PlushCare Overview
- Cost: $14.99 per month membership fee + out of pocket costs ($129 for first doctor’s visit, $99 for follow-ups), or free if covered by insurance
- Types of medications: Saxenda (liraglutide), Xenical (orlistat), Wegovy (semaglutide), Contrave (naltrexone), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Victoza (liraglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and more
- Program approach: Ongoing clinician support + personalized treatment plan
- Works best for: People with type 2 diabetes, a BMI of 30, or a BMI of 27 with one weight-related condition
Many people can and do lose weight safely with the help of medication, especially glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Up until recently, these types of treatments were tough to get a hold of without an in-person doctor’s appointment.
However, providers like PlushCare, Found, and Sequence are changing that. Thanks to them, there’s never been a more convenient time to try to manage your weight from home with the help of a doctor.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about PlushCare’s medical weight loss program, including how it stacks up against its competitors. In addition, we spoke with Tina Haroutunian, a doctor of pharmacy, about the safety and side effects of GLP-1 medications.
Our Quick Take
If you qualify for PlushCare’s weight loss program, have a health insurance plan or HSA/FSA account, and prefer the convenience of attending doctor’s appointments from home, PlushCare may work well for you. While you can find more medication and coaching options elsewhere, PlushCare is one of the most affordable weight loss programs, even offering same-day appointments, making them a solid contender among online weight loss programs.
PlushCare Weight Loss Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customizes your treatment plan based on health history, lifestyle, and goals
- Prescribes FDA-approved weight loss meds, ensuring safe and effective weight management
- Accepts insurance to cover the cost of clinician visits
- Same-day appointments available, seven days a week
Cons
- No health coaching provided
- Not as many medication options as competing services
Our Experience With PlushCare Weight Loss Program
We found PlushCare’s sign-up process to be straightforward and simple. After providing some basic health info, you’re asked to book a virtual visit with a doctor to discuss your weight loss goals. The visit itself is easy to access from a phone or laptop. Based on your prescription, your doctor might ask you to get your blood tested before you begin treatment. The recommended labs are always close to home, as is the pharmacy PlushCare sends your medication to.
Benefits of PlushCare Weight Loss Program
With PlushCare, you have access to seven different clinically-backed weight loss medications, some FDA-approved and others prescribed off-label (meaning the FDA has approved it for something other than weight management). Their doctors will help you find the best treatment plan for your needs (if you qualify), whether that means injectable or oral medication, lifestyle changes, meal planning, or all of the above.
PlushCare Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist–that means it can help you feel fuller for longer. It’s an FDA-approved injection you take weekly.
PlushCare Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide) is another injectable GLP-1 that’s FDA-approved for weight loss/management. Saxenda is injected daily or twice daily depending on your needs.
PlushCare Xenical (Orlistat)
Xenical (orlistat), is an oral medication taken at mealtimes that is FDA-approved for weight loss/management. It works by stopping your body from absorbing fat from food.
PlushCare Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide) shares the same main ingredient as Wegovy, but hasn’t received FDA approval for weight management yet. Other than that, the two medications are nearly indistinguishable–Ozempic is another injectable GLP-1 agonist you take weekly.
Related reading: How to Get Ozempic (Semaglutide) Online for Weight Loss
PlushCare Victoza (Liraglutide)
Victoza (liraglutide) shares its main ingredient with Saxenda and is an injectable GLP-1 agonist. Unlike Saxenda, Victoza has only been FDA-approved for treating diabetes thus far.
PlushCare Contrave (Bupropion-Naltrexone)
Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone) is an oral medication that’s FDA-approved for weight management. It’s also a combination of two active ingredients–bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, a treatment for unhealthy substance use. Together, they reduce food cravings that aren’t rooted in hunger.
PlushCare Plenity (Cellulose and Citric Acid Hydrogel)
Plenity is a medical device that’s been cleared by the FDA to help manage weight. You take it orally like any other medication, but it works by physically taking up space in your stomach. When you drink water, the Plenity capsule expands to help you feel fuller after meals.
PlushCare Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is the same antidepressant found in Contrave. It’s a daily or twice-daily oral medication also given to people who are trying to quit smoking. Like many antidepressants, it works by increasing the amount of dopamine available for use in the brain.
Why We Recommend PlushCare for Weight Loss
Altogether, PlushCare is a great place to take the next step in your weight loss journey. Their low membership fee and openness to insurance makes them one of your most affordable options for online weight loss/management. Plus, ongoing clinician support and access to some of the most clinically effective weight loss medications ensures you’ll see real bang for your buck.
Personalized Weight Loss Treatment Plan
Your PlushCare treatment begins with a consultation with a board-certified physician who will devise a personalized plan to meet your weight loss goals, including the best medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments for your needs.
Ongoing Treatment Monitoring
Curious about what happens after you reach your target weight? PlushCare has a plan for that, too–your doctor will help you switch to maintenance mode to help you continue prioritizing your health.
Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted
Unlike many online care providers, PlushCare will work with your insurance to lower the costs of your treatment. If you have insurance from a major American company like United Healthcare, Aetna, or Humana, chances are good PlushCare will be able to accept your plan.
PlushCare Weight Loss Meds Side Effects and Safety
No treatment comes with zero risk, but most weight loss medications are well-tolerated. That said, here are some of the adverse effects that’ve been noted.
Side effects of bupropion can include:
- Anxiety or excitement
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
- Needing to use the bathroom more often
Side effects of liraglutide can include:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Runny nose, sneezing, or cough
Side effects of naltrexone can include:
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Joint pain or muscle cramps
- Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
Side effects of orlistat can include:
- Headache
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Loose, oily, or fatty stool
- Rectal pain
- Stomach pain
- Urgent bowel movements
Side effects of Plenity can include:
- Acid reflux
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Distended (swollen) abdomen
- Stomach pain, bloating, or cramps
Side effects of semaglutide can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
Side effects of tirzepatide can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
A Word From Our Expert
— Tina Haroutunian, PharmD
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists are digestive related; heartburn, constipation/diarrhea, and nausea. These side effects usually go away within a few weeks of starting therapy or increasing their dose. It is possible to switch to another medication in the class if one is causing unnecessary side effects. Since they are relatively “new” medications we don’t have much data on long term use in patients. No drug is a miracle drug so patients do need to modify their lifestyle with diet and exercise changes while taking GLP-1 agonists to see the biggest benefit. There is data showing that once patients stop taking the medication, the weight is more likely to be gained back, which is not ideal to patients who don’t want to remain on long term therapy."
Contact emergency services immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Hives
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Rash or blisters
- Seizures
- Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, or ankles
- Thoughts about or plans for taking your own life
PlushCare Weight Loss vs. Alternatives
We’ve compared PlushCare to Found, Sequence, and Calibrate, so you can determine which provider may work best for your needs.
PlushCare vs. Found vs. Sequence vs. Calibrate | PlushCare | Found | Sequence | Calibrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Membership price | $14.99/month Visits covered by insurance $129 for first visit and $99 thereafter if out of pocket | For 6-month plan: $129 if paid monthly $116/month ($348 total) if paid quarterly $99/month ($594 total) if paid upfront | $49 for initial consultation $99/month membership fee | $146/month |
| GLP-1s prescribed | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) Liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza) | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus) Liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza) Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus) Liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza) Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus) Liraglutide (Saxenda) Dulaglutide (Trulicity) |
| Other weight loss meds prescribed | Orlistat (Xenical) Contrave Plenity Wellbutrin | Metaformin Naltrexone Bupropion Zonisamide Topiramate | Naltrexone Bupropion Zonisamide Topiramate | ❌ |
| Ongoing clinician support? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Same-day appointments 7 days a week? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health coaching | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Personalized program? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ships meds? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bloodwork required? | ✅ | ✅ (For some meds) | ✅ (For some meds) | ✅ |
| FSA/HSA eligible? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accepts insurance? | ✅ | ❌ | 🟡 Provides access to insurance coordinator | ✅ |
| Prescription discount card? | ✅ Save up to 80% | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Website |
PlushCare vs. Found
Found offers more medication options than PlushCare, including Trulicity and zonisamide, as well as access to a health coach. But if you’re hoping to use insurance to cover your treatment, you’re better off sticking with PlushCare: Found accepts FSA/HSA plans, but otherwise doesn’t accept insurance.
Related reading: Found Review – Is It Legit for Prescription Weight Loss Treatment?
PlushCare vs. Sequence
If you’re not planning on using insurance, Sequence is one of your most affordable out-of-pocket options at $99 per month. They also offer more anti-convulsant medications than PlushCare does, including topiramate and zonisamide. But with insurance (or even just a prescription discount card), PlushCare still offers more bang for your buck–not to mention same-day appointments, which none of its competitors can match.
PlushCare vs. Calibrate
If you’re only interested in GLP-1 agonists, Calibrate could be a good choice. Like PlushCare, they’ll work with your insurer or accept HSA/FSA funds, depending on your plan. On the other hand, Calibrate has far fewer medication options than PlushCare, which means you won’t be able to treat co-occurring conditions, like depression, as easily as you would with PlushCare.
Related reading: Calibrate Review – Is It Legit for Prescription Weight Loss?
What Are Other PlushCare Customers Saying?
On the whole, PlushCare customers were satisfied with the company’s clinical care, customer service, and short wait times for appointments. However, some people ran into issues getting their insurance to cover their care.
The Verdict: Is PlushCare Legit?
Plushcare may work well for individuals looking for a more affordable weight loss program that offers same-day appointments.
If you qualify for a weight loss program and love the convenience of attending doctor’s visits from home without having to book days in advance, PlushCare might be ideal for you.
You can find more medication and coaching options elsewhere, but none of PlushCare’s competitors are as affordable with insurance or as flexible with appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is PlushCare without insurance?
If you’re paying out of pocket, PlushCare charges $129 for your first visit and $99 for follow-ups, plus about a $15 monthly membership fee and the cost of your medication.
Is PlushCare easy to cancel?
Yup–all you need to do is log in to your profile and click “cancel your membership.”
What is the best injection for weight loss?
Right now, GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are generating buzz for their impressive clinical trials for weight loss.
How do I get a prescription for weight loss medication?
Any primary care doctor can prescribe weight loss medication, but you might have better luck speaking to a specialist (online or in-person) if you want to know about all of your options.
Which is better for weight loss, Ozempic or Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy have the same active ingredient, semaglutide, so you’re likely to see similar results with one or the other. Your insurance might be more likely to cover Wegovy for weight loss though, because it’s been approved by the FDA for that purpose.
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Methodology
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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