Study finds many telehealth sites prescribe GLP-1 weight-loss drugs with minimal clinical oversight

A secret-shopper investigation examined 49 direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms that offer GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss.

Researchers posing as patients found that most sites provided prescriptions quickly and with little clinical questioning, often without confirming a diagnosis or reviewing medical history.

The study, published in JAMA by a Yale researcher, warns that this lax virtual care could expose patients to safety risks, especially as demand for GLP-1s has surged and compounded, non-FDA-approved versions have entered the market.