If you’re considering taking a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) to lose weight, you’re probably wondering which provider to choose.
I’ve been covering GLP-1 brands for 5 years now. Yep, I’ve been doing it since 2020 when Found and Calibrate were the only brands doing it. Overall, it’s a controversial subject for me as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, as it’s changing the way people approach weight loss.
Fast forward to 2025, and the GLP-1 space has exploded. Hundreds of providers are competing for attention across social media, search engines, and forums like Reddit.
With so many brands looking nearly identical, it’s tough to know which one is actually right for you - or even what they’re truly offering.
I wanted to write this short post for anyone out there seriously considering losing weight through prescription medication. This is not an endorsement of any brand, service or even the medication themselves (yes, there are multiple versions).
This post will talk about what I learned after speaking with many of the founders and team members of these GLP-1 providers, as well as customers who currently take the medication.
This post will talk about what I learned after speaking with many of the founders and team members of these GLP-1 providers, as well as customers who currently take the medication. I’ll also explain why I decided to go the old fashion route to lose weight / build muscle / eat healthy, and things you need to consider before choosing the right brand for you.
What’s a GLP-1 Provider?
A GLP-1 provider is simply a telemedicine brand that provides compounded or brand-named GLP-1 medications through third-party pharmacies. These brands have a medical team with a primary doctor and a team of physician assistants or clinicians.
Some brands offer personalized GLP-1 services, while others offer a quick GLP-1 ordering process.
The doctor will be able to write the prescription, as long as you medically qualify for the medication. My advice is to ask the brand what the eligibility requirements are.
If you meet the qualifications and sign up, most brands will provide monthly check-ins to monitor your progress, where you’ll be able to ask questions to the doctor and/or their clinicians.
Now that you know what a GLP-1 provider is, here are some things I’ve learned that you may find helpful in your journey searching for a legit provider.
Many GLP-1 Brands Are The Same, But There Are Some Differences
Every brand tries to differentiate themselves somehow with a great offer… It's part of standing out.
Some GLP-1 brands highlight their speed of getting approved for the medications, while others offer money-back guarantees, unlimited support and a “personalized” weight loss approach.
Similarities
At the end of the day though, most GLP-1 brands offer:
Differences
Through my 5 years covering these brands and hearing what customers say, I found the main differences to be:
You May Lose Weight, But Will You Look Good?
Being a strength coach, I am constantly educating myself on GLP-1s and their role with muscle loss. This is really important to understand because if you take the medication and don’t strength train, it could cause further damage down the road.
Here’s what I mean:
When you take a GLP-1, lose weight, and don’t strength train, your body loses fat and muscle. This can be damaging because if you ever decide to get off a GLP-1, you’ll gain more weight back, but since you lost a lot of your muscle, the weight you gain will be fat. All of the sudden, you’ll look worse than before you started the medication.
But, if you strength train properly (and I’m only talking 30 minutes per day for 3 days per week), you’ll build lean muscle, which will give you more body definition and it will help build a faster metabolism, resulting in more fat burn.
Then, if you build those healthy habits and decide to get off the medication, you’ll be set up for the long run with achieving the body you wish to have.
I just wish more brands would educate more on this topic, because the reality is, we see people in our communities who are taking a GLP-1 and they don’t look well-defined. The only way I can describe it is “flat” or “deflated.” Obviously, there are exceptions and some people are working really hard to build all-around healthy habits - and that’s great - we need more of that.
But, for anyone interested in starting a GLP-1, it’s super important to know the muscle-loss risks involved, and have an actionable plan. If you’re a woman, the FHM+ App is a great strength training app that tailors their workouts to women. For men, there are plenty of apps out there to start strength training, including the 1st Phorm App, as a prime example.
My Tips on Finding a GREAT GLP-1 Provider
With hundreds of brands out there, it can be difficult to find the right one. However, if you know what you’re looking for in advance, it will save you a ton of time.
Just Want The Meds, or Looking For More Support?
My first piece of advice is ask yourself do you just want the medication and be left alone (with one check-in per month)?
Or…
Do you want unlimited messaging support in case you have
And…
Are you fine with paying out of pocket? Or Without insurance?
Or…
Did you want insurance to cover it? And this may be a situation where you may want your insurance to cover it, but you may not have the luxury of it happening.
Personalized Approach? Or General Services?
The next thing you’ll want to consider is going with a personalized approach, or a brand that serves a specific category of people. For example, if you’re a woman in perimenopause, menopause or midlife, you may want to consider a midlife-specific brand, like Join Josie. Brands like these will know your general situation going into your treatments, and can better serve you down the road. Whereas a GLP-1 brand that serves everyone, you may just be another number.
But, if you’re ok with that, and you’re just looking for the meds and “leave me alone” consider a brand like Remedy Meds - they provide a fast approval process and partner with multiple compounding pharmacies, which protects customers from shortages and provides efficient shipping times.
Pricing - Take The Time To Ask!
Ask the brand about pricing. Specifically, ask if the dose increases, does the price go up?
Some brands will keep the price the same, even if the dose increases, while other brands will jack up the price as the dose goes up. Knowing this can save you a bunch of money in the long run, especially if you plan on taking it for more than 6 months.
Typical costs for compounded semaglutide are $299 per month. Some brands will advertise it for $199 per month, but I have found that’s the price if you sign up for a 12-month plan - and you would have to pay the full 12 months up front.
Consult With A Trusted Medical Provider or Doctor
The good news is that all of the GLP-1s you will be looking at have their own medical team. Take advantage of it and consult with them, tell them your history and always be on the safe side.
You can also talk to your personal doctor and see if a GLP-1 is a good fit for you.
Either way, it’s really important to get the right consultation.
One More Note On Strength Training
I cannot stress the importance of strength training while taking a GLP-1 enough! Yes, I’m a bit biased because I’m a strength coach, and it’s going to take hard work to start strength training, especially if you haven’t done it before. However, please do your own research and find out why it’s so important.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a solid foundation of what I’ve learned about GLP-1 providers, it’s time for you to go out and do your own research. Find the brands that align with you, ask the right questions and before you know it, you’ll be in a solid program.
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments!