Breaking down the real price difference between brand-name medications and alternatives—and what matters most for your decision.

Jennifer, 61, left her doctor's office with a prescription for Wegovy and hope for the first time in years.

Then she called the pharmacy. "$1,349 for a one-month supply," they told her.

Her insurance denied coverage—weight loss wasn't "medically necessary" despite her diabetes risk and joint pain.

She never filled the prescription. Like 78% of women who receive GLP-1 prescriptions, the cost made it impossible.

FDA-approved medications like Wegovy undergo years of clinical trials costing billions of dollars.

That research proves safety and efficacy, establishes exact dosing protocols, and ensures every injection contains precisely what the label claims.

You're paying for certainty—guaranteed quality control, extensive safety data, and FDA oversight of every manufacturing batch.

For many women, that peace of mind matters enormously.

For others, the $15,600 annual cost simply isn't feasible, regardless of the quality assurance.

Compounded versions of the same active ingredient (semaglutide) are now available through telehealth platforms at $179-299 monthly—about 80% less than brand-name options.

Here's what's different: compounded medications are custom-mixed by pharmacies and haven't undergone FDA approval processes.

They may use different salt forms of the active ingredient, and consistency can vary between batches.

Compare your medical weight loss options

This doesn't automatically mean they're unsafe—many are made by reputable pharmacies with quality standards. But you're trading FDA oversight for affordability.

Here's the honest data: Clinical trials for brand-name Wegovy (with intensive lifestyle support) showed 15% average weight loss over 68 weeks.

Real-world data for telehealth programs using compounded versions (without structured support) shows 2-5% average weight loss at one year.

Why the gap? Clinical trials include nutritionists, exercise programs, and weekly check-ins. Most telehealth programs offer doctor access but not comprehensive lifestyle coaching.

Sarah, 54, using a telehealth program: "I lost 12 pounds in five months.

Not the dramatic transformation I'd hoped for, but the first sustained loss I've had in a decade."

Explore Affordable Medical Weight Loss Programs.

Whether brand-name or compounded, consider:

At $299 monthly, that's still $3,588 annually—a significant commitment even at the lower price point.

The "best" option depends entirely on your priorities and resources:

Choose brand-name if: You want FDA-approved medication, have insurance coverage or can afford $15,600 yearly, and prioritize maximum quality assurance.

Consider compounded if: Cost is the primary barrier, you're comfortable with non-FDA-approved options, and you have realistic expectations about results.

Skip both if: You can't commit to 12+ months, aren't prepared for common side effects, or haven't tried comprehensive lifestyle approaches with medical support first.

Medical weight loss can be valuable—but only when you understand exactly what you're getting at each price point.

The right choice isn't about "best" in absolute terms. It's about what actually fits your health needs, financial reality, and personal priorities.

See if Medical Weight Loss Fits Your Situation