The 12 most-asked questions about GLP-1 therapy and the telehealth providers we review.
Is compounded GLP-1 legal?
Yes — when prepared by a licensed 503A pharmacy for individual patients with valid prescriptions, or by a 503B FDA-registered outsourcing facility under specific rules. The framework was established by the Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013. April 2026 FDA action restricted unapproved salt forms but did not make compounded GLP-1 illegal.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?
Same active ingredient. Different product. Branded are FDA-approved finished drugs; compounded are not FDA-approved as finished products. Manufacturing standards, container, and FDA approval status differ.
What's the cheapest GLP-1 program?
For maintenance-dose cash-pay: NexLife at $145/mo (sema 12-month plan) or $186/mo (tirz 12-month plan). Maintenance price matters more than starting price.
Will insurance cover Wegovy or Zepbound?
Variable. Many commercial plans cover with PA; some exclude weight management. Medicare Part D expanded April 2026 to cover Wegovy under CV indication (BMI ≥27 + established CVD).
How much weight can I expect to lose?
STEP-1: ~14.9% mean weight loss with semaglutide 2.4 mg at 68 weeks. SURMOUNT-1: up to 22.5% with tirzepatide 15 mg at 72 weeks. Individual response varies.
Do I need to take GLP-1 forever?
Generally yes — obesity is chronic and discontinuation produces regain (STEP-4). Default expectation is long-term therapy.
What about side effects?
Nausea, constipation, reduced appetite are common during titration. Most resolve as dose stabilizes. Severe persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or RUQ pain warrant evaluation.
Can I drink alcohol on GLP-1?
Yes, but many patients describe markedly reduced desire and tolerance. Well-documented class effect. No specific contraindication.
Will GLP-1 affect my muscle mass?
Rapid weight loss reduces lean mass ~70:30 ratio. Resistance training + protein 1.6–2.0 g/kg target weight shifts favorably.
Can I get pregnant while on GLP-1?
Contraindicated. Stop semaglutide ≥2 months and tirzepatide ≥1 month before planned conception. GLP-1 may restore ovulation in weight-related anovulation — unexpected pregnancy documented.
What if I miss a weekly dose?
<48 hours late: take ASAP, resume schedule. >48 hours: skip, take next regular. Don't double up.
Is NexLife legitimate?
Yes. U.S. telehealth with state-licensed clinician oversight in all 50 states, named Medical Director, named 503A and 503B partners, LegitScript-certified. Editor's #1 Pick (94/100).