Yes — telemedicine is commonly used for weight-loss (obesity) medication management, especially for ongoing follow-ups and lifestyle counseling. Many weight-management programs today are designed around virtual visits.
Telehealth is typically appropriate when:
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You’re seeking evaluation for weight-loss medications
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You can share weight, vitals, and medical history
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Follow-up and dose monitoring are needed
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You’re generally stable and not having urgent symptoms
👍 What telemedicine providers can usually do for weight-loss meds
During a virtual visit, a clinician can:
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Review your medical history, BMI, and prior weight-loss efforts
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Screen for safety risks and medication contraindications
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Discuss options such as
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GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide, lliraglutide etc, brand names being Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda). Some manufacturers offer coupons for more affordalble access to GLP1 medicines. For example, check eligibility at:
- https://zepbound.lilly.com/savings
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Orlistat
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Bupropion/naltrexone
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Other evidence-based therapies
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Order labs if needed (thyroid, A1C, kidney/liver function, lipids)
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Start or adjust medication dosing
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Provide lifestyle & nutrition counseling
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Arrange regular follow-up monitoring
Many programs require:
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Recent weight and blood pressure readings
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Lab work within the past 6–12 months
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Ongoing follow-up visits while on medication
⚠️ When an in-person visit may be needed first
You may be referred to in-person care if you have:
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Unexplained rapid weight loss
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Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or severe symptoms
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Pregnancy or trying to conceive
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History of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or severe GI symptoms
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Significant uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, or hypertension
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Possible eating disorder or concerning mental-health symptoms
Some medications also have state-specific or insurance requirements for in-person evaluation or documentation.
📝 Tips to prepare for a telehealth weight-management visit
Have ready:
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Current weight, height, and recent trend (if available)
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Medication & supplement list
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Medical history (diabetes, thyroid, BP, cholesterol, etc.)
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Prior weight-loss attempts or medications
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Recent labs (if you have them)
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Goals & concerns
Hello
Lots of exciting things happening in the GLP1 world of weight loss. Eli Lilly has dropped the price substantially on genuine Zepbound, now starting at $349/month for a starting dose, and rising to $499 at the top dose.
To get started you will need a telemedicine consultation (right now well under $100), normal blood pressure that you can check at home or a pharmacy, and no medical issues that would pose problematic (no contraindications.)
You will also need bare minimum lab results including (kidney function) AST, ALT, (renal function) BUN, Creatinine, and (thyroid) TSH. You may have a set of lab results on hand from your primary care, or ER visit, or a life insurance physical. I'm happy to review those. If they are incomplete or too old you can self-order the necessary tests at Quest (under $100 as I read this today).
Once we have completed the telemedicine medical evaluation, review your labs, and make sure no contraindications exist, we can then send a prescription for your preferred medicine to the pharmacy. I require a follow up visit every 3 months to check in, document progress and safety, and make any adjustments that are needed.
If you logged in today you could theoretically be eligible for Zepbound if you meet medical criteria, had the initial medical evaluation (less than $100 as of 3/14/26), forward or get updated labs (under $100 via Quest diagnositics), and self pay $350 for name brand zepbound. All in it would be under $550, as of 3/14/26. And this is for genuine Zepbound, not a compounded product.
Log in to SelfPayMD to ask any questions, or make an appointment if you wish to move forward!
Help us help you reach your goals!
-V/R
Michael Gray MD JD
