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Weight Loss Drugs: Every Type Compared by Cost, Effectiveness, and How to Get Them (2026)

A complete comparison of weight loss drugs: GLP-1 injections, oral GLP-1, prescription combination pills, off-label options, and OTC drugs, with real 2026 pricing, named-trial results, insurance realities, and how to get evaluated online.

Top Weight Loss Providers (2026)

Our Top Choice
1

GLP-1 Weight Loss From $179/mo - Free 2-Minute Assessment

  • Compounded GLP-1 (semaglutide) from $179/mo, GLP-1 + GIP (tirzepatide) from $259/mo
  • Brand-name Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound® and Wegovy® also available
  • Free 2-minute qualification quiz and FREE doctor consultation - no cost, no obligation
  • Free tracked shipping straight to your door after approval
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9.4
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★★★★★
33,000 User Votes
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Most Popular
2

Doctor-Guided GLP-1 From $179/mo - Free Dietician Visits Included

  • Doctor-guided GLP-1 care, 100% online - no waiting rooms
  • Free dietician visits and care coaching included with your plan
  • Doctor-formulated plans adjusted as your body responds
  • Fast, discreet shipping to your door
9.2
OutstandingScore based on review by ManyTreatments editors, popularity, brand reputation, features and benefitsLearn how we score
★★★★★
33,200 User Votes
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Best Value
3

Free Insurance Check - Zepbound® & Wegovy® 100% Online

  • Full GLP-1 suite: Zepbound®, Wegovy® pill and pen, semaglutide and more
  • Free insurance check shows what your plan covers before you pay
  • Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) averaged up to 20.9% body weight loss in the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial; individual results vary
  • On-demand provider coaching and support, 100% online
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9.3
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★★★★★
32,100 User Votes
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About This Comparison

Our Editorial Standards

This weight loss provider comparison is independently researched by our editorial team. We compare telehealth services based on publicly available information including pricing, available treatments, service areas, and verified customer reviews.

Independent Research: We do not accept payment for rankings or favorable reviews
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
Regular Updates: Content is reviewed and updated monthly for accuracy
Licensed Providers Only: All listed services employ US-licensed healthcare providers

Not Medical Advice: This comparison is for informational purposes only. We are not healthcare providers. Always consult with a licensed physician before starting any treatment. Read our full medical disclaimer and editorial policy.

Independent ResearchNo paid placements
Fact-Checked InformationVerified against official sources
Regularly UpdatedLast updated August 21, 2026
Licensed Providers OnlyAll listed services are US-licensed

Weight Loss Drugs: Every Type Compared by Cost, Effectiveness, and How to Get Them (2026)

Eric GoldWritten by Eric GoldEditor-in-Chief
15 min readUpdated August 21, 2026

Weight loss drugs fall into five practical categories: GLP-1 injections (semaglutide, tirzepatide), oral GLP-1 (Rybelsus), prescription combination pills (Qsymia, Contrave), older prescription stimulants (phentermine alone), and one over-the-counter option (orlistat, sold as Alli). All but orlistat require a prescription from a licensed provider, and price varies enormously by category: generic phentermine can run $10 to $30 a month, while brand GLP-1 injections list at $900 to $1,349 a month before any discount channel. Effectiveness varies just as widely, from roughly 1 BMI point with metformin used off-label to over 20% average body weight loss with tirzepatide in its pivotal SURMOUNT-1 trial. Below: what each drug actually is, what the named clinical trials found, real 2026 prices for every category, what your insurance will realistically cover, and how to get evaluated online for the one that fits you.

Step 1: Identify Which Weight Loss Drug Class Fits Your Health Profile

Start with your health history, not a brand name: your BMI, any diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis, past weight loss attempts, and any thyroid, pancreatic, or gallbladder conditions. That short inventory does the real work. It narrows five drug classes down to the two or three a licensed provider would actually consider for you, because each class has its own eligibility rules and risks.
  • A type 2 diabetes diagnosis opens insurance-covered paths (Ozempic, Rybelsus) that pure weight-management use does not
  • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 is a labeled contraindication for every GLP-1, injectable or oral
  • Needle aversion is a legitimate factor in choosing between an injection and an oral or pill-based option, and providers will discuss the tradeoffs

Step 2: Confirm Whether Your Option Requires a Prescription

Every weight loss drug in this guide except orlistat requires a prescription from a licensed provider; orlistat is available over the counter at a lower 60mg dose (Alli) and by prescription at a higher 120mg dose (generic Xenical). Why confirm this first? Timeline and cost. OTC orlistat you can buy today; every prescription option starts with an online or in-person evaluation.
  • Prescription-only does not mean harder to access online: a licensed telehealth evaluation can prescribe most of these same-day if appropriate
  • OTC orlistat still interacts with certain medications and health conditions, so read the label and talk to a pharmacist even without a prescription requirement
  • Controlled-substance status differs too: phentermine is a controlled stimulant with prescribing limits; GLP-1s, metformin, Qsymia, and Contrave are not controlled substances

Step 3: Check What Your Insurance Actually Covers Before You Choose

Insurance coverage for weight loss drugs is inconsistent, so check yours before you commit to a medication, not after. What decides it is usually your diagnosis code: a type 2 diabetes diagnosis opens doors that a weight-management-only diagnosis does not, even for the identical molecule (Ozempic vs Wegovy is the clearest example).
  • Call your insurer directly and ask specifically about the drug name and diagnosis code, not just 'weight loss medication coverage'
  • Medicare Part D excludes weight loss drugs entirely regardless of which class you're considering
  • Manufacturer savings cards can matter more than insurance for brand-name pills like Qsymia and Contrave if you're paying cash

Step 4: Complete an Online Provider Evaluation and Get Prescribed

Once you know your likely class and have checked coverage, a licensed telehealth provider reviews your intake form, confirms the medication is appropriate, and prescribes it if it's a fit. Turnaround typically runs same-day to 48 hours. Pills ship by standard mail; injections arrive in temperature-controlled packaging.
  • Have your health history and current medication list ready so the review isn't delayed by follow-up questions
  • Ask the provider directly why they're recommending one class over another for your specific profile
  • Set a follow-up check-in regardless of which drug you start, since dose adjustments are common in the first 8-12 weeks

The 5 Types of Weight Loss Drugs, Explained

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP injections (semaglutide as Wegovy/Ozempic, tirzepatide as Zepbound/Mounjaro) are the newest and highest-average-efficacy category, taken as a once-weekly injection. Our dedicated weight loss injections guide covers them in full; here they're summarized so you can weigh them against the pills and the OTC option below.
Oral GLP-1 (Rybelsus) is the same semaglutide molecule as Wegovy and Ozempic, but taken as a daily pill instead of a weekly injection. It's FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not specifically for weight loss, and absorbs far less efficiently than an injection: it uses a specialized absorption enhancer and still delivers a small fraction of an injected dose. Most of the published weight loss evidence for semaglutide, including the 14.9% STEP 1 result, comes from the injectable form, not the pill.
Prescription combination pills combine two older drugs to blunt appetite through different mechanisms. Qsymia pairs phentermine (a stimulant that suppresses appetite) with topiramate (an anti-seizure medication with weight-loss side effects). Contrave pairs naltrexone (used for addiction treatment) with bupropion (an antidepressant), targeting the brain's reward pathways around food.
Phentermine alone, without topiramate, is the most prescribed anti-obesity medication in the US and the oldest drug on this list, typically used short-term (a few months) though longer courses are increasingly common in practice.
Metformin is a type 2 diabetes drug prescribed off-label for weight loss, meaning it doesn't carry FDA approval for that specific use. It's the lowest-cost, lowest-efficacy option here, and providers typically position it as an add-on rather than a primary weight loss strategy.
Orlistat (Alli over the counter at 60mg, generic Xenical by prescription at 120mg) works differently from every other drug on this list: it's a lipase inhibitor that blocks part of the fat you eat from being absorbed rather than suppressing appetite. Per FDA labeling, the prescription 120mg dose inhibits dietary fat absorption by about 30%, and the OTC 60mg dose blocks about 25%.
  • GLP-1/GIP injections: semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) — highest average trial efficacy, prescription-only
  • Oral GLP-1: Rybelsus (semaglutide pill) — same molecule as injections, lower absorption, prescription-only
  • Combination pills: Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) — prescription-only, not controlled substances
  • Stimulant: phentermine alone — prescription-only, controlled substance
  • Off-label: metformin — prescription-only, not FDA-approved for weight loss
  • OTC: orlistat (Alli 60mg OTC, prescription Xenical 120mg) — the only non-prescription option here

Prescription vs Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Drugs

Orlistat is the only weight loss drug sold over the counter in the US, at a lower 60mg dose under the brand name Alli. Every other drug covered in this guide, including the prescription-strength 120mg orlistat sold as generic Xenical, requires a licensed provider's evaluation and a written prescription.
The tradeoff isn't just convenience. OTC status means orlistat skipped the individualized provider review that catches drug interactions and contraindications before they become a problem; you're relying on the label and your own judgment, or a conversation with a pharmacist. Prescription drugs, by contrast, involve a provider actively screening your history first. That's a real safety tradeoff, not just a paperwork difference, and it's worth weighing against the lower average effectiveness OTC orlistat delivers compared with prescription options.

Weight Loss Drug Cost Comparison (2026)

Monthly cost across weight loss drugs spans roughly 100-fold, from generic metformin at a few dollars to brand GLP-1 injections at over a thousand. Generic phentermine and metformin sit at the bottom because both patents expired decades ago; every other option on this list is either a compounded product, a newer patented brand, or a manufacturer-set retail price with no generic competition yet.
Compounded semaglutide, covered in depth on our dedicated [compounded semaglutide cost page](/costs/compounded-semaglutide-cost), runs $99-$227/mo through telehealth programs; compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Brand Wegovy is $349-$399/mo through NovoCare Pharmacy (Novo Nordisk's self-pay channel, as of August 2026) or $1,349/mo at retail list price. Brand Zepbound is $299-$449/mo through LillyDirect vials with an on-time refill (up to $699/mo if a refill lapses) or $1,086-$1,300/mo at retail. Oral Rybelsus has no generic and runs $900-$1,000/mo at retail without insurance coverage.
Among the pill-based prescription options, Qsymia runs $89-$98/mo through the manufacturer's discount channels (its home-delivery pharmacy, GoodRx partnership, and Costco cash price, per qsymia.com as of August 2026), dropping to $70/mo on 90-day fills where available; undiscounted retail prices run higher and vary by dose and pharmacy. Contrave is $99/mo through the manufacturer's CurAccess home-delivery program (per contrave.com as of August 2026); retail pharmacy prices without that program vary widely by pharmacy and can run several times higher. Phentermine alone is the cheapest prescription option at $10-$30/mo generic. Metformin, also generic, runs $4-$20/mo. OTC orlistat (Alli, 60mg) typically runs about $50-$80/mo depending on retailer and how many capsules you take daily; prescription-strength orlistat (120mg, generic Xenical) pricing varies by pharmacy.
  • Metformin (off-label, generic): $4-$20/mo
  • Phentermine alone (generic): $10-$30/mo
  • Orlistat (Alli OTC, 60mg): roughly $50-$80/mo, varies by retailer and daily dose
  • Compounded semaglutide: $99-$227/mo (not FDA-approved; not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality)
  • Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): $89-$98/mo via manufacturer discount channels, $70/mo on 90-day fills; undiscounted retail varies by dose and pharmacy
  • Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion): $99/mo via the manufacturer's CurAccess program; retail prices without it vary widely by pharmacy and run far higher
  • Zepbound: $299-$449/mo (LillyDirect, on-time refill; up to $699/mo if lapsed) or $1,086-$1,300/mo (retail)
  • Wegovy: $349-$399/mo (NovoCare, as of Aug 2026) or $1,349/mo (retail)
  • Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): $900-$1,000/mo retail, no generic
  • Ozempic (off-label for weight loss): $900-$1,300/mo

How Weight Loss Drugs Compare by Effectiveness

Trial results across these drug classes span a wide range, and every figure below is a trial average, not a guarantee; individual results vary with dose, adherence, diet, and biology. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, published in NEJM in 2022, tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) at the 15mg dose produced an average 20.9% body weight loss over 72 weeks. In the STEP 1 trial, published in NEJM in 2021, semaglutide (Wegovy) at 2.4mg produced an average 14.9% over 68 weeks.
Among the prescription pills, the EQUIP trial, published in Obesity, found Qsymia at its top dose produced an average 10.9% weight loss over 56 weeks, and the CONQUER trial, published in the Lancet, found an average 9.8% at the top dose across 2,487 participants over 56 weeks; the SEQUEL extension study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found roughly 10.5% sustained at two years. Contrave's results are more modest: the COR-I trial, published in the Lancet, found an average 6.1% weight loss with 48% of participants losing at least 5% of body weight, and the COR-II trial, published in Obesity, found 6.4% at 56 weeks.
Metformin, used off-label, produces the smallest average effect of any drug in this guide: a published meta-analysis found roughly a 1-point reduction in BMI over 6 months of use. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) doesn't have a comparably clean weight-loss efficacy figure here: its absorption profile differs enough from the injectable form that injectable-trial results don't transfer directly. If a daily pill is the better fit for you, ask your provider for the most current data.
None of these numbers predicts your individual result. Response depends heavily on dose, how consistently you take the medication, diet and activity changes alongside it, and individual biology, and providers generally treat these as long-term treatments rather than short courses given documented weight regain after stopping.

Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Drugs: What's Realistic

Insurance coverage for weight loss drugs depends far more on your diagnosis code than on the drug itself. In KFF's 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, 43% of the largest employers (5,000+ workers) covered GLP-1 medications for weight loss, but coverage drops sharply at smaller firms (16% of firms with 200-999 workers), and a type 2 diabetes diagnosis opens coverage paths that a weight-management-only diagnosis usually doesn't: Ozempic (diabetes label) is often covered where Wegovy (weight-management label, same molecule) is not, even at the same employer.
Medicare Part D excludes weight loss drugs from coverage entirely, across every category in this guide, regardless of diagnosis. State Medicaid coverage varies by state and has been narrowing, not expanding, for GLP-1s specifically.
For the pill-based prescription options, coverage is inconsistent and plan-specific enough that manufacturer savings cards often matter more than insurance for a cash-pay patient; Qsymia and Contrave both publish direct discount programs that can undercut what many plans would charge in copays anyway. Compounded medications sit outside insurance entirely, since they're not FDA-approved products and don't have National Drug Codes that formularies recognize; if that's the route you're considering, HSA/FSA funds are typically the only pre-tax option available, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Generic phentermine and metformin, by contrast, are inexpensive enough at $4-$30/mo that many people find it isn't worth the paperwork to bill insurance at all.

Metformin and Other Off-Label Options

Metformin's FDA approval is for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Prescribing it for weight management specifically is off-label: a provider using clinical judgment to prescribe outside the FDA-approved indication, which is legal and common but worth understanding. Its weight loss effect is modest: a published meta-analysis found roughly a 1-point BMI reduction over 6 months, well below any of the drugs above it in this guide.
Metformin usually fits as a low-cost add-on for someone with insulin resistance or prediabetes who also has a weight-management goal, not as a standalone weight loss strategy. If your provider suggests it, ask one direct question: is this meant to be your primary approach, or a supporting piece alongside another medication or lifestyle change? The two come with very different expectations.

Where to Get Weight Loss Drugs Online

Every prescription drug in this guide requires a licensed US provider's evaluation before you can get it, whether that happens through a telehealth visit or in person; only OTC orlistat skips that step. Below, our weight-loss category rankings draw from the same comparison data used across the site, sorted highest-rated first, so you can see at a glance who actually stocks the drug class you landed on above. What actually differs between them: which drug classes they offer (some are GLP-1-only; others carry the full pill-based range), what they charge within each class, and how fast they get you evaluated.
Since coverage varies so much by drug class, check three specifics before you sign up: that they're licensed to prescribe your specific medication in your state, that they name the actual pharmacy, compounding or retail, filling your prescription, and that a licensed provider reviews your case individually instead of rubber-stamping an intake form.

Online vs In-Person Treatment Comparison

Understanding the differences between online and in-person treatment helps you choose the right approach for your needs.

FeaturePrescription Weight Loss DrugsOTC Weight Loss Drugs (Orlistat/Alli)
Provider evaluation requiredYes, before any prescription is writtenNo, available directly off the shelf
Typical monthly cost$10/mo (generic phentermine) to $1,349/mo (brand injections)About $50-$80/mo (60mg Alli), varies by retailer
Insurance eligibilitySometimes, depending on diagnosis code and planRarely billed to insurance; typically cash-pay
Average trial effectivenessRoughly 1 BMI point (metformin, off-label) to 20.9% average body weight (tirzepatide, SURMOUNT-1), by drugBlocks about 25% (60mg OTC) to 30% (120mg Rx) of dietary fat absorption per FDA labeling; effect on total body weight varies by diet
How it worksAppetite/blood sugar mechanisms (GLP-1, stimulant, reward pathway) depending on drugBlocks fat absorption in the gut (lipase inhibitor)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective weight loss drug?

Among drugs with published trial data, tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) has the highest average result: 20.9% body weight loss over 72 weeks at the 15mg dose in the SURMOUNT-1 trial, published in NEJM in 2022. Semaglutide (Wegovy) averaged 14.9% over 68 weeks in the STEP 1 trial. These are averages, not guarantees; individual results vary by dose, adherence, and biology, and a licensed provider can help you weigh effectiveness against cost and side-effect tolerance for your situation.

What is the cheapest weight loss drug?

Generic metformin, prescribed off-label for weight loss, is the cheapest option at $4-$20 a month, followed by generic phentermine at $10-$30 a month. Both are older, patent-expired drugs with modest average effects (roughly a 1-point BMI reduction over 6 months for metformin) compared with newer GLP-1 options, so the tradeoff is cost against effectiveness, not a free upgrade.

Are there OTC weight loss drugs that actually work?

Orlistat, sold over the counter as Alli at a 60mg dose, is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss drug. Per its FDA labeling, the 60mg dose blocks about 25% of the fat you eat from being absorbed (the prescription 120mg dose blocks about 30%), a different mechanism from every prescription appetite-suppressing option in this guide. It's generally considered to have a modest, real effect rather than being ineffective, though prescription options tend to produce larger average results in published trials.

Does insurance cover weight loss drugs?

Coverage depends heavily on your diagnosis code, not just the drug: in KFF's 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, 43% of the largest employers (5,000+ workers) covered GLP-1 medications for weight loss while smaller firms covered them far less often, and a type 2 diabetes diagnosis often unlocks coverage that a weight-management-only diagnosis doesn't. Medicare Part D excludes weight loss drugs entirely. Compounded medications are never covered by insurance since they're not FDA-approved products; generic pills like metformin and phentermine are inexpensive enough that many people pay cash rather than bill insurance.

Can I take metformin for weight loss if I don't have diabetes?

A provider can prescribe metformin off-label for weight loss without a diabetes diagnosis, which is legal and a common clinical practice, though it's outside metformin's FDA-approved indication. Its effect is modest: a meta-analysis found roughly a 1-point BMI reduction over 6 months, smaller than any GLP-1 or combination-pill option in this guide, so providers typically position it as a low-cost add-on rather than a primary weight loss strategy.

What's the difference between weight loss pills and weight loss injections?

The biggest practical differences are mechanism, cost, and average effectiveness. GLP-1 injections (semaglutide, tirzepatide) produced the largest average trial results, 14.9-20.9% body weight depending on the drug, but cost the most: $349-$1,349 a month for brand versions. Prescription pills like Qsymia and Contrave work through different mechanisms (appetite suppression, reward-pathway targeting) and produced smaller average results in their trials, roughly 6-11%, generally at a lower cost. Neither format is universally better; it depends on your health profile, needle tolerance, and budget.

How do I know which weight loss drug is right for me?

Start with your health history rather than a specific drug name: a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, thyroid or pancreatic conditions, prior medication trials, and your budget all narrow the field before a provider even weighs in. A licensed online or in-person evaluation is the step that turns that narrowed list into an actual prescription, since a provider can screen for contraindications a general comparison like this one can't account for.

Sources & References

Our comparisons are informed by official sources and regulatory guidelines. We encourage readers to verify information with authoritative sources.

Editorial Note: Researched and edited by our editorial team. AI tools assist with initial research and drafting; all content is fact-checked and edited by humans before publication. Learn more about our editorial standards

Start With a Top Weight Loss Provider

Our Top Choice
1

GLP-1 Weight Loss From $179/mo - Free 2-Minute Assessment

  • Compounded GLP-1 (semaglutide) from $179/mo, GLP-1 + GIP (tirzepatide) from $259/mo
  • Brand-name Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound® and Wegovy® also available
  • Free 2-minute qualification quiz and FREE doctor consultation - no cost, no obligation
  • Free tracked shipping straight to your door after approval
LegitScript verifiedView
9.4
OutstandingScore based on review by ManyTreatments editors, popularity, brand reputation, features and benefitsLearn how we score
★★★★★
33,000 User Votes
See PricingRead full review
Most Popular
2

Doctor-Guided GLP-1 From $179/mo - Free Dietician Visits Included

  • Doctor-guided GLP-1 care, 100% online - no waiting rooms
  • Free dietician visits and care coaching included with your plan
  • Doctor-formulated plans adjusted as your body responds
  • Fast, discreet shipping to your door
9.2
OutstandingScore based on review by ManyTreatments editors, popularity, brand reputation, features and benefitsLearn how we score
★★★★★
33,200 User Votes
See PricingRead full review
Best Value
3

Free Insurance Check - Zepbound® & Wegovy® 100% Online

  • Full GLP-1 suite: Zepbound®, Wegovy® pill and pen, semaglutide and more
  • Free insurance check shows what your plan covers before you pay
  • Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) averaged up to 20.9% body weight loss in the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial; individual results vary
  • On-demand provider coaching and support, 100% online
LegitScript verifiedView
9.3
OutstandingScore based on review by ManyTreatments editors, popularity, brand reputation, features and benefitsLearn how we score
★★★★★
32,100 User Votes
See PricingRead full review

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Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment. Individual results and experiences may vary. Read our full medical disclaimer.

Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): On February 20, 2026 the FDA issued MEDVi, LLC a warning letter (MARCS-CMS 721455) citing misbranding under sections 502(a) and 502(bb) of the FD&C Act. Reviewing medvi.io in December 2025, the FDA said labels bearing "MEDVi" implied MEDVi compounds the drugs when it does not, and that "Same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic" and "Same active ingredient as Mounjaro and Zepbound" implied an FDA approval compounded drugs do not have. We found no close-out letter, so the matter appears open. MEDVi states medvi.io is affiliate-operated rather than company-operated; we could not verify that, and the letter is addressed to MEDVi, LLC. Read the FDA letter

Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): The FDA reviewed struthealth.com in December 2025 and, on February 20, 2026, issued Strut Health, LLC a warning letter, MARCS-CMS 721448. It raises two separate problems. Pictured product labels carry the "Strut" name, which the agency said represents Strut as the compounder of the semaglutide and tirzepatide products when it is not. Three site claims are also quoted, among them "Generic Zepbound, Mounjaro" and "Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand medications." Because compounded drugs hold no FDA approval, the FDA said wording of that kind implies one, and it cited misbranding under sections 502(a) and 502(bb) of the FD&C Act. FDA’s warning letter index shows no response letter and no close-out letter, so we treat the matter as open. Read the FDA letter

Verification limitationVerification note (checked August 23, 2026): we could not identify the legal entity behind HealthRx through public records. Its website does not name an operating company, its domain registration is privacy-shielded, and we could not confirm a listing in any business registry or accreditation database we checked. This is not a finding of wrongdoing. It means our usual checks, including our search of FDA enforcement records, could only be run against the brand name and domain rather than a confirmed company.

Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): Hers is a brand of Hims & Hers Health, Inc., and the FDA wrote to that company twice on September 9, 2025, once for each brand. The Hers letter, MARCS-CMS 716825, went to chief executive Andrew Dudum after an August 2025 review of forhers.com. It quotes two claims made for compounded semaglutide: "Weekly injectable GLP-1 with the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy" and "Clinically proven ingredients." The agency’s position is that compounded products carry no FDA approval, so claims like these imply a sameness with approved medicines that has not been established, making the products misbranded. FDA’s index lists neither a response nor a close-out letter, so the matter stands open. Read the FDA letter

Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): One sentence is all that FDA warning letter MARCS-CMS 715879 quotes. Sent to Sprout Health Partners LLC on September 9, 2025 after an August 2025 review of joinsprouthealth.com, it cites the line "GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved and backed by extensive clinical research..." Appearing on pages offering compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, that statement implied to the agency that the compounded products themselves are FDA-approved, which they are not, and it was cited as misbranding under FD&C Act 502(a) and 502(bb). A search of FDA’s warning letter index turns up no close-out letter, so the matter appears open. Read the FDA letter

Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): Skinny.Rx operates as SkinnyRx, but the legal entity is Lean Rx, Inc., and that is the name on FDA warning letter MARCS-CMS 717989, dated February 20, 2026. Following a December 2025 review of skinnyrx.com, the agency objected to the "SkinnyRx" name on pictured labels, saying it implies SkinnyRx compounds the drugs itself, and to three marketing lines, including "Get access to the same active ingredient as name-brand GLP-1 medications" and "It contains the same active ingredient as FDA-approved medications." Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved, so the FDA read those lines as implying an approval that does not exist and classed the products as misbranded. No close-out letter is posted; read the matter as unresolved. Read the FDA letter

Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): On September 9, 2025 the FDA sent Hims & Hers Health, Inc. a warning letter covering the Hims brand, MARCS-CMS 716567, drawn from a review of hims.com the previous month. Two lines about compounded semaglutide are quoted in it: "Same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy" and "Clinically proven ingredients." Compounded drug products are not FDA-approved, and the agency said phrasing of this sort suggests otherwise, which is what makes the products misbranded under FD&C Act sections 502(a) and 502(bb). A companion letter went to the same company that day for its Hers brand. No close-out letter appears in FDA’s index; treat this as open. Read the FDA letter