One of the first decisions when seeking weight loss medication: do you go through your regular GP or use a telehealth provider? Both are legitimate routes to a prescription, but they suit different situations.
Telehealth advantages
- Speed: Many offer same-day consultations. No waiting 1–2 weeks for a GP appointment.
- Specialisation: Telehealth weight loss providers focus specifically on obesity medication. Their doctors prescribe GLP-1s daily and are familiar with dose titration, side effect management, and treatment optimisation.
- Convenience: Consult from home, office, or anywhere with phone/wifi. No travel, no waiting rooms.
- Delivery: Many ship medication directly, including cold-chain for injectables. No pharmacy visits.
- No judgment: Some patients find it easier to discuss weight concerns with a specialist online than face-to-face with their local GP.
GP advantages
- Full health picture: Your GP knows your complete medical history, all medications, and can physically examine you.
- Physical assessment: Blood pressure, blood tests, and physical examination can be done in-person.
- Continuity: One doctor managing all your health needs means better coordination.
- Cost: A bulk-billed GP appointment is free. Telehealth consultations cost $39–150.
- Existing relationship: Trust and rapport already established.
When to choose telehealth
- Your GP is unfamiliar with or reluctant to prescribe GLP-1 medications
- You want fast access (same-day vs 1–2 week wait)
- You've been declined by your GP and want a specialist opinion
- You prefer the convenience of home delivery
- You're in a rural/remote area with limited GP options
When to choose your GP
- You have complex health conditions requiring in-person assessment
- You want the consultation to be bulk-billed (free)
- Your GP is experienced with weight loss medication
- You value continuity of care with your existing doctor
- You need a physical examination (blood tests, blood pressure)
The hybrid approach
Many patients use both: get their prescription through a telehealth provider (for speed and specialisation) while keeping their GP informed and involved in overall health monitoring. This gives you the best of both worlds.