Reviewed by a board-certified obesity medicine physician. Last updated March 2026.

The Problem

The GLP-1 market has attracted both qualified medical providers and opportunistic operators. The FDA has issued over 50 warning letters to companies selling unauthorized GLP-1 products [1]. The FTC settled a $150,000 enforcement action against telehealth provider NextMed for deceptive advertising of compounded semaglutide [2]. With 18% of U.S. adults having tried a GLP-1 medication [3], the demand is massive, and not everyone serving that demand meets basic medical standards.

This guide gives you a concrete framework for evaluating any GLP-1 provider.

The Five-Point Verification Checklist

1. Verify Provider Credentials

Every GLP-1 prescription requires a licensed prescriber: a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA). Before your first appointment, confirm their credentials.

How to verify:

  • Search the NPI Registry for their National Provider Identifier number
  • Check your state medical board's online license verification tool
  • Look up board certification at certificationmatters.org

Preferred credentials for GLP-1 prescribing: Board certification in obesity medicine (ABOM), endocrinology, internal medicine, or family medicine. Certification is not required to prescribe, but it signals relevant training.

Red flag: A clinic that will not disclose the prescribing provider's name or credentials before your appointment.

2. Confirm FDA-Approved Medication Options

Legitimate clinics offer FDA-approved medications (Wegovy, Zepbound) as a primary option. Some also offer compounded formulations, which is acceptable as long as the provider discusses both options and explains the differences.

Red flag: A provider that only offers compounded semaglutide without mentioning branded alternatives, or that sources medication from overseas pharmacies.

3. Evaluate the Medical Intake Process

A proper medical evaluation before prescribing is not optional. It is the standard of care.

What a legitimate intake includes:

  • Review of medical history, current medications, and allergies
  • BMI calculation and documentation of weight-related conditions
  • Screening for contraindications (thyroid cancer history, MEN2 syndrome, pancreatitis history, pregnancy)
  • Discussion of expected outcomes, side effects, and monitoring plan
  • Lab work in some cases (comprehensive metabolic panel, A1c, thyroid function)

Red flag: Any service that prescribes GLP-1 medication without a medical consultation, or a website that allows you to "order" medication by filling out a brief questionnaire with no provider interaction.

4. Look for Transparent Pricing

You should know exactly what you will pay before committing. Legitimate clinics provide clear pricing for the initial consultation, the medication itself, and ongoing follow-up visits.

Red flag: Mandatory multi-month prepayment before starting treatment, hidden fees revealed after enrollment, pressure to purchase proprietary supplements or add-on services, or "too good to be true" pricing on branded medications.

5. Confirm Ongoing Medical Supervision

GLP-1 treatment requires dose titration over 16-20 weeks and ongoing monitoring. Providers should offer regular follow-up appointments, side effect management, and nutritional guidance.

Red flag: A provider who writes a prescription and has no follow-up plan, or who charges separately for every question about side effects.

Evaluating Compounding Pharmacies

If your provider prescribes compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, the pharmacy matters as much as the prescriber.

503A compounding pharmacies fill individual prescriptions under state oversight. Quality standards and inspection frequency vary by state.

503B outsourcing facilities are registered with the FDA, operate under federal inspection, and must follow current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. These offer a higher level of quality assurance.

Questions to ask your provider about their compounding pharmacy:

  1. Is the pharmacy 503A or 503B registered?
  2. Can I verify their FDA registration online?
  3. Have they received any FDA warning letters or had product recalls?
  4. What sterility and potency testing do they perform on each batch?

You can search for registered 503B facilities on the FDA's outsourcing facility database [4].

Common Scams in the GLP-1 Market

"Research peptides" sold as medications. Websites selling semaglutide labeled "for research use only" are not selling pharmaceutical-grade products. These may be contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or entirely counterfeit.

Fake online pharmacies. Sites that ship GLP-1 medications without a prescription, often from overseas. These products have no regulatory oversight.

"Natural GLP-1" supplements. Products marketed as "natural GLP-1 boosters" or "GLP-1 activators" are dietary supplements with no evidence of GLP-1 receptor activity. They are not equivalent to prescription GLP-1 medications.

Bait-and-switch pricing. Low introductory prices that increase dramatically after the first month, once the patient is established on the medication and reluctant to switch providers.

Ten Questions for Your First Appointment

  1. Who is the prescribing provider, and what are their medical credentials?
  2. Which medications do you offer (FDA-approved, compounded, or both)?
  3. What does the medical evaluation include before prescribing?
  4. What is the total monthly cost, including medication, visits, and all fees?
  5. Do you accept my insurance? Will you help with prior authorization?
  6. What is the follow-up schedule during dose titration?
  7. How do you handle side effects between scheduled appointments?
  8. What happens if I need to stop or switch medications?
  9. Do you provide nutritional counseling or lifestyle support?
  10. If you use compounded medications, which pharmacy do you use and are they 503B registered?

Find Verified Providers

Our GLP-1 clinic directory lists providers with verified NPI credentials, transparent pricing, and patient reviews. Use the filters to search by location, insurance acceptance, telehealth availability, and provider specialty.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Sources

  1. FDA. Warning Letters Related to GLP-1 and Weight Loss Products. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/compliance-actions-and-activities/warning-letters
  2. FTC. "Telehealth Company NextMed Settles FTC Charges." 2024. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/
  3. KFF Health Tracking Poll, May 2024. "Public Opinion on GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss." https://www.kff.org/health-costs/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/
  4. FDA. Registered Outsourcing Facilities. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/registered-outsourcing-facilities
  5. CDC. Adult Obesity Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/index.html
  6. Novo Nordisk. "Wegovy (semaglutide) Injection Prescribing Information." https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf