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Following a usage surge in recent years, here's where you can safely buy popular GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic without a traditional prescription
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Some of pop culture’s most recognizable faces are no longer promoting skincare lines or sneaker brands; they’re now the public faces of GLP-1 medications. These drugs, widely used for weight loss, mimic a natural hormone in the body to help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and, for some people —especially those living with type 2 diabetes — lower blood glucose levels. The shared goal is simple: weight loss.
You may recognize some names of the most common GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. While these drugs have gained increased attention in the past decade, GLP-1, as a hormone, was first identified in the eighties.
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It wasn’t until more recent years, however, that these medications received FDA approval and became widely prescribed, primarily for people with type 2 diabetes (as mentioned above). But today, their presence is hard to miss — from subway ads to high-profile endorsements by celebrities like Serena Williams, all highlighting the appeal of these once-niche treatments.
As of 2021, use of GLP-1 medications has surged, with many users taking them for weight loss rather than type 2 diabetes management. While these drugs once required a traditional doctor’s visit and prescription, access has expanded significantly. Online platforms now make it easier to obtain these medications.
As with any medication, there are risks associated with using GLP-1s, and much of that risk depends on an individual’s health history. “The problem with online purchases is determining whether the pharmacy is reputable. Generally, these medications are safe unless you have a history of thyroid cancer or a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia,” said Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz, an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Orange County, CA, in a statement to Rolling Stone.
“They should also be avoided in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases — ulcerative colitis is a good example. The most common side effects are G.I. upset, which is easily managed with small portions. There is a major complication called gastroparesis, where the bowel basically stops working in peristalsis.”
GLP-1 medications are sold on sites like Ro, Hers, and Hims, as well as telehealth platforms like PlushCare. Below, we break down the differences between each.
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Hers was first introduced in 2018, and the popular platform has since helped thousands of people lose weight. When you first log onto the website, you are asked a few simple questions, such as whether you prefer injectables or oral medications and what your ideal amount of weight loss is.
From there, it asks a few more questions about your goals, while also confirming your state and date of birth — you must be over 18, and all 50 states are not eligible. Finally, you create an account and complete a final round of health history questions to determine whether you qualify. A licensed prescriber then reviews and signs off.
It is important to note that Hers does not accept insurance and instead operates on a subscription model. The company states on its website that it offers “the most affordable FDA-approved semaglutide.”
Hers also has numerous satisfied customers, with testimonials such as: “I have struggled with my weight my entire adult life. This is the first time I have been successful.” Memberships start at $39 per month.
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If you’re wondering what brand Serena Williams is a spokesperson for, it’s Ro — you can’t escape their commercials. Much like Hers, Ro also does not require insurance, and the setup is quite similar. You complete a short quiz to determine your goals and health history, and within two days, you are told whether you can receive a prescription.
The main difference between Ro and Hers is the medications available: Ro primarily offers Wegovy, whereas Hers has a wider selection of pills and injectables. Pricing starts at $45 for the first month, and then $145 per month for the membership, which includes easy access to care, chatting with doctors, and guidance. The cost of the medication is an added fee. The website reports that “93% agree Ro is easier to incorporate into their lives.”
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Noom is one of the older weight loss platforms on the market, first launching in 2008. The company focuses on “medical care with behavior change,” per the brand’s site. In addition to providing medications, it aims to build long-term lifestyle changes rather than offering a quick fix.
It is geared more toward users who are focused on sustained weight loss, rather than those looking to shed pounds for a short-term goal, such as an upcoming event. Noom also offers what it calls “microdosing GLP-1s,” in which tiny doses of GLP-1 medications are provided to help the body adjust gradually, with the goal of reducing side effects.
After approval, Noom’s medications are delivered directly to your door, and the service starts at around $79 per month.
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Hims & Hers are the same company, but Hers tends to focus on healthcare for women, while Hims focuses on treatments for men, including conditions like erectile dysfunction. Like Hers, Hims also offers GLP-1 medications and operates using a similar model.
We would recommend choosing this option over the others if you are already using Hims for other products, as it can make ordering more convenient by keeping everything in one place and avoiding the need to manage multiple accounts.
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PlushCare is for the person who wants access to GLP-1s but would prefer to speak with a doctor without visiting one in person. The telehealth platform allows you to first find out whether you are a candidate for this type of medication, and then gives you the option to proceed with or without insurance.
You complete a short virtual visit with an MD, often available the same day, and, if appropriate, you may be prescribed GLP-1s afterward. PlushCare costs $129 per visit without insurance, and you are billed separately for the medication.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) are medications designed to help individuals lose weight. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking hormones. In medication terms, an agonist is a manufactured substance that attaches to a cell receptor and causes the same action as the naturally occurring substance. In other words, GLP-1 medications bind to GLP receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more extreme the effects.”
In simpler terms, these medications can help decrease your desire to eat.
Type 2 diabetes was the original chronic condition for which GLP-1s were approved by the FDA in 2005. Type 2 diabetes means an individual can produce insulin —the hormone needed to help regulate blood sugar levels (which is also needed to sustain life) — but either does not produce enough of it or does not use it effectively.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. This is different from type 1 diabetes, in which the body does not produce insulin at all, and individuals must rely on daily synthetic insulin injections to survive. Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed, and its cause is not fully known. It is more common in children and young adults, while type 2 is more prevalent in people over 40.
There is no single “right” answer, as this comes down to personal preference and health goals. Injectable GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic typically work faster and may produce more noticeable results, while oral forms are often preferred by those who want to avoid poking themselves with a needle.
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