Guide
How online weight-loss programs work
Online weight-loss programs come in three main types: coaching and lifestyle programs, medical programs that can prescribe medication, and structured prevention programs. Knowing which type you're looking at helps you compare what you'll actually get.
The three main types
| Type | What you get | Prescriptions? |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching and lifestyle apps | Food and activity tracking, lessons, and support from a coach or community | No |
| Medical (telehealth) programs | An online visit with a licensed provider, who may prescribe medication, plus follow-up check-ins | Sometimes, if the provider decides it's suitable |
| Diabetes prevention programs | A year-long, structured lifestyle program for people at risk of type 2 diabetes, often available online | No |
What the evidence says about lifestyle change
- The CDC recommends losing about 1 to 2 pounds a week. People who lose weight gradually are more likely to keep it off.
- Losing about 5% of your body weight, around 10 pounds for a 200-pound person, can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
- In the study behind the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle program aiming for 5–7% weight loss cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% in adults at high risk.
How medical programs usually work
- You fill in a health questionnaire online.
- A licensed provider reviews it, often with a video or phone visit.
- If medication is suitable, the provider sends a prescription to a pharmacy, and it's posted to you or picked up locally.
- You have regular check-ins to adjust the dose and watch for side effects.
Not everyone who signs up is prescribed medication. A legitimate program will say no if a medicine isn't safe or suitable for you.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- Who are the providers, and are they licensed in my state?
- What's included in the price: visits, medication, coaching, lab tests?
- Is the medication FDA-approved, or compounded?
- What happens if I have side effects or want to stop?
- How do I cancel, and is there a minimum commitment?
How to tell if an online provider is legitimate →