Lose weight under the care of a licensed provider.

In-depth guide

A plain-language guide to medical weight loss with compounded GLP-1 medication

Medical weight loss means using a prescription medication, under the care of a licensed provider, as one part of a broader plan for managing weight. Prolong Health offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, two medicines in the GLP-1 class. A licensed provider decides whether either one is appropriate for you, and which one, after reviewing your health history.

This guide is general information, not medical advice, and it does not replace a conversation with a provider. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed. They are not the same as brand-name products such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound.

How the program works, step by step

1. 1. Complete an online intake. You answer questions about your health history, current medications, and weight. Completing an intake does not guarantee a prescription.
2. 2. A licensed provider reviews your intake. Most reviews are done asynchronously, which means the provider reads your information and responds without a scheduled call. Some states require a live video visit before a first prescription: Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
3. 3. Baseline labs. Your provider orders baseline lab work through Quest or Labcorp. The base weight-loss labs are covered in your program price. If you choose to use a different lab, you pay for it.
4. 4. A prescription, if you are eligible. If your provider decides it is appropriate, they can prescribe a compounded GLP-1 medication. Your provider decides between semaglutide and tirzepatide and whether an injection or an oral or sublingual (dissolving tablet) form fits you. The form available can change at any time. The dose starts low and is raised in steps, a process called titration. Your provider may also prescribe ondansetron, a medicine for nausea, if you want it.
5. 5. Regular provider reviews. Reviews happen monthly until you reach a steady dose, then every quarter. These are usually asynchronous, and you can ask for a live video consult at any time. Labs are typically repeated about every 12 months, and more often if a result is abnormal.
6. 6. Care coaching along the way. Coaching sessions are available about every two weeks, at your discretion.

What's included

• A review of your intake by a licensed provider, and ongoing provider reviews.
• Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, if a provider prescribes it.
• Base weight-loss lab work through Quest or Labcorp.
• An optional ondansetron prescription for nausea, if your provider agrees.
• Medical weight loss care coaching from certified medical assistants. This is not dietitian services, it does not include a prescribed diet, and it is not therapy.
• Shipping of your medication every 4 weeks, even if you choose a 12-week or 24-week plan.

Pricing summary

Prolong Health is cash-pay, and insurance is not billed. FSA and HSA cards, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted. American Express is not.

Semaglutide: $249 per month billed every 4 weeks; $229 per month billed as $687 every 12 weeks; or $209 per month billed as $1,254 every 24 weeks.

Tirzepatide: $339 per month billed every 4 weeks; $319 per month billed as $957 every 12 weeks; or $299 per month billed as $1,794 every 24 weeks.

You can cancel anytime. You can ask for a refund at any time, except for a month in which your medication has already been ordered. Pricing and availability can change.

Eligibility, safety and side effects

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are powerful medicines with known side effects. The points below describe the class in general and are not a full list. Read the information that comes with your medication, and tell your provider about any new symptom.

Common side effects

• Nausea, which is the most commonly reported effect, especially when starting or raising a dose.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Stomach pain, bloating, or heartburn.

Serious risks and warnings

• Thyroid C-cell tumors. Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry a boxed warning, based on studies in rodents. They should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Tell a provider right away about a lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness.
• Pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas. Severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting, needs urgent care.
• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones.
• Dehydration and kidney injury, which can follow ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.
• Low blood sugar, especially if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea medicine. Your provider may need to adjust those medicines.
• Serious allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Seek emergency care.
• Use during pregnancy is not recommended.

Do not stop or change any prescribed medication without talking to a provider first. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Sources and further reading

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Compounding and the FDA, questions and answers
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA's concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
• MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine): Semaglutide injection
• MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine): Tirzepatide injection
• NIDDK (National Institutes of Health): Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity
• NIDDK (National Institutes of Health): Treatment for adult overweight and obesity

Frequently asked questions