LifeMD vs Shed: Cost, Side Effects, Refunds and Reviews

LifeMD and Shed both sell prescription weight-loss medicines that you start after an online visit. LifeMD is a telehealth platform with a $19-a-month membership and a weight-management program, and its FAQ says primary and urgent care prescriptions go to your local pharmacy for same-day pickup. Shed calls itself a telehealth clinic, describes medicine shipped to your door, mainly for its compounded options, and says some programs include health coaching. Per its terms, brand-name Wegovy and Zepbound are bought separately through LillyDirect or NovoCare, and the membership fee is separate from medication cost. The better fit depends on which medicine you would be prescribed, whether insurance or HSA/FSA funds will pay, and what each company’s refund terms say.

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The figures below are each company’s own, from pages captured on October 20 and October 29, 2026.

LifeMD vs Shed at a glance

What is LifeMD, and is it a good company?

LifeMD describes itself as a digital healthcare platform that offers virtual care through licensed providers. Its FAQ answers “Is LifeMD legitimate?” with yes, and calls it “a legitimate, publicly traded telehealth company operating on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol LFMD.” It also says LifeMD is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and certified by LegitScript. Those are LifeMD’s own statements, and you can check the BBB profile yourself.

LifeMD’s pages give two sets of patient numbers. The FAQ says it serves “310,000 active patients” and has “over 1.3 million virtual consultations.” The About page shows “745,000 Patients” and “600,000+ Patients helped.” Both are LifeMD’s own figures, and they differ, so compare them with care.

LifeMD says its clinical services are delivered through an affiliated 50-state medical group, and that all treatment is delivered by “U.S. state-licensed healthcare providers authorized to practice in your state.”

What is Shed, and who provides the care?

Shed’s FAQ says, “Shed is a telehealth clinic offering personalized treatment for weight loss, hair health, sexual wellness, and longevity.” Its Terms and Conditions describe the company differently: “Shed is not a medical group, does not practice medicine, and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.” The terms say medical services come from separate “Provider Group” entities and their affiliated licensed providers. Both descriptions appear on the site, so read the terms before you pay.

Shed’s homepage says it is “trusted by over 150,000+ members nationwide.”

Are LifeMD and Shed legit?

LifeMD’s FAQ calls the company legitimate, and that is the wording it uses. For Shed, its terms say that “Providers furnish telehealth services only in states in which they hold an active, unrestricted license to practice.” Its blog says it partners with state-regulated compounding pharmacies.

Both companies say their compounded medicines are not FDA-approved. LifeMD’s homepage says that although compounded drugs may be prescribed under federal law, “they are not FDA-approved as safe or effective and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality.” Shed’s FAQ says, “Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA.”

To check either company, ask which licensed provider will see you, confirm that provider’s license in your state, and read the section of the terms that names the provider group.

Which weight-loss medicines does each one offer?

LifeMD’s homepage product images show the labels for three medicines. One reads “wegovy (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg/0.75 mL.” Another reads “wegovy 1.5 mg (semaglutide) Tablets.” The third reads “zepbound (tirzepatide) injection 5 mg/0.5 mL Single-dose Vial.” The tablet label says to take it “on an empty stomach when you first wake up,” with no more than 4 ounces of plain water, and to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. The label also says “Recommended Dosage: See Prescribing Information.”

LifeMD’s homepage also says its weight-loss packs may include “generic drug products off-label and/or compounded drug products” if a provider decides that is appropriate.

Shed lists compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide, plus Wegovy and Zepbound. Its blog says its programs use structured titration plans with “early follow-up, typically within 3 to 4 weeks.” Shed also lists a product called MIC + B12. Its blog says that “semaglutide and B12 have not been formally studied together,” so its Care Team evaluates each ingredient’s safety profile for each patient.

What does each one cost?

Prices below are as of October 20, 2026. Prices and bundles change, so check today’s price at checkout.

LifeMD’s homepage says Wegovy pill pricing starts at $149 and pen pricing starts at $199 for new patients without insurance. The footnote says these are initial Wegovy prices, and that the price “does not include the monthly program & provider fee of $149 (first month discounted to $39 today).” The FAQ lists video visits at $49 without insurance and message-based consultations at $19 without insurance.

Shed’s banner says “Compounded Tirzepatide starting as low as $239/mo.” That is a different medicine from the Wegovy starting prices above, so the two are not a like-for-like comparison. Shed’s blog says GLP-1 medications can be “often over $1,300/month without insurance” and presents Shed as a lower-cost route. That is Shed’s own claim.

How does each one work from start to finish?

How does Shed work?

Shed’s blog describes the steps this way: “Simply take our online assessment, and a licensed medical provider will review your information and determine your eligibility.” Once you are approved, “your personalized health plan is confirmed, and your medication is shipped right away.” The blog says medication usually arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Its criteria are “BMI 30 or BMI 27 with a weight-related condition,” and the blog says “those with lower BMIs may qualify for Microdose GLP-1.”

How does LifeMD work?

LifeMD’s FAQ says you create an account, pick a membership, and book a visit. The membership is charged $19 at the start of each billing cycle. Video visits are $49 without insurance, and message-based consultations for non-urgent concerns are $19 without insurance. If a provider decides a medicine is appropriate for primary or urgent care, the prescription goes to your local pharmacy for same-day pickup. LifeMD also says it offers at-home or local lab tests “for up to 95% off traditional out-of-pocket costs.”

Is LifeMD a monthly subscription?

Yes. LifeMD’s FAQ says the $19 membership “automatically renews unless you cancel through your account settings in the patient portal.” Its homepage also lists a monthly program and provider fee of $149 for the weight-management program. Shed also uses subscriptions. Its terms say the membership fee is separate from the cost of medication, and that brand-name Wegovy and Zepbound are bought directly through LillyDirect or NovoCare.

What are the side effects, and who should ask a clinician first?

Shed’s blog cites research on weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg. It says “randomized trials and meta-analyses show” large, sustained average weight loss compared with placebo, with “gastrointestinal side effects the most common adverse events.” The blog also says GLP-1 medicines are “generally well tolerated but may cause GI symptoms in some.” Shed’s blog says well-run programs should counsel on GI side effects and hypoglycemia risk if on insulin or sulfonylureas. These are Shed’s statements. Ask a pharmacist about side effects and interactions before you start, and tell them every medicine you take, including insulin or a sulfonylurea.

The Cleveland Clinic guide to unexplained weight loss advises that you “reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects, including changes in appetite or weight after starting a new medication.” It also says, “Always see a healthcare provider if you lose weight without trying.”

Shed’s terms say telehealth has limits: “the Provider may not have all of the information that would be available from an in-person examination,” and “follow-up or in-person care may still be required.”

Could I just do this myself?

Both companies say a prescription comes only after a licensed provider decides it is right for you. Shed’s FAQ says, “Prescription is only available after consultation with a licensed provider.” Shed’s blog says its subscription includes “full access to the Care Team and telehealth follow-up appointments.” LifeMD says a provider decides whether medication is appropriate. For primary and urgent care, its FAQ says the prescription goes to your local pharmacy, and for weight loss you should confirm with LifeMD how your medicine is dispensed.

A 1993 review in Postgraduate medicine, indexed by PubMed, 1993 PubMed review on obese patients, says that even when patients comply with their physician’s recommendations, “the expected weight loss often does not occur.” It suggests physicians become “active rather than passive participants” in the plan.

What do the weight-loss figures say?

LifeMD’s homepage footnote describes a 68-week study. It says “30% of adults taking Wegovy® (pen) lost 20% or more weight, compared with 2% of adults on placebo.” The study enrolled “adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and adults with overweight (BMI ≥ 27) who also had weight-related medical problems, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Adults with diabetes were excluded.” The same footnote says “the average weight loss with Zepbound (5 mg vial) was 15%.” LifeMD adds that “individual results may vary.”

Shed’s homepage shows “9.8% weight-loss*,” with a footnote that says “results vary” and “medication may not be appropriate for everyone.” Its help page says, “In clinical trials of Wegovy® (2.4 mg), average weight loss was 15% and 20% when paired with diet and exercise.” Its blog cites trials showing “≈10–12% body weight or ~11–12 kg vs placebo” for semaglutide 2.4 mg.

These figures come from different studies, so read each one as the company’s own statement, not as a head-to-head result.

What are the refund, guarantee and cancellation terms?

Shed’s homepage shows a “120-Day Weight Loss Guarantee” and says, “Reach your goal weight within 120 days, or your money back.” The footnote adds that the guarantee is “subject to medical eligibility and adherence requirements.” Shed’s pages word the guarantee two ways, though: the homepage says “goal weight,” while a help page says, “Lose 5% of your weight in 120 days or your money back.” Confirm the exact trigger in the Terms and Conditions before you order.

Per Shed’s terms, membership fees are non-refundable once you are approved for treatment, and subscription fees are non-refundable once charged. The terms mention a two-month minimum commitment, and cancellation requests must be submitted at least 72 hours before your next scheduled shipment date to take effect for that cycle.

For LifeMD, the membership renews each billing cycle unless you cancel through your account settings in the patient portal. LifeMD’s Terms & Conditions, linked in the homepage footer, is where to read its terms before you pay.

How do shipping, insurance and HSA/FSA funds work?

LifeMD says it “partners with most major PPO insurance plans,” and that “coverage details may vary depending on your specific plan.” Its footnote says a copay may be as low as $0 for commercially insured patients, and “standard deductibles, coinsurance, and copays may apply.”

Shed says it “accepts HSA and FSA cards, as well as all major credit cards for prescription purchases.” It says “medical prescription supplies, provider visits, and shipping are eligible, but a receipt is required.” Health Coaching and supplements are “not eligible without additional documentation.” Its help page recommends checking with your FSA or HSA administrator first. A banner on the same page offers a “Bonus gift: Free Clear Protein + Hydration” with a new prescription subscription.

What do buyers say in reviews?

LifeMD’s homepage says its reviews “are from verified LifeMD patients across various services” and that “photos are for illustrative purposes only.” Its About page shows a 4.9 rating. Shed’s homepage says “150,000+ members have already reached their goals with Shed” and shows “1,250,000+ pounds lost.” Shed’s blog quotes a member who says, “Medication was on my doorstep within the week of signing up.”

These are each company’s own figures. For complaints and billing stories, search the review sites and forums under each brand name, and read the ones that mention refunds or cancellation.

Which one suits you?

LifeMD suits you if you want a membership for everyday primary and urgent care next to weight management, and you have a PPO plan you want to use.

Shed suits you if you want a weight program that can include health coaching, you do not have insurance or want to use HSA or FSA funds, you want medicine shipped to your door, and the 120-day guarantee matters to you.

Before you order

• Ask each company which medicine you would get, brand Wegovy or Zepbound or a compounded version, and read the label or prescribing information.
• Read LifeMD’s Terms & Conditions for refund and cancellation details. Read Shed’s Terms and Conditions for the full guarantee details.
• Ask for the refill price, not just the starting price. LifeMD calls its figures “initial.”
• Confirm the provider’s license for the state you live in, and the provider group named in the terms.
• Check with your HSA or FSA administrator whether the visit, medicine and shipping qualify.
• Tell the provider about any insulin or sulfonylurea use and every other medicine you take.

If you have already paid

For Shed, log in to the Shed Member Portal, go to My Plan, open Payment History and download your receipts. For order questions, use Start a chat in the help center. If you want to use the 120-day guarantee, check the Terms and Conditions first, then ask support how it applies to what you paid.

For LifeMD, log in to the patient portal and cancel the membership in your account settings so it stops renewing. Then call (800) 852-1575, or email info@lifemd.com, and ask how any refund would apply to what you paid.

By NHINWatch.com Investigations Desk

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.