Weight Loss Options

When Considering Options:
- Will my insurance cover weight loss medications?
- If so, which medications are covered, and what are the requirements?
- If I am diabetic or pre-diabetic, will my insurance cover Ozempic or Mounjaro?
We are pleased to assist with prescriptions for Zepbound, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, provided they are covered by your insurance. Additionally, Zepbound has recently made changes to make starting doses more affordable for individuals without insurance coverage.
GLP-1 Agonist Medications
- Reduce Appetite: They help you feel fuller, faster after eating, making it easier to control portion sizes.
- Slow Down Digestion: They slow how quickly your stomach empties, keeping you satisfied for longer.
- Control Blood Sugar: They help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and helping you make better food choices.


GLP-1 Injections Approved for Weight Loss
Wegovy
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that’s FDA-approved to treat obesity in adults and teens with a BMI ≥30, or a BMI ≥27 with an obesity-related condition like hypertension. Studies show participants achieved weight loss of up to 18%.
- Cost Without Insurance: Around $1400/month or $650/month with savings cards (available on the Wegovy website).
- It’s also approved for long-term chronic obesity management.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a daily injection FDA-approved for obesity in adults and teens with a BMI ≥30, or a BMI ≥27 with obesity-related conditions. Participants in studies lost about 9.8% of their weight.
- Cost Without Insurance: Around $1400/month (no savings card is currently available).
- Saxenda is also approved for chronic obesity management.
GLP-1 Injections Approved for Diabetes
Ozempic
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection FDA-approved for diabetes management. Insurance may sometimes cover it for pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. While similar to Wegovy in how it works for weight loss, it’s dosed differently.
- Cost Without Insurance: Around $1000/month.
- Savings Card Available: This can help lower costs if used with insurance.
Before starting Ozempic, it’s essential to confirm what your insurance will cover if you don’t have diabetes. This helps ensure it’s a cost-effective option for your weight loss goals.


GLP-1 Agonist/GIP Medications
- Increased Insulin Release: Like GLP-1, GIP encourages your pancreas to release insulin when sugar levels in your blood rise after meals. This helps your body use sugar more efficiently, reducing blood sugar spikes.
- Improved Fat Metabolism: GIP plays a crucial role in managing your body’s fat stores. By activating GIP receptors, the medication helps reduce fat storage and increases the breakdown of fat.
- Enhanced Satiety: Both hormones work together to make you feel fuller, longer. This reduces food cravings and encourages smaller, healthier portions.
GLP-1 Agonist/GIP Injections Approved for Weight Loss
Zepbound
- Cost Without Insurance:
- Around $1100/month or $650/month with savings cards (available on the Zepbound website).
- Prescriptions can also be sent to Lilly Direct for 2.5mg and 5mg weekly doses. Costs:
- $349/month for 2.5mg dose.
- $499/month for 5mg dose.


GLP-1 Agonist/GIP Injections Approved for Diabetes
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection FDA-approved to treat diabetes. It may also be covered by insurance for pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. While it works similarly to Zepbound for weight loss, it’s primarily approved for diabetes management.
- Cost Without Insurance: Around $1100/month.
- With Savings Card: Approximately $650/month, but the savings card is only available for those with diabetes.
Take advantage of this powerful treatment to manage diabetes and improve your overall health.
Compound Injection Options

What Is Compounded Medication?
Compounded medications are customized prescriptions created by pharmacists to meet specific patient needs, such as unique dosages or allergen-free formulations. These medications also help fill the gap during shortages of standard treatments.
Compounding pharmacies follow strict regulatory standards to ensure safety, precision, and cleanliness. These personalized solutions are ideal for patients who require an alternative to commercially available medications. Once ordered, the compounds are shipped to your home with supplies in a vial. You’ll draw the prescribed dose into an insulin syringe for easy administration.
Compounded medications, like liraglutide which is one of the only GLP-1 receptor agonists available for compounding. It is used in some medical weight management programs when appropriate and prescribed by a qualified provider.
Not FDA-approved.
- Safety/efficacy may differ from branded versions.
- Compounded formulations are not interchangeable with prescription drugs.
Other Weight Loss Injectables
- Cost: Starts at $175/month, with a maximum cost of $400-$650/month for the highest dose.
- Note: Insurance does not typically cover these medications, so be prepared for out-of-pocket expenses.

Oral GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Options
Rybelsus
Rybelsus is a daily pill FDA-approved for diabetes and is sometimes covered by insurance for pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. It works similarly to other weight loss injectables but may be slightly less effective. Studies show potential weight loss of up to 10%.
- Cost Without Insurance: Around $1000/month from U.S. pharmacies or less if ordered from Canadian pharmacies.
- Savings Card: Available but only for individuals with diabetes.
If you’re looking for a convenient oral option and meet insurance criteria, Rybelsus could be a great choice.
Other Weight Loss Injectable and Oral Medications
Other formulations of weight loss injectables and oral medications may be available based on your needs. Consult your healthcare provider for more details on potential options and to determine the best course of action for your health and weight loss goals.
- Cost: Starts at $250/month, up to $350/month at the highest dose.
- Note: Insurance won’t cover compounded medications, so expect to pay out of pocket.

Oral GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Options

Rybelsus (semaglutide)

Compound Semaglutide Sublingual (under the tongue) Drops

Compound Tirzepatide Sublingual (under the tongue) Drops
Contains the active ingredient in commercially available tirzepatide. You can expect weight loss to be similar to oral semaglutide, as much as 10%. It may be better tolerated than oral semaglutide (fewer side effects). Insurance will not cover compound medication, so expect to pay cash. Cost starts at $250 per month, up to $350 per month at highest dose. Your provider can give you specifics on cost for your dose.
Other Oral Options
Contrave (Bupropion/Naltrexone)
Contrave is an FDA-approved oral medication for treating obesity. It combines bupropion and naltrexone, which work by blocking cravings and acting as a mild appetite suppressant.
- Expected Results: Combined with diet and exercise, users may see a 5-10% reduction in body weight.
- Who It’s Best For: Ideal for individuals struggling with binge eating or intense food cravings.
- How Long It Takes: Typically 4-6 weeks to start seeing results.
Cost: If not covered by insurance, expect to pay around $500/month out of pocket. To keep costs minimal, prescriptions can be written for generic alternatives.
Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate)
Qsymia combines phentermine, a stimulant, with topiramate, a medication that helps reduce calorie intake and cravings.
- Expected Results: Weight loss of up to 10% over one year when taken daily.
- Consultation Requirements: In-person visits every 3 months.
Cost: Without insurance, expect to pay around $150/month from retail or compound pharmacies.
Xenical (Orlistat)
Xenical blocks the absorption of up to 30% of fat in your diet, helping reduce overall calorie intake. It is FDA-approved for treating obesity and chronic obesity management.
- Expected Results: Weight loss of 5-10% over 6-12 months with consistent diet and exercise.
- Cost: Without insurance, expect to pay around $500/month.
A lower-dose, over-the-counter version is also available.
Phentermine
Phentermine is a stimulant-based appetite suppressant and has shown effectiveness in helping users achieve up to 5% weight lossover 3 months.
- How It’s Used: Taken once daily, prescribed in 30-day increments, with an in-person consultation every 3 months.
- Cost: Without insurance, costs are typically less than $50/month at most pharmacies.
Phentermine is ideal for individuals seeking a short-term boost to kickstart weight loss.
Other Options
Combo Compound Oral Medications
Custom combinations of medications like Contrave, Phentermine, or others are available through compound pharmacies.
- Cost: Starting at $150/month, depending on the combination.
- Contact Your Provider: To explore personalized options for your needs.
Lipotropic MIC/B12 Injections (BioBoost)
BioBoost enhances weight loss by increasing metabolism and breaking down fat.
- Expected Results: About 1 pound of weight loss per week when paired with diet and exercise.
- Cost: $150 for 10 injections, including supplies.
Can be used as a standalone option or alongside other weight loss medications.