Your Guide to Getting Weight Loss Medication Online Safely

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, obesity affects approximately 40% of adults in the United States, and many also have other chronic conditions. Prescription weight loss medications can help individuals manage obesity and achieve long-term weight loss. This article will explore how these prescription medications work and how to get them online.

Types of weight loss medications

Multiple products for weight loss are approved by the FDA. The medications are indicated for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 or individuals with a body mass index above 27 who also have health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes. A brief overview of common weight loss medications is shown in the table below.

While these medications are effective for losing weight, there are other considerations when deciding which weight loss medication is best for you.

Specifically, none of the weight loss medications are recommended for pregnant or lactating individuals. Additionally, exercise or physical activities including resistance training like weightlifting can help maintain lean body mass. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the weight loss medicine most suitable for you.

How can I get weight loss medications online?

Online pharmacies offer a convenient way to get your medications, and the number of online pharmacies has been increasing over the years. Purchasing prescriptions via the internet may save you some money; however, it is important to check that the pharmacy is legitimate before sharing your personal information online.

Some tips for determining the legitimacy of an online pharmacy are shared below. An online pharmacy should:

1. Require a prescription from a doctor or licensed healthcare provider
2. Have a legitimate address and telephone number within the U.S. that you can verify
3. Have a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions
4. Be licensed with the appropriate state board of pharmacy

If the pharmacy does not meet the above criteria, it may be wise to consider finding an alternative. Additional warning signs of an improperly registered pharmacy include a lack of information on how your personal health data is protected, unusually large medication discounts that could indicate unapproved or counterfeit drugs, and the sale of prescription medications without requiring a valid prescription.

Obtaining weight loss medication online

To obtain weight loss medications online, you will need a valid prescription written by your healthcare provider. You or your healthcare provider will need to provide the online pharmacy with your prescription, your contact information, and any prescription insurance coverage that you may have. It is estimated that almost 95% of websites claiming to offer prescription medications operate illegally. Therefore, it is important to know how to safely purchase medications online.

The FDA has a website for checking if a pharmacy is licensed by the board of pharmacy in your state. Additionally, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Safe Site Search tool is another resource that you can use to determine if the website is safe. NABP accredits digital pharmacies that provide pharmacy services via the internet. To be accredited the pharmacy must:

• Obtain licenses in applicable states
• Have procedures in place that ensure the authenticity of prescriptions for medications
• Appropriately maintain and manage patient medication profiles
• Ensure the confidentiality of patient health information that is transmitted over the internet
• Have an established system to report medication errors and adverse drug reactions
• Have a process in place for shipping medications safely and securely

Look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site certification on the pharmacy’s website to confirm that the online pharmacy is accredited.

Insurance coverage for weight loss medications

Weight loss medications are often poorly covered by most insurance companies in the U.S. If you have Medicare, it will not cover these medications for the treatment of obesity alone. However, if you have another health condition such as diabetes, Medicare may cover your prescription for a GLP-1 receptor agonist to help you manage your diabetes.

Coverage of these medications by employer-sponsored health insurance plans is also limited, which has led to an increase in consumers trying to obtain the medications from online pharmacies for a discounted price.

Telehealth for weight loss

To obtain a prescription for weight loss medication, you must first see a healthcare provider who can prescribe weight loss medications. You may choose to visit your local provider, or you can consider enrolling in telehealth services to help with chronic weight management.

Since 2020, telemedicine has grown, and many chronic conditions such as obesity can be managed by telehealth. There are many advantages to telemedicine, such as saving time on traveling to doctor’s offices. It may also be helpful for individuals who have limited mobility and difficulty finding transportation to their appointments. Some other benefits of telemedicine are listed below.

• Sustained weight loss. It can take several months or more to lose weight safely and effectively, and frequent appointments with your provider to monitor progress and modify treatment plans may be necessary. Due to the time savings associated with online appointments, individuals may be more likely to continue participating in an online program, which can help in maintaining weight loss results.
• Cost. Telemedicine may reduce costs of care as the copays for virtual visits may be less expensive compared to in-person visits.
• Access. Telehealth can increase access to healthcare for individuals living in rural areas who may travel long distances to see their healthcare provider. You may be able to schedule a visit with a telehealth provider sooner due to increased appointment availability.

Scheduling telehealth services

There are many ways to connect with a provider for virtual telehealth services. You can start by asking your current doctor if they offer telehealth services, and you can also contact your insurance company to learn about potential telehealth options. Under some insurance companies, copays for telehealth visits are cheaper than face-to-face visits.

Telemedicine can be effective in helping you achieve your weight loss goals. From videoconferencing to phone calls, you can meet with providers, coaches, and nutritionists to discuss weight management. Some telemedicine providers also use mobile applications and other technology to interact with patients.

Lifestyle changes and weight loss medications

The medications for obesity treatment are meant to be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications that include increased physical activity and a reduction in calorie consumption. Consider consulting with a dietitian to help incorporate healthier foods such as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. Maintaining lifestyle changes can help limit weight gain after achieving the desired results.

The number of online pharmacies continues to grow. Caution should be taken to avoid engaging with pharmacies that operate illegally and dispense medications without a valid prescription. There are many laws designed to regulate online pharmacies, but this is not done extensively.

📝Healthnews editor's top picks

Discover some of the best weight management apps on the market. All of the products underwent a rigorous evaluation process by the Healthnews Research Team.

Best telehealth service with simple navigation — ReflexMD

• Prioritizes cost-effective generic alternatives whenever possible
• Can ship medication directly to you
• No hidden fees

Try ReflexMD now

Overall best telehealth service — LifeMD

• Medication could be covered depending on the insurance
• Ongoing physician care to monitor your progress
• Metabolic testing opportunity
• Can ship medication directly to you

Try LifeMD now

Best telehealth service for personalized treatment — G-Plans

• Includes a personalized meal program
• One-on-one dietician coaching
• Offers insurance coverage support

Try G-Plans now

Best telehealth service with ongoing care and support — Ro

• Medication could be covered depending on the insurance
• On-demand provider coaching and support
• A provider may order a metabolic lab test before moving forward

Try Ro now