Four legitimate routes, what each one is good for, and the one route to avoid. All of these prescribe the brand-name drug; none of them are compounded copies.
Brand-name Wegovy and Zepbound, insurance navigation, video visits. Widest medication menu.
Check eligibilityFully online, brand-name Wegovy and Ozempic after the 2026 Novo Nordisk partnership. Simplest flow.
See pricingSelf-pay vials: Zepbound via LillyDirect, Wegovy via NovoCare. Needs your own prescription.
LillyDirect| Ro | Hims / Hers | Found | LillyDirect / NovoCare | Your own doctor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What you get | Video or async visit, brand Wegovy or Zepbound, insurance help, refills | Async online visit, brand Wegovy / Ozempic through the 2026 Novo partnership | Obesity-medicine doctor, coaching, GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 options (e.g. metformin, bupropion combos) | Self-pay vials or pens shipped direct; needs a prescription from someone | Prescription, insurance prior-auth, in-person monitoring |
| Best for | People with insurance that might cover it; want the widest menu | Simplest self-pay path; already Hims users | Don't qualify for a GLP-1, or want a doctor who'll try other things first | Already have a prescriber; want the lowest self-pay price | Complex history, other conditions, prefer face-to-face |
| Time to first dose | Days | Days | Days to a week | Days once prescribed | Weeks (appointment + prior auth) |
| Cost structure | Membership + medication | Bundled monthly | Membership + medication | Medication only | Copay or list price |
| Watch out | Membership continues if meds pause | Historically compounded; confirm you're getting brand | Coaching add-ons | No clinical support included | Prior auth denials common for weight-only |
Start with your own doctor or Ro (insurance navigation). Coverage turns a $400 month into a $25 one. Employer plans vary; some cover Zepbound and not Wegovy or vice versa.
Manufacturer direct is usually cheapest for the drug itself. You still need a prescriber; a one-off telehealth visit or your GP can write it. Telehealth bundles cost more but include the monitoring.
Brand GLP-1s are labeled for BMI 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition. Found is the platform that will still see you and discuss alternatives.
Current weight and height (they'll calculate BMI). Any weight-related conditions: high blood pressure, sleep apnea, prediabetes, high cholesterol, PCOS. Family history of thyroid cancer. Personal history of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. Every medication you take, especially insulin, sulfonylureas, and anything for thyroid. Whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning.
Then run the curve so you know what a normal month 1, 3 and 6 look like before you start.