FDA Targets 25 Telehealth Companies Over Weight-Loss Drug Claims

Federal regulators say some telehealth companies made misleading claims about compounded versions of popular GLP-1 medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is intensifying its crackdown on the fast-growing online weight-loss industry.

The agency recently issued warning letters to 25 telehealth companies, alleging they made false or misleading claims about compounded versions of blockbuster GLP-1 medications such as tirzepatide and semaglutide, according to a report from Reuters.

The letters were sent to companies including Medica Weight Loss, Ready Med, and Clover Meds, among others, as regulators continue to scrutinize the marketing of compounded weight-loss drugs that surged in popularity during shortages of brand-name medications.

Why the FDA Is Taking Aim at Compounded GLP-1 Drug Claims

According to the FDA, some telehealth companies claimed their compounded products were sourced from FDA-approved pharmacies or suggested the ingredients had been clinically studied in ways that could mislead consumers.

The agency also said some companies implied their compounded products were equivalent to FDA-approved GLP-1 medications or marketed them in ways that could lead consumers to believe they were receiving the approved drugs themselves.

Compounded medications are customized formulations created by licensed pharmacists or physicians who combine, mix, or alter ingredients to meet an individual patient's needs. Unlike approved medications, they do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing consistency.

The FDA has previously issued warning letters to telehealth firms as part of a broader effort to police the compounded drug market.

What This Means for Anyone Using Online Weight-Loss Services

The drugs at the center of the dispute are among the most sought-after medications in the country. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro, while semaglutide is used in Novo Nordisk's weight-loss medication Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic.

As Reuters reported, Michael Davis, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said on X that compounded GLP-1 products have not been shown to meet the same standards for safety, effectiveness, and consistency as FDA-approved medications. He added that the agency plans to continue "holding companies accountable" for misleading claims.

The warning letters arrive as the FDA continues tightening oversight of compounded GLP-1 medications. In April, as reported by Reuters, the agency proposed removing semaglutide and tirzepatide from a key compounding list, a move that could significantly limit large-scale production of compounded versions in the future.

For consumers, the latest action serves as a reminder to understand exactly what medication is being prescribed through online weight-loss platforms-and whether it has been reviewed and approved by the FDA.

Related: Why You're Not Losing Weight Eating 'Healthy,' According to Dietitians

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 10:24 AM.