Patients seek out thorough medical screenings to get started, but access to behavioral guidance and lifestyle resources makes the difference between minimal results and major weight loss.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in healthcare decision support, today released new survey insights on how consumers select GLP-1 telehealth platforms and which factors drive meaningful weight loss. Analyzing responses from more than 1,200 adults who used a GLP-1 telehealth platform within the span of one year, the survey data shows that patients choose platforms based on the availability of thorough initial screenings and quality of medical follow-ups and support. However, the greatest weight loss was associated with those who had access to behavioral and psychological support.
Key findings include:
- Patients select GLP-1 platforms based primarily on thorough initial screenings (29%) and the quality of medical follow-ups (26%). Lifestyle support (4%) and side-effect support (7%) rank lowest on their list of enrollment priorities.
- Access to behavioral and psychological support were associated with the greatest weight loss. Among patients who lost more than 20% of their body weight, more than half (52%) had access to behavioral and psychological support. In contrast, less than 25% of those who lost less than 5% of their body weight had access to these tools and support.
- The data show that GLP-1s are effective drivers of weight loss: 63% reported losing over 10% of their body weight. People who remain on GLP-1s for a longer period of time are more likely to lose weight. Only 41% of patients on a GLP-1 for under a month lost over 10% of their body weight, compared to 78% of those on it for 7 to 12 months.
- Nearly one-third (31%) of respondents reported trying more than one GLP-1 telehealth platform, with high prices (57%) and a lack of support (36%) cited as the primary reasons for switching platforms.
"Comprehensive initial screenings and medical follow-ups are essential for patient safety, but a prescription alone is rarely enough for weight loss success," said Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health at U.S. News. "U.S. News' research findings emphasize that while consumers rightfully look for thorough medical vetting when enrolling, access to ongoing behavioral guidance and lifestyle resources is what most helps patients transform early progress into lasting results."
The survey findings follow U.S. News' debut of the Best GLP-1 Telehealth Platforms ratings, which evaluate online platforms across patient-focused pillars like clinical support, screening rigor, price transparency, and behavioral and lifestyle support. For additional information on treatment options, visit U.S. News' GLP-1 Consumer Guide.
Individuals considering GLP-1 treatment should always consult with a medical provider. To find a local primary care physician or specialist, patients can visit the U.S. News Doctor Directory to guide care decisions in consultation with a doctor.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
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SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
