GOLD
Score
89
SILVER
Score
84
BRONZE
Score
80
4
Score
80
5
Score
78
6
Score
77
7
Score
77
8
Score
77
9
Score
76
10
Score
75
What to look for in a GLP-1 / Weight provider
GLP-1 weight-management providers vary widely on which medication they supply (branded Wegovy or Zepbound versus compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide), how they handle dose escalation, and total monthly cost including the drug itself. Those differences matter more than the ranking order for most people.
- Branded vs compounded
- Ask whether you receive FDA-approved branded medication or a compounded version, and understand the difference — the FDA has publicly warned about unapproved compounded GLP-1 products. Availability of each has shifted with supply status.
- Total cost, not membership price
- The membership fee is rarely the whole bill. Confirm whether the medication is included or billed separately, since the drug is usually the largest cost for GLP-1 therapy.
- The contraceptive interaction
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives; semaglutide does not carry this warning. A provider should raise this if you use an oral birth-control pill.
- Titration and support
- GLP-1s are escalated gradually to manage side effects. Check how the provider handles dose changes, nausea, and check-ins during titration.
For South Dakota-specific telehealth law and Medicaid coverage, see the South Dakota state overview.