottom Line: Ro offers both cash-pay and insurance-supported options, making it one of the most versatile platforms in this space.
Other Programs
- Calibrate: Calibrate is a full-year metabolic reset program with a clinical foundation. It blends GLP-1 prescriptions with an intensive, structured curriculum focused on food, sleep, activity, and emotional health. Calibrate only offers name-brand, FDA-approved GLP-1s.
- WeightWatchers: WeightWatchers is a household name that offers a GLP-1 program. The best GLP-1 programs don’t just prescribe medication, they set you up for real, long-term success.
The Role of GLP-1 Medications
Many telehealth weight loss programs prescribe GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. These medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), help control appetite and regulate blood sugar. They are typically administered through weekly injections.
GLP-1 medications can be highly effective for weight loss, but they are not a magic bullet. They work best when combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.
Considerations Regarding Compounded Medications
Some telehealth services offer compounded versions of GLP-1 medications. Compounded drugs are essentially copies of name-brand drugs, made by specialized pharmacies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows this kind of compounding during drug shortages.
However, compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and their safety and effectiveness may not be guaranteed. Compounding pharmacies are regulated at the state level, but oversight can vary.
The Zappy Health and Ousia Pharmacy Case
The case of Zappy Health and Ousia Pharmacy illustrates the potential risks associated with compounded medications. Zappy Health, an online provider, offered low-priced compounded obesity drugs. However, it was discovered that Ousia Pharmacy, one of Zappy's suppliers, did not have a required sterile compounding license.
This meant that the drugs may not have been produced in accordance with safety and potency standards, potentially exposing patients to infections. Customers of Zappy Health learned about the licensing problem through a chat feature on the Zappy smartphone app.
This case highlights the importance of:
- Knowing which pharmacy is filling the prescription
- Verifying that the pharmacy is licensed in the patient's state
- Being wary of prices that are too low
- Ensuring that the pharmacy offers patient counseling
Potential Pitfalls of Telehealth Weight Loss Programs
While telehealth offers many benefits, it's important to be aware of potential pitfalls:
- Lack of Personalization: Commercial weight loss programs may not consider a person’s medical history, prescription medications, or one’s potential history with eating disorders, they may be harmful without medical supervision.
- Difficulty Sticking to the Routine: Following these programs can be exceptionally difficult for those who love going out to eat.
- Risk of Unlicensed Pharmacies: It can be difficult for consumers to tell the difference or trust the quality of the obesity drugs they're buying.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) advises consumers to look out for red flags when choosing an online pharmacy:
- Lack of Transparency: The pharmacy doesn't disclose its location or licensing information.
- No Prescription Required: The pharmacy sells medications without a prescription.
- Unusually Low Prices: The pharmacy offers prices that are too good to be true.
- No Counseling Offered: The pharmacy doesn't offer patient counseling or allow patients to speak with a pharmacist.