In the evolving landscape of weight loss treatments, medications (both GLP-1s and similar) have gained immense popularity. However, businesses offering these treatments must navigate strict regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and consumer trust. One of the most critical steps for legitimacy and success in this industry is obtaining LegitScript Healthcare Certification—an advertising requirement recognized by major platforms including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok. Additionally, brands like Visa and Mastercard recognize our certification, while numerous payment processors require it to be a merchant on their platform.
Why LegitScript Certification Matters
Many businesses across different models—pharmacies, telemedicine providers, medical spas, —must meet certification requirements to demonstrate compliance, grow your business through increasing your marketing presence and establish credibility.
However, applicants are often unsure if they qualify or even need LegitScript certification. Here are some common real-world inquiries and answers.
Website Requirements
Inquiry: A pharmacy in the Southeast seeks clarity on domain eligibility and certification timelines to advertise Semaglutide and other weight loss drugs via online advertising but is unsure if their website setup aligns with certification requirements.
Answer: Maybe. Some operational areas the Certification team evaluates in regards to a pharmacy website, include: verification of state and federal licenses, compliance with FDA and pharmacy board regulations, transparent business practices and website disclosures, and
ethical advertising and patient communication strategies.
Online Advertisement Rejections
Inquiry: A medical spa owned by a physician is experiencing frequent ad rejections for GLP-1 promotions and wonders if obtaining LegitScript certification would resolve the issue.
Answer: Most likely., LegitScript certification is required for certain business models within specific jurisdictions advertising on various platforms like Google and Meta. Certification may not be a federal legal requirement, but the advertising policies of major tech platforms often make it mandatory for businesses selling online medication. Similar to FDIC-insurance for a bank (also not a federal legal requirement), LegitScript certification ensures consumer trust, safety and transparency.
Which Certification is the Right Certification
Inquiry: A group of physicians wants to prescribe compounded GLP-1 medications through their online pharmacy but is unsure what type of application they need to submit.
Answer: A LegitScript Healthcare Merchant Certification! While our Healthcare certification is for advertising, this certification provides a recognized stamp of approval for businesses that facilitate the sale of pharmaceuticals. Our certification process helps online pharmacy merchants meet the required compliance and best practice standards of payment providers and enables merchants to promote their business and process payments.
The Cost of Certification
Inquiry: A company exclusively offering weight loss services with compounded GLP-1 medications is seeking details on the certification process and associated costs before moving forward with Google Ads campaigns.
Answer: Depends on the number of websites or number of partners.The pricing for LegitScript certification is presented on our website. However, LegitScript also offers an Enterprise pathway for companies with a unique or expansive business model, often offering a wide range of healthcare services, products, or operating across multiple locations. Enterprise Certification clients benefit from customized pricing, dedicated account management, and tailored resources to support their certification journey. Enterprise Certification may also be a good fit if your company is seeking to partner with LegitScript with a commitment to growth.
The Value of Certification
For any business in the weight loss medication space, LegitScript certification is not just a box to check—it’s a critical step in ensuring longevity, credibility, and access to broader marketing opportunities. Engaging with LegitScript early can:
Unlock advertising permissions on Google, Meta, and other platforms.
Secure compliance with payment providers and open up new online merchant opportunities to grow your business.
Build trust with consumers seeking safe and effective weight loss treatments.
As the demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, ensuring that your business meets the highest compliance standards through LegitScript certification will set you apart in an increasingly regulated industry.
