Virtual GLP-1 startups: Pill mills or the future of obesity care? (Massively Better Healthcare)

GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are rewriting the rules of obesity care—and virtual startups are racing to meet demand. A new review of 39 companies reveals a spectrum: some offering comprehensive, clinically guided programs with nutrition, behavioral health, and long-term monitoring, and others operating as high-volume “pill mills” with minimal oversight. Physicians remain skeptical—67% warn that telehealth GLP-1 prescribing risks patient safety—yet millions of Americans now turn to these platforms for faster, more affordable, and less judgmental care. With billions in venture capital fueling growth, the question is whether digital health can scale responsibly, or if GLP-1’s promise will be overshadowed by shortcuts and hype.