Start Willow Review 2025: GLP-1 Telehealth Weight Loss Service
What is Willow
Willow is a telehealth provider that specializes in GLP-1–based weight-loss medications, Start Willow GLP-1 Telehealth Weight Loss Service, The process is designed to be simple and accessible:
Online Quiz/Consultation: Patients begin by completing a short health questionnaire about their medical history,
weight-loss goals, and eligibility.
-
Provider Review : A licensed clinician reviews the submission and determines whether the patient qualifies for a GLP-1 prescription.
-
Same-Day Approval: In most cases, prescriptions are approved within the same day.
-
Fast Delivery : Approved medications are shipped directly to the patient’s home with free 2-day shipping.
-
Ongoing Support: Patients receive messaging access for follow-up questions and ongoing care.
This model is meant to remove the barriers of traditional in-person care and expensive insurance requirements.
Which GLP-1 Treatments Are Offered?
Willow provides compounded versions of popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. These are custom formulations prepared by licensed pharmacies, but they are not FDA-approved like brand-name drugs (Ozempic Wegovy Mounjaro Zepbound.
- Compounded Semaglutide
- Injectable weekly: Similar in form to Wegovy/Ozempic.
- Tablet/Dissolvable Mint Form: Daily sublingual option for those who prefer not to inject.
- Compounded Tirzepatide Plus+
- Weekly injection alternative to Mounjaro Zepbound.
- Marketed as stronger and potentially more effective than Semaglutide.
- Optional Additives: Some formulations include supplements such as L-Carnitine or Vitamin B12 to support metabolism and energy.
Comparison:
- Semaglutide is the more affordable option and widely recognized for appetite suppression and weight loss.
- Tirzepatide is newer, pricier, and may deliver greater results, but patient experience varies.
According to Willow, pricing is all-inclusive covering the prescription, medication, clinician review, and shipping:
- Semaglutide: $299/month
- Tirzepatide: $399/month (premium tiers up to $524
Compared to brand-name GLP-1s, which can cost $1,000+ per month without insurance, Willow presents itself as a lower-cost direct-pay option.
What Does “All-Inclusive” Mean?
Patients pay one flat monthly fee, which covers:
- Virtual consultation & prescription
- Compounded medication (oral or injectable)
- Priority 2-day shipping
- Messaging support with providers
No hidden fees, no insurance required.
Convenience & Accessibility
- Same-day prescription approval after completing the health quiz
- No insurance needed, removing cost barriers
- Free two-day shipping across the U.S.
- Messaging support for ongoing questions and side-effect management
This streamlined telehealth approach appeals to patients looking for fast, discreet, and convenient access to weight-loss treatment.
Safety Legality & Quality Concerns
Here’s the important part:
- Not FDA-Approved: Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not reviewed or approved by the FDA.
- Potential Risks: Concerns include incorrect dosing, unverified salt forms, or added ingredients.
- Regulatory Warnings: The FDA has issued advisories cautioning consumers about unapproved compounded GLP-1s.
- Legal Issues: In April 2025, Eli Lilly filed a lawsuit against Willow and several other providers, accusing them of selling mass-produced “knockoff” versions of tirzepatide.
Patients must weigh convenience against these very real safety and regulatory issues.
User Experience & Reviews
Feedback about Willow is mixed:
- Positive: Users highlight the ease of sign-up, same-day approval, quick shipping, and noticeable weight-loss results.
- Negative: Others report shipping delays, billing issues.
Disclaimer
- It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The medications discussed (including compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide) are not FDA-approved and may carry safety risks. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication or treatment plan. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness, safety, or legality of products or services mentioned. Use at your own discretion and responsibility.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Willow offers an affordable, convenient entry point to GLP-1 weight-loss medications without requiring insurance. The all-inclusive model and telehealth approach make treatment more accessible.
However, there are important caveats:
- These medications are compounded and not FDA-approved.
- Ongoing lawsuits raise questions about long-term sustainability.
- Customer reviews are mixed, suggesting inconsistent experiences.
Recommendation: Willow may be worth considering for patients seeking fast, low-cost GLP-1 access but only if they understand the risks of compounded medications and are comfortable with the lack of FDA approval. For those who prefer maximum safety and oversight, FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1s prescribed through traditional providers may be a better fit.