One of the primary benefits of Costco and Sesame’s virtual weight loss program is its expanded accessibility, “especially for those with geographical barriers or scheduling conflicts,” says Niraj Patel, D.O., a board-certified family medicine physician, medical director of Cora Health and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.

“The hormonal management of obesity with this new class of drugs is game-changing,” says Adrienne Youdim, M.D., an internist who specializes in medical weight loss and clinical nutrition and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “I believe they will truly improve the health of the country,” she says. “However, as access increases, so too does the need for appropriate use, which will require physicians who are knowledgeable of their management,” Dr. Youdim adds.

Another benefit of virtual weight loss programs is the ability to schedule appointments regularly with the same medical provider, which is “much more accessible for both parties,” adds Dr. Patel. “There is also the ability to access medical providers more experienced with weight loss treatments via telemedicine if they aren’t available locally,” he says.

However, virtual weight management care isn’t without its drawbacks. “A large con is the risk of misuse or overuse of these medications without proper oversight, which can potentially do more harm than good,” warns Dr. Patel, “especially since [proper medication use] is dependent on the quality of care from individual telemedicine companies.”

“The potential for long-term nutritional deficiencies and loss of muscle mass are key concerns,” adds Dr. Youdim. “Telehealth cannot replace in-person visits entirely,” and when it comes to weight loss medications, “an in-person exam can help to diagnose or rule out a serious adverse event like [bowel] obstruction,” she says. What’s more, in-person visits with a physician, “can create an opportunity for relationship and connection that cannot be done in the same way virtually.”