How does American Telehealth Review score telehealth providers?

Every provider is scored on a uniform v3.0 six-pillar rubric: Clinical Quality (25 points), Pricing & Value (20 points), Patient Experience (15 points), Safety & Compliance (15 points), Transparency (15 points), and Continuity of Care (10 points). Total possible score is 100 points.

How often are scores updated?

Every provider is fully re-scored every 90 days. Material events such as pricing changes or FDA actions trigger an off-cycle re-scoring within 14 days.

Can providers pay to improve their score?

No. The v3.0 rubric is applied uniformly across all providers. Pillar weights cannot be modified, and Editor's Pick selection is based exclusively on score plus qualitative review.

Journal · Evidence review

GLP-1 Side Effects: What the Evidence Says and How They're Managed

The most common GLP-1 side effects reported in trials, who should be cautious, and how gradual titration and clinician oversight reduce risk.

Published by Ranika Editorial Group LLCUpdated June 1, 2026

Direct Answer

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

The most common GLP-1 side effects in trials are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation — usually mild to moderate and most frequent during dose escalation. Gradual titration and clinician oversight reduce them. Some people should avoid GLP-1s; a licensed clinician should assess eligibility.

Disclaimer: American Telehealth Review is an editorial resource and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products and should only be prescribed when clinically appropriate by a licensed healthcare provider. Brand-name medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are FDA-approved under their own applications. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved finished drug products.

What trials reported

Across STEP, SURMOUNT, and head-to-head data, gastrointestinal effects were the leading adverse events, generally easing after titration. Discontinuation due to side effects was relatively low but real, and varied between agents.

Reducing risk

Slow titration, hydration, dietary adjustments, and accessible clinician support reduce side-effect burden. Verify a program offers real medical oversight — see the evaluation checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common GLP-1 side effects?

Gastrointestinal symptoms — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation — usually mild to moderate and most common during dose escalation.

Who should avoid GLP-1 medications?

People with certain conditions should not take GLP-1s; a licensed clinician should evaluate eligibility.

Sources

Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021.
Aronne LJ et al. Tirzepatide as compared with semaglutide for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-5). N Engl J Med. 2025.
U.S. FDA — Medications containing semaglutide and tirzepatide; Compounding and the FDA (fda.gov).