This article was reviewed by Darragh O’Carroll, MD.
The Cost of Weight Loss Drugs With and Without Insurance
Key takeaways:
- Weight loss drugs can cost $200 to $2,000 monthly, depending on the medication.
- The cost of weight loss drugs also varies depending on where you get them.
Weight loss medications can help kickstart a weight loss journey and improve overall health. But insurance providers don’t often cover them.
So, what’s the cost of weight loss drugs? It generally ranges from $200 to $2,000 a month. Costs vary depending on where you get your medication, whether you can get insurance coverage, and, of course, which medication you go for.
Read on to learn more about the costs of weight loss medications.
What’s the Cost of Weight Loss Drugs Without Insurance?
Without insurance, weight loss drugs can cost $200 to $2,000 per month. The cost depends on which weight loss medication you go for and where you get it.
You may also need to pay for initial consultations with a healthcare provider, lab tests, or follow-up appointments.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of several popular weight loss medications, looking at the price you might find in pharmacies and on telehealth platforms.
*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Prescription required.
**Paid upfront, in full. Actual price depends on product and plan purchased.
Cost of Oral Weight Loss Medications
The cost of oral weight loss medications can vary depending on which medication you get.
Cost of Compounded vs. Brand-Name Weight Loss Drugs
Compounded drugs are often more affordable than brand-name weight loss drugs. Healthcare providers prescribe compounded medications for people with unique needs, like a personalized dosing schedule.
There currently isn’t a generic version of semaglutide. You can, however, get generic liraglutide.
The Cost of Weight Loss Drugs With Insurance
With insurance, the cost of weight loss drugs varies depending on your plan. Your policy may cover the entire cost of your medication, or you may need to pay a copay or meet a deductible.
If you have coverage, you’ll also need to meet eligibility criteria. This often includes having a certain body mass index (BMI) and sometimes a weight-related health condition, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol (dyslipidemia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
You might still have some out-of-pocket costs, even with insurance coverage. Some manufacturers have coupons to reduce these costs. Keep in mind, these coupons don’t last forever and can change at any time.
The kicker? Many health insurance providers don’t cover weight loss drugs — even if you meet eligibility criteria for the medication. Check your policy to find out if you could get coverage.
How Much Is Weight Loss Medication? Final Thoughts
Weight loss drugs can help people with overweight and obesity lose weight. But drug costs vary quite a bit depending on where you get the medication and, of course, which medication you’re looking at.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Weight loss medications vary in cost. Costs can range from $200 to $2,000 a month. You might take medication until you reach your goal weight and then beyond for long-term weight management — so costs can add up.
- Insurance providers don’t usually cover weight loss drugs. Check your plan to be sure, but you might have to pay out of pocket for weight loss medication.
- Compounded, generic, and oral medications are more affordable.
When it comes to choosing the right weight loss treatment, cost is just one factor to consider. Side effects and your health, body weight, and personal preference all come into play, too. A healthcare provider can help you decide.
FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the cost of weight loss drugs below.
What’s the average cost of weight loss drugs?
The average cost of weight loss drugs is about $1,000 a month, but costs vary widely. Brand-name GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist injections can cost up to $2,000 a month. Meanwhile, oral, generic, and compounded medications can cost about $70 to $300 a month.
Are weight loss medications safe?
Weight loss medications are safe for many people. A healthcare provider can look at your medical history and overall health to determine if a weight loss medication is safe for you.
Are weight loss drugs covered by insurance?
Weight loss drugs aren’t typically covered by insurance. Medicaid offers coverage in some states, but Medicare doesn’t. Insurance providers don’t cover off-label use. For example, you can’t get coverage when a type 2 diabetes drug like Ozempic® is used for a condition it isn’t FDA-approved for, like obesity or overweight.
Related:
- The 6 Best Weight Loss Supplements for Men
- Hims vs. Mochi for Weight Loss 2025: How Do They Compare?
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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