STAT+: Online GLP-1 prescriptions are often fast, easy — and low on clinical oversight

STAT PlusHealth tech Online GLP-1 prescriptions are often fast, easy — and low on clinical oversight A secret shopper study of 49 websites confirms experts’ concerns Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Katie PalmerJuly 6, 2026 Palmer is investigating how telehealth is driving the consumerization of drugs. This is Part 6 of the series The VirtualRx Boom. Katie Palmer[email protected]Katie covers the impact of health technology on patients, clinicians, and businesses. Her stories explore the price tag of clinical AI, digital health at the FDA, and the boom in direct-to-consumer telehealth. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at palmer.01. A secret shopper study has pulled back the veil on the practices of nearly 50 telehealth sites that prescribe popular GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Direct-to-consumer telehealth companies have grown rapidly in response to patients’ demand for GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide, especially after shortages created a market for compounded versions that aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As online prescribing has grown, clinicians and public health experts have raised concerns about the potential for lax virtual care practices to put patients at risk. Advertisement In a study published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one researcher at Yale University set out to document those online prescriptions by posing as a patient. The results capture what many Americans have learned in the last few years: It is extraordinarily fast and easy to get a GLP-1 online. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In health tech, Obesity, research, STAT+, Telehealth, weight loss Submit a correction requestReprints Katie Palmer Health Tech Correspondent Katie covers the impact of health technology on patients, clinicians, and businesses. Her stories explore the price tag of clinical AI, digital health at the FDA, and the boom in direct-to-consumer telehealth. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at palmer.01. Newsletter Tech is transforming health care and life sciences. Our original reporting is here to keep you ahead of the curve. Recommended The Readout July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Four major biotech updates to catch up on Pharmalot July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Novartis acquisition, Republicans backing clinical trial diversity, and more Advertisement Morning Rounds July 6, 2026 The race for an Ebola therapy begins Matt's Take July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: I spoke to Anthropic’s CEO about how AI may affect biotech. Here’s what I learned Politics July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: GOP lawmakers push Trump’s FDA to make sure clinical trials are diverse Subscriber Picks