FTC vs. NextMed: What the Settlement Means for GLP-1 Consumers

In July 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a $150,000 settlement with NextMed, a telehealth company offering GLP-1 weight loss programs. The case highlights exactly the kind of deceptive practices that have plagued the GLP-1 telehealth industry—and offers valuable lessons for anyone shopping for weight loss medications online.

What Happened

NextMed (officially Southern Health Solutions, Inc.) offered telehealth weight loss programs that gave customers access to medical providers who could prescribe GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic. The company attracted customers during the peak of GLP-1 demand in 2022.

According to the FTC's complaint, NextMed engaged in several deceptive practices that misled consumers about costs, results, and the authenticity of customer reviews.

The Four Major Violations

1. Hidden Fees and Deceptive Pricing

NextMed advertised monthly membership fees of $138 or $188, presenting these as the full cost of their weight loss programs. In reality, these prices excluded the cost of the actual GLP-1 medication, required lab work, and medical consultations—often adding hundreds more per month.

The company also failed to disclose that programs required a 12-month commitment with early termination fees. Customers who tried to cancel found themselves locked in or facing unexpected charges.

2. Fake Reviews and Testimonials

The FTC alleged that NextMed published fake positive reviews written by employees, family members, and paid individuals who had never used the company's programs or GLP-1 medications. They also used before-and-after photos of people who weren't actual customers.

3. Review Manipulation

Beyond creating fake positive reviews, NextMed allegedly suppressed negative feedback by flagging critical reviews on Trustpilot without valid reasons, offering Amazon gift cards to customers who agreed to remove negative reviews, and conditioning refunds on customers deleting their complaints. When Trustpilot detected these patterns, they removed numerous fake reviews and notified the company about the manipulation.

4. Unsubstantiated Weight Loss Claims

NextMed claimed that members could expect to lose an average of 53 pounds or 23% of their body weight. The FTC found no adequate evidence to support these specific claims.

Why This Case Matters

This settlement marks the first consumer protection action by the current FTC focused specifically on marketing and billing practices in the telehealth healthcare space. It signals that regulators are paying attention to the rapid growth of online GLP-1 prescribers—and that companies engaging in deceptive practices will face consequences.

For consumers, the case is a reminder that not all telehealth providers operate ethically. The GLP-1 market has seen explosive growth, and some companies have prioritized quick profits over transparency and patient care.

Red Flags to Watch For

Based on the NextMed case and similar enforcement actions, here's what should make you pause when evaluating a GLP-1 provider:

Pricing Transparency

• Unclear total costs: If you can't find the full monthly price including medication, something's being hidden
• Subscription traps: Be wary of long-term commitments with cancellation fees—especially those only disclosed in fine print
• "Starting at" pricing: Make sure you know what you'll actually pay, not just the lowest possible price for a service you may not receive

Review Authenticity

• Only 5-star reviews: Legitimate businesses have some negative or mixed reviews
• Generic language: Fake reviews often sound similar and lack specific details about the actual experience
• Recent review floods: A sudden influx of positive reviews can indicate manipulation

Claims and Promises

• Specific weight loss guarantees: No ethical provider can promise exactly how much weight you'll lose
• Before/after photos without verification: Ask whether results are from actual patients of that specific provider
• "Typical results" claims: Should be backed by documented data, not anecdotes

How to Protect Yourself

Before Signing Up

1. Get the total price in writing—ask specifically what's included and what costs extra
2. Read the cancellation policy—know your commitment before providing payment information
3. Check reviews on multiple platforms—not just the provider's website or a single review site
4. Verify credentials—look for LegitScript certification and state licensing

After Signing Up

1. Save all documentation—keep emails, terms of service, and billing records
2. Monitor your credit card—watch for unexpected charges
3. Document problems—if issues arise, keep a detailed record for potential disputes

What Happens Next in the Industry

The FTC's action against NextMed is likely just the beginning. The commission has signaled continued focus on healthcare marketing, particularly in rapidly growing sectors like telehealth weight loss services.

For the GLP-1 industry, this means pressure to clean up marketing practices. Legitimate providers will likely become more transparent to differentiate themselves from bad actors. Consumers may see clearer pricing, more verified reviews, and more honest expectations about results.

The Bigger Picture

GLP-1 medications genuinely help millions of people achieve life-changing weight loss. The problem isn't the medications—it's that some companies exploit high demand and desperate consumers through deceptive marketing.

The best defense is informed consumers who know what to look for and what to avoid. By understanding the tactics used by companies like NextMed, you're better equipped to find a provider that will actually support your weight loss journey honestly and effectively.