MyStart Health: Insights Into the GLP-1 Telehealth Provider With an Exclusive CEO Interview!
CEO Matthew Stern and Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Ritu Chopra tell us what sets them apart from other telehealth providers
MyStart Health is a telehealth provider focusing on improving healthcare through its personalized medical weight loss program. By offering compounded GLP-1 medication, pricing is significantly less expensive compared to name-brand medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Woman’s World recently spoke to MyStart’s CEO, Matthew Stern, and its Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Ritu Chopra, about the very new online prescriber about what sets it apart from other telehealth providers.
We found MyStart’s listed prices for generic compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide to be on the high side among brands we’ve researched, but during our secret shopper investigation we were also offered several discounts, especially for longer-term commitments, that made it much more competitive.
MyStart Health Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Prescriptions
- Description
MyStart health offers both generic compounded oral and injectable semaglutide, compounded injectable tirzepatide; and brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, in as little as 48 hours.
In This Article
Same-day approve on GLP-1s through the MyStart weight loss program
Similar to other online GLP-1 prescribers, MyStart will ask you to fill out a qualifying questionnaire. During my secret shopper inquiries, MyStart approved me for GLP-1 medication in a few minutes. CEO Matthew Stern says that is intentional: “We’ve designed every aspect of MyStart to be as seamless as possible,” he said. “From a 2-minute qualification quiz to same-day doctor con0sultations and medication delivered in just two days, we remove the hassle and confusion of traditional healthcare. Plus, with unlimited telehealth visits and 24/7 concierge support, we’re always here when our patients need us.”
We’ve designed every aspect of MyStart to be as seamless as possible
Additional telehealth services coming in 2025
While MyStart’s weight loss program using GLP-1 medication is the main focus of the brand, Matthew says the company is looking toward the future with plans to offer other telehealth services: “In 2025, we’re planning to launch numerous telehealth programs including blood tests, hormone health, sexual health and anti-aging programs. Our goal as a company is to become a proactive health and wellness platform and empowers people to get more insight into their wellness and to take action with personalized health programs.”
Compounded GLP-1 medication with limited name-brand medication availability
MyStart is transparent about its GLP-1 medication costs and this is one of the first items it displays on its website. That said, compounded GLP-1 medication is MyStart’s preferred option due to its lower price and better availability compared to Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other name-brand medications.
Weight Loss Medication Costs
| Medication | Cost |
| Compounded oral semaglutide | $270 |
| Compounded injectable semaglutide | $297 |
| Compounded injectable tirzepatide | $449 |
| Ozempic | $1,029 |
| Zepbound | $1,060 |
| Mounjaro | $1,200 |
| Wegovy | $1,349 |
MyStart Health
Prices start at $222 for compounded semaglutide, and $374 for compounded injectable tirzepatide, with discounts. Name-brand medications are available through MyStart Health.
MyStart offers promotional discounts throughout the year
Matthew told us that additional discounts and promotions are available but will vary depending on the time of year: “We often run limited-time promotions and offer long-term package discounts. Patients may also qualify for pilot programs where they can receive reduced pricing in exchange for feedback on their experience.”
After doing a test sign-up during my secret shopper research, MyStart offered me a $75 discount on both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. Here are the two offers that MyStart sent me:
- Semaglutide (injection):
- $222 for the first month
- $705 for three-month program
- Tirzepatide (injection):
- $374 for the first month
- $1,137 for a 12-week subscription
For the accurate pricing and current promotions, you can reach out to MyStart and fill out its two-minute qualifying questionnaire.
Matthew Stern's father helped inspire MyStart Health's mission
Matthew founded MyStart because of a personal mission to healthcare related to a family member. “After losing my father to preventable complications of cardiovascular disease, I realized how inaccessible and fragmented healthcare can be.”
According to Trust for America’s Health, 41.9% of adults in the U.S. have obesity. This is why Matthew and Dr. Chopra decided to start MyStart Health and offer GLP-1 medication through their weight loss program. “Obesity is at the root of many chronic conditions—diabetes, heart disease, even certain cancers,” he said. “The science behind GLP-1 medications has proven their life-changing potential.”
MyStart Health is very new but has LegitScript certification
MyStart Health is a LegitScript-certified telemedicine and pharmacy website. This is important because it ensures that they are complying with all applicable laws. Many payment service providers also require their telehealth companies to be LegitScript certified. MyStart is still in its infancy, though: Dr. Chopra and I officially launched the business in June 2024 and we’ve been going through a rapid growth period since the launch,” said Matthew.
MyStart doesn't accept insurance to improve your customer experience
Many online GLP-1 prescribers are cash-only services because they provide a better customer experience. Matthew says that’s also intentional: “Insurance policies often delay or complicate access to care, creating unnecessary hurdles for patients. By offering transparent pricing, we ensure that everyone can access life-changing treatments without the typical red tape.”
However, Matthew notes that you can make an insurance claim after you pay: “Patients can use HSA or FSA funds for their treatment, and we provide itemized receipts that can be submitted for potential reimbursement through insurance. While we don’t handle claims directly, we make the process as smooth as possible for our patients.”
“Insurance policies often delay or complicate access to care, creating unnecessary hurdles for patients.”
MyStart Health responds quickly to all inquiries
MyStart Health provides a few ways to get in touch with their support teams. The online GLP-1 prescriber offers both 24/7 phone and email support for both potential and existing patients.
Customer experience
During my mystery shopper calls, I noticed a few things MyStart could improve. First, there’s no call prompt or welcome message when you call, just hold music. I wasn’t even sure that I was calling MyStart Health until someone picked up.
Then, during my first call, I waited on hold for over 15 minutes before the music went silent and the call dropped. I called back later in the day and got an agent on the line within 15 minutes. While 15 minutes is arguably not that long, other telehealth providers we’ve reviewed have picked up in less than five, and in some cases, two minutes.
Minor confusion about name-brand GLP-1s
While the agent that I spoke to was helpful, he told me that MyStart did not offer name-brand GLP-1s even though the website showed it did. I asked Matthew and Dr. Chopra about this during our interview: “We have had issues like this with specific call center representatives because the reality is 99.9% of patients are purchasing compounded GLP-1 medications, because that is how we market the program and the price points are 50-80% lower than name-brand medications.
“Additionally, the name-brand medications aren’t always in stock. With that said, we do have the ability to sell and fulfill Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound. But it’s the fact that we market the GLP-1 compounds that drives the majority of our sales and customer experience.”
With the company being so new to the market (June 2024), it is understandable that it has some growing pains related to customer service. However, its email support is very good. I emailed my questions and got a response within four hours. I had a follow-up question, and they responded in 1 hour.
Online experience
MyStart’s website is easy to navigate. It has only a handful of pages, and it encourages you to try to qualify for GLP-1 medication. While there are not that many pages, what is there is helpful. MyStart also provides an FAQ section, but for some reason, it is a separate PDF document. There is also a patient portal but that requires you to sign up and pay for its weight loss program.
Mystery shopper results
| Type | Result |
| Toll-free call | Less than one-minute hold time, the representative answered all questions accurately |
| Responded back in four hours and answered my questions thoroughly | |
| Online Form | NA |
MyStart contact information
- Phone:618-357-4019
- Email: support@mystarthealth.com
Features and benefits
- 90-day weight loss and price lock guarantees
- Upfront pricing on GLP-1 medication, including an oral GLP-1 option
- Quick and easy delivery process
MyStart Health makes the prescription and delivery process as painless as possible
Getting GLP-1 medication through MyStart Health is a three-step process. Dr. Chopra told Woman’s World, “Patients can complete the process in as little as 48 hours. After taking the initial assessment, they’re connected with a licensed physician for a same-day consultation. Once approved, the medication is shipped discreetly and arrives within two days. It’s a simple, fast, and effective process.”
Refilling your medication is just as easy. Dr. Chopra says, “Patients receive reminders when it’s time for a refill, and with just a few clicks, their next shipment is on its way. Our concierge team is available 24/7 to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Pros and cons
Pros
- 90-day weight loss and price lock guarantee
- No hidden costs or fees
- Available in all 50 states
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Discounts vary throughout the year
MyStart Health wants to make it easy to get a GLP-1 prescription online
If you’re interested in starting a weight loss program that offers GLP-1 medication, MyStart could be a smart choice. The telehealth provider offers both a 90-day weight loss and price lock guarantee, which could help give you peace of mind. Competitive pricing, simple approval, and fast delivery are all standout features.
Matthew Stern says, “MyStart was created to offer people a simpler, more effective way to address weight-related health challenges, combining innovative treatments with an unmatched commitment to care. We’ve worked tirelessly to create a program that’s not only effective but accessible and user-friendly. What makes us unique is our holistic vision—weight loss is just the beginning. We’re building a platform that helps people achieve wellness across multiple dimensions of their lives.
Dr Chopra also tells us what sets MyStart apart from other telehealth providers: “We combine cutting-edge science with a deeply personal touch. Our network of over 600 physicians ensures every patient receives expert, personalized care. Unlike many programs, we provide 24/7 support, unlimited consultations, and a price-lock guarantee. Most importantly, we’re driven by a mission to empower patients to achieve long-term health—not just weight loss.”
Woman’s World wants to hear YOUR experiences with MyStart Health, or your experiences with prescription weight loss or telehealth in general. Email us at reviews@womansworld.com, we’d love to talk to you.
FAQs
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Who is the CEO of MyStart Health?
Matthew Stern is the CEO of MyStart Health
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How do I cancel the MyStart weight loss program?
Send an email to support@mystarthealth.com with "CANCEL" in the subject line and a customer service agent will confirm your cancellation. You can also call 618-357-4019 to speak with a MyStart representative.
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Who is the Chief Medical Advisor of MyStart Health
Dr. Ritu Chopra is the Chief Medical Advisor of MyStart Health
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How much does GLP-1 medications cost through MyStart Health
Prices start at $270 for compounded oral semaglutide, $297 for compounded injectable semaglutide and $449 for compounded injectable tirzepatide. Name-brand medications are available through MyStart Health but are 50%-80% more expensive. MyStart also offers promotional discounts throughout the year as of writing bring compounded semaglutide down to $222, and tirzepatide down to $374.
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Do I need a prescription with MyStart Health
MyStart requires a prescription to get weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. The telehealth provider's doctors can prescribe weight loss medications 100% online.