How We Rank — Our Methodology

Every provider on Weight Loss Rankings is evaluated using a structured scoring system. Each provider is assessed across six weighted dimensions, and scores are computed algorithmically to produce an overall rating out of 10. The algorithm is applied uniformly to every provider — a paid partner does not receive a higher score than a non-partner. Below is a full breakdown of each dimension and what it measures.

Why each dimension matters: Value is benchmarked against current brand-name GLP-1 cash prices — roughly $1,349/month for Wegovy[2] and $1,086/month for Zepbound[3] — against which compounded options are compared using our pricing index[1]. Effectiveness is grounded in the pivotal trials: STEP 1 (semaglutide, -14.9% body weight)[4] and SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide, -20.9% body weight)[5], with guideline context from AACE[10] and the ADA Standards of Care[11]. Trust reflects PCAB pharmacy accreditation[6], federal compounding rules under 503A[7] and 503B[8], and any FDA warning-letter history[9].

Value

25%

Price relative to category average, cost transparency, hidden fees

Effectiveness

25%

Clinical evidence, published weight loss outcomes, and clinical trial data

User Experience

15%

App quality, onboarding flow, website experience, and customer support responsiveness

Trust & Safety

15%

FDA compliance, medical oversight quality, pharmacy verification, and company transparency

Accessibility

10%

State availability, insurance acceptance, FSA/HSA eligibility, and shipping speed

Support

10%

Access to dietitians, coaching, community features, and quality of follow-up care

How We Evaluate Compounding Pharmacies

For compounded GLP-1 medications, the telehealth provider is only half the story — the compounding pharmacy behind the prescription actually produces the drug. We maintain a separate compounding pharmacy directory and score each pharmacy across five dimensions: accreditation and compliance (PCAB, cGMP, FDA 503B registration), regulatory standing (FDA warning letters, Form 483 observations, recalls), state coverage (number of states licensed to dispense), GLP-1 production (whether semaglutide and tirzepatide are both produced), and track record (years in operation).

Pharmacy-level scores are independent from provider-level scores. We do not artificially boost a telehealth provider because it partners with a highly-rated pharmacy — instead we surface the pharmacy relationship so readers can evaluate both the prescriber and the pharmacy fulfilling the prescription.

Scores vs. Placement

Score is independent. Placement is not always. Our scoring algorithm runs against every provider equally — a paid partner will never receive a higher score than a non-partner with equivalent data.

Commercial relationships can influence where a provider appears beyond its algorithmic score — for example, featured homepage placements, "Top Pick" labels, highlighted cards in the comparison tool, or blog coverage frequency. Sponsored placements are labeled clearly. Providers without an affiliate arrangement are still evaluated and ranked using the same methodology. This is disclosed in full on our Affiliate Disclosure page, and explained end-to-end on our Nature of Reviews & Rankings page.

Scores are updated when new clinical data, pricing changes, or service quality shifts are identified. If you find a score that seems out of date or inaccurate, please let us know.

For the story behind the site and how it stays independent, see About Weight Loss Rankings.

Sources & methodology — as of May 2026
  1. 1.Weight Loss Rankings — GLP-1 Pricing Index 2026 (our independent dataset)— WeightLossRankings.org.
  2. 2.NovoCare — Wegovy cash-pay and savings program— Novo Nordisk (NovoCare).
  3. 3.LillyDirect — Zepbound self-pay program and cash price— Eli Lilly and Company (LillyDirect).
  4. 4.STEP 1 Trial — Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (Wilding JPH et al.)— New England Journal of Medicine.PMID: 33567185.
  5. 5.SURMOUNT-1 Trial — Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (Jastreboff AM et al.)— New England Journal of Medicine.PMID: 35658024.
  6. 6.PCAB — Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board Standards— Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) / PCAB.
  7. 7.FDA — Compounding and the 503A Pharmacy Framework— U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
  8. 8.FDA — 503B Outsourcing Facility Registration and Requirements— U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
  9. 9.FDA — Warning Letters Regarding Compounded GLP-1 Drug Products— U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
  10. 10.AACE/ACE Comprehensive Clinical Practice Guidelines for Medical Care of Patients with Obesity (Garvey WT et al., 2016)— American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.PMID: 27219496.
  11. 11.ADA — Standards of Care in Diabetes (2025)— American Diabetes Association.