A JAMA study published Monday found a Yale researcher could quickly obtain GLP-1 weight-loss prescriptions from nearly 50 direct-to-consumer telehealth sites while posing as a patient.
The findings spotlight how fast and easy online access has become as demand for semaglutide and tirzepatide surged and telehealth sellers expanded to meet it.
Compounded GLP-1s gained traction after shortages of branded drugs created a market for versions not approved by the FDA.
Clinicians and public health experts have warned that weak virtual screening and oversight at these sites could expose patients to avoidable risks.