Question 1

How much do GLP-1 medications cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Brand-name GLP-1s cost $892-$1,349/month without insurance (Ozempic $892, Wegovy $1,349, Mounjaro $1,023, Zepbound $1,059). Compounded versions start at $129-$199/month through telehealth providers. Manufacturer savings cards can reduce brand-name costs to $0-$500/month for commercially insured patients.

Question 2

What is the cheapest way to get GLP-1 medications online?

Accepted Answer

Compounded semaglutide from telehealth providers like Hims ($199/mo), Henry Meds ($149/mo), or Maximus ($79.99/mo microdose) is the cheapest route. Brand-name options are cheaper with insurance or manufacturer savings cards. Novo Nordisk's NovoCare card can reduce Wegovy to $349/month.

Question 3

Does insurance cover Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Many commercial insurance plans cover Wegovy (FDA-approved for obesity) with prior authorization. Mounjaro coverage for weight loss is less consistent since its obesity indication (Zepbound) is a separate brand. Coverage varies widely by plan. Prior authorization typically takes 3-14 days.

Question 4

Does Medicare cover GLP-1 medications in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Starting in 2026, Medicare Part D covers FDA-approved anti-obesity medications including Wegovy and Zepbound. Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries pay a maximum $50/month copay. Medicare Advantage plans with enhanced drug benefits may also cover these medications.

Question 5

Can I use HSA or FSA to pay for GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GLP-1 medications prescribed by a licensed provider are eligible HSA/FSA expenses. This effectively saves you 20-35% compared to paying out of pocket since you are using pre-tax dollars. Many telehealth providers accept HSA/FSA payments directly.

Question 6

Is Mounjaro or Ozempic better for weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) produces more weight loss than Ozempic (semaglutide). In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, tirzepatide produced 20.2% mean weight loss versus 13.7% for semaglutide over 72 weeks at maximum tolerated doses (NEJM, 2025). Tirzepatide also had lower GI side effect discontinuation rates (2.7% vs 5.6%).

Question 7

What is the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?

Accepted Answer

Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same molecule (tirzepatide) made by the same company (Eli Lilly). Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound for obesity/weight management. The difference is FDA indication, insurance coverage pathways, and sometimes price.

Question 8

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Accepted Answer

Both are semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (max dose 2mg), Wegovy for obesity/weight management (max dose 2.4mg). The higher Wegovy dose produces more weight loss. Insurance coverage pathways differ between the two.

Question 9

What is compounded semaglutide?

Accepted Answer

Compounded semaglutide is the same active ingredient as Ozempic/Wegovy, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies (503A or 503B). It costs $129-$299/month versus $892-$1,349/month for brand-name. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved as finished products but are legally available while brand-name shortages persist.

Question 10

Is the Wegovy pill as effective as the Wegovy injection?

Accepted Answer

Close but slightly less. Injectable Wegovy produced 14.9% mean weight loss in the STEP 1 trial (NEJM, 2021). Oral Wegovy (50mg daily, FDA-approved December 2025) achieved approximately 13.6% in trials. The pill costs less ($149-$299/mo vs $1,349/mo list) but requires a strict daily fasting routine.

Question 11

What are the most common GLP-1 side effects?

Accepted Answer

Nausea (24-44%), diarrhea (18-30%), vomiting (6-25%), and constipation (12-24%). These are dose-dependent and typically peak in the first 4 weeks of each dose increase. In clinical trials, 99.5% of adverse events were non-serious, and discontinuation rates due to side effects were 4.3-7.1%.

Question 12

How long do GLP-1 side effects last?

Accepted Answer

Most GI side effects peak in weeks 1-4 of a new dose and fade significantly by week 8-12. Nausea is usually worst at the start or after dose increases. By month 3 at a stable dose, most patients report substantially reduced side effects. Some experience minimal side effects throughout.

Question 13

Is tirzepatide or semaglutide easier on the stomach?

Accepted Answer

In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, tirzepatide had a lower GI-related discontinuation rate than semaglutide (2.7% vs 5.6%). However, overall nausea rates were similar between the two classes. Individual responses vary significantly.

Question 14

How much muscle do you lose on GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

In clinical trials, 34-45% of total weight lost on GLP-1s was lean mass. SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide) showed 34% lean mass loss, while STEP 1 (semaglutide) showed 39-45%. Resistance training and adequate protein intake (0.7-1.0g per pound of body weight) can significantly reduce lean mass loss.

Question 15

Should I exercise while on GLP-1 medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Resistance training 3+ days per week is strongly recommended to preserve lean mass during GLP-1 weight loss. Compound movements (squat, deadlift, bench press, rows) combined with adequate protein (0.7-1.0g per pound) can shift your body composition toward fat loss rather than overall weight loss.

Question 16

Is a DEXA scan worth it while on GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

A DEXA scan shows exactly how much fat vs. lean mass you have lost, which the scale cannot distinguish. This is valuable on GLP-1s because body recomposition (losing fat while gaining or preserving muscle) can make the scale misleading. Cost is $40-$150 per scan at most imaging centers.

Question 17

What should I do if I hit a weight loss plateau on Mounjaro?

Accepted Answer

First, check body composition (the scale may be misleading during recomposition). Then recalculate calories for your current weight, increase protein to 0.7-1.0g per pound, and add structured resistance training. If fat loss stalls for 6-8 weeks after these changes, discuss a dose increase with your prescriber.

Question 18

What is the Mounjaro dosing schedule?

Accepted Answer

Mounjaro starts at 2.5mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases to 5mg. From there, titration continues in increments (7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg) with at least 4 weeks at each level. SURMOUNT-1 weight loss by dose: 15% at 5mg, 19.5% at 10mg, 22.5% at 15mg body weight over 72 weeks.

Question 19

Can I stay on a lower Mounjaro dose if it is working?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no requirement to titrate to the maximum dose. If you are losing weight steadily and tolerating a lower dose well, many providers will keep you there. The goal is the minimum effective dose that produces meaningful weight loss with manageable side effects.

Question 20

What is the best online GLP-1 provider?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your priorities. For lowest price: Maximus ($79.99/mo microdose) or Henry Meds ($149/mo). For brand-name medications: Calibrate or PlushCare (insurance-based). For most medication options: Hims or Ro. For men's health integration: Fella Health or PeterMD. We rank all 73+ providers by ClearScore.

Question 21

What is the difference between compounded and brand-name GLP-1 providers?

Accepted Answer

Brand-name providers prescribe FDA-approved medications (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro) that are more expensive ($892-$1,349/mo) but have full regulatory backing. Compounded providers use licensed pharmacies to create the same molecules at lower cost ($129-$299/mo) but face ongoing regulatory and legal risks.

GLP-1 Medication FAQ

Cost & Pricing