How Much Do GLP-1 Medications Actually Cost in 2026?

Brand Name Pricing

Let's start with the sticker shock. Brand name GLP-1 medications are expensive, and there's no way around it.

Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) carries a list price of about $1,349 per month. Ozempic, the diabetes version of semaglutide that doctors sometimes prescribe off label for weight loss, runs around $935 per month. Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss) lists at roughly $1,059 per month, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide for diabetes) sits in the same range.

If you're paying cash at a retail pharmacy, you're looking at $11,000 to $16,000 per year. That number is the single biggest reason men hesitate to start treatment, even when they clearly need it.

Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly offer manufacturer savings cards that can cut costs for eligible patients. But the eligibility rules change frequently, and these programs typically exclude government insurance like Medicare and Medicaid.

The Insurance Reality

Insurance coverage for GLP-1 weight loss medications is a mess. There's no polite way to say it.

Most commercial plans cover Ozempic and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Coverage for the dedicated weight loss formulations, Wegovy and Zepbound, is far less consistent. Many employers specifically exclude "anti obesity medications" from their formularies. Even when coverage exists, prior authorization requirements can delay your start by weeks.

You'll typically fall into one of three situations.

• Plans that cover GLP-1 for weight loss: Expect a specialty tier copay of $50 to $150 per month after you meet your deductible. This is the best case scenario, but it applies to a minority of plans.
• Plans that cover GLP-1 for diabetes only: If you have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe Ozempic or Mounjaro. Weight loss will happen, but the prescription is technically for blood sugar management.
• Plans with no GLP-1 coverage: You're either paying full retail or looking at alternatives. This is increasingly common as insurers push back against rising demand.

Medicare Part D expanded some GLP-1 coverage in 2026 following legislative changes. But it's limited to patients with established cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Coverage for weight loss alone still isn't on the table for most Medicare enrollees.

Compounded Medications Explained

Compounded GLP-1 medications have become the most accessible option for many men.

Under FDA regulations, licensed compounding pharmacies can produce medications during documented shortages of the brand name version, or when a patient needs a customized dose. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have faced ongoing supply constraints since 2023, which has allowed compounding pharmacies to legally produce them.

Compounded semaglutide typically costs $150 to $400 per month. Compounded tirzepatide runs $200 to $500 per month. Prices fluctuate based on your dose, the pharmacy, and whether you're buying through a program or going direct.

Quality is the variable that matters most. Not all compounding pharmacies operate at the same standard. Look for 503B-registered facilities, meaning they follow current Good Manufacturing Practices and undergo FDA inspection. Cutting corners to save $50 a month on something you're injecting into your body is a bad trade.

The compounded versions use the same active ingredient as their brand name counterparts. The difference is production scale. Compounding pharmacies make smaller batches compared to the mass manufacturing at Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.

Monthly Program Costs

Most men access GLP-1 medications through a medical weight loss program rather than a standalone prescription. These programs bundle the medication with clinical services, and the total monthly cost depends on what's included.

A typical program covers:

• The medication itself (compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide)
• Initial physician consultation and medical evaluation
• Ongoing check ins and dose adjustments
• Shipping and injection supplies (syringes, alcohol swabs)

All inclusive programs like OrderlyMeds roll everything into one transparent monthly fee. You know exactly what you owe each month. No surprise charges for consultations, lab reviews, or dose changes. That predictability makes budgeting simple.

Other providers use an a la carte model where you pay separately for medication, consultations, lab work, and shipping. It can look cheaper at first glance, but add it up. A $199 medication fee plus $75 per consultation plus $50 shipping plus $150 for labs quickly exceeds what an all inclusive program charges.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Before you sign up with any GLP-1 provider, ask about these charges that don't always show up in the headline price:

• Lab work: Blood panels are essential for safe prescribing. Some programs include them. Others require you to get labs done on your own at $100 to $300 per panel.
• Dose increase fees: Higher doses cost more to compound. Some programs charge extra when you titrate up. Others maintain a flat rate regardless of dose.
• Consultation fees: Follow up visits with your prescribing physician may carry separate charges of $50 to $100 each.
• Cancellation penalties: Some programs require multi month commitments with early termination fees. Read the contract carefully.
• Injection supplies: Syringes, needles, and alcohol swabs should be included, but they aren't always.
• Cold chain shipping: GLP-1 medications need refrigerated shipping. Overnight or expedited delivery fees can add $20 to $40 per month.

If a provider can't give you one clear number for your total monthly cost, that's a red flag. Walk away.

Thinking About Cost Per Pound

One useful way to frame the investment is cost per pound lost. It sounds blunt, but it puts the numbers in perspective.

The average man on GLP-1 therapy loses 30 to 50 pounds over 12 months. At a program cost of $300 per month ($3,600 annually), that's $72 to $120 per pound. At $500 per month ($6,000 annually), you're at $120 to $200 per pound.

Now weigh that against the cost of doing nothing. Treating type 2 diabetes runs over $12,000 per year in additional medical expenses, according to the American Diabetes Association. A single cardiac event can top $50,000 in hospital bills. Knee or hip replacement surgery costs $30,000 to $50,000. For men carrying 40+ pounds of excess visceral fat, these aren't hypotheticals. They're statistical probabilities that compound year after year.

GLP-1 treatment is not cheap. But compared to the medical costs it can help you sidestep, the math often works out in your favor.

The All Inclusive Pricing Advantage

A practical approach to finding affordable GLP-1 treatment without compromising quality:

1. Check your insurance first. Even if you've been denied before, formulary policies change. Call your plan and ask specifically about anti obesity medication coverage for 2026.
2. Compare total costs, not just medication prices. Get the all in monthly figure from at least three providers. Include medication, consultations, labs, shipping, and supplies.
3. Ask about dose based pricing. Programs that charge the same rate from your starter dose through the maximum are almost always a better long term deal.
4. Verify pharmacy credentials. Ask which pharmacy compounds the medication and whether it holds 503B registration. The cheapest option is meaningless if the product isn't properly formulated.
5. Value physician access. Being able to reach your prescribing doctor when you have side effects or questions is not a nice to have. It's a safety requirement.

OrderlyMeds was built around this philosophy. Transparent all inclusive pricing that covers your medication, physician consultations, dose adjustments, and ongoing clinical support. No hidden fees, no surprise upcharges as your dose increases, no multi month contracts locking you in. You see one price, and that's what you pay.

Affordable GLP-1 treatment exists. You don't need to pay brand name retail to get effective medication with real medical oversight. But do the homework, ask direct questions, and never let the lowest price tag override your judgment about quality and safety.