How Much Do Online GLP-1 Weight-Loss Programs Really Cost Per Month (2025)
Daniel Zvi
The truth is, the price range is massive, stretching from $250 to over $1,500 per month.
This cost depends on one primary factor: the type of medication you take (a brand-name drug like Wegovy or Zepbound) versus a compounded version (like semaglutide or tirzepatide). Your insurance coverage, or lack of it, is the other major piece of the puzzle.
This guide offers a clear and transparent breakdown of the total monthly costs you can expect from online telehealth programs in 2025. We will explore program fees, medication pricing, and the hidden costs to be aware of.
Why Is GLP-1 Pricing So Complicated?
The price confusion stems from separating the program fee from the medication cost.
- Program/Membership Fee: This is the monthly price ($50 - $150) that online telehealth companies advertise. This fee covers your virtual consultations with a provider, a nutrition or fitness plan, and customer support. It almost never includes the medication itself.
- Medication Cost: This is a separate, and much larger, expense. This is the price of the actual GLP-1 drug, such as Wegovy, Zepbound, or a compounded alternative.
Many users sign up for a low introductory membership fee, only to discover their prescription will cost an additional $1,000+ at the pharmacy.
Our top picks for October 2025
9.9
Medical Evaluation
Branded vs. Compounded: The Biggest Cost Factor
The single most considerable influence on your monthly bill is the medication you are prescribed. Online programs offer two main pathways.
Branded GLP-1s (Wegovy, Zepbound) Pricing
Brand-name GLP-1s are the FDA-approved injector pens from major pharmaceutical companies.
- List Price: The cash price for these drugs is extremely high.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): $1,350 - $1,500 per month.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): $1,000 - $1,200 per month.
- With Insurance: If your insurance plan covers anti-obesity medications, your telehealth provider will help you with the prior authorization process. If approved, you could pay a standard co-pay, ranging from $25 to $50.
- Savings Cards: Manufacturers often provide savings cards, but these usually require you to have existing commercial insurance that covers the medication.
Compounded Semaglutide Cost (The Online Program Standard)
Most affordable online programs build their business around compounded GLP-1s.
Compounding is the process of creating a medication in a specialized pharmacy. Due to official drug shortages noted by the FDA, compounding pharmacies are legally allowed to prepare versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- Typical Cost: The monthly cost for compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide is significantly lower, typically ranging from $250 to $500 per month.
- What's Included: This price from an online provider typically includes the medication, the telehealth consultation, and all shipping and supplies. It's an all-in-one price.
This "all-inclusive" model is the most common and straightforward option for people paying out of pocket.
Breaking Down the Telehealth GLP-1 Program Pricing Models
Online providers structure their costs in various ways. Here is what to look for when comparing your options.
1. The All-Inclusive Subscription
This is the most transparent model, which is popular among providers who use compounded medications.
- What it is: A single monthly fee that covers everything.
- Average Cost: $250 - $500 per month.
- What's Included:
- Telehealth provider consultations.
- The compounded GLP-1 medication.
- All necessary supplies (needles, swabs).
- Shipping.
- Basic coaching or support.
- What to Watch For: Does the price increase as your dose (titration) goes up? Most reputable programs maintain a stable price, but some increase it after the initial 1-2 months. See our ranking of the best GLP-1 injection providers to compare titration pricing.
2. The Membership + Medication Model
This model is standard for companies that help you use your insurance for brand-name drugs.
- What it is: You pay two separate bills: a membership fee to the telehealth company and a separate cost for your medication at the pharmacy.
- Average Cost:
- Membership Fee: $75 - $150 per month.
- Medication Cost: Varies from a $25 insurance co-pay to the $1,500 cash price.
- Who It's For: This is the best option for people who have confirmed their insurance covers Wegovy or Zepbound. The membership fee is essentially paying for the convenience of telehealth and prescription management.
3. Hidden Fees to Question Before You Sign Up
Always read the fine print. Some programs try to obscure their total cost.
- Initial Consultation Fee: Is the first visit free, or is there a $100-$200 setup fee?
- Required Lab Work: Some programs require recent blood work. If you don't have it, they may charge you $50-$100 to order it for you.
- Cancellation Fees: What happens if you stop the program?
- Support Tiers: Is the advertised price for email-only support? They may charge extra for access to a registered dietitian or advanced coaching.
How to Choose the Right Program for Your Budget
- Start With Your Insurance: Call your insurance provider first. Ask directly: "Are anti-obesity medications like Wegovy or Zepbound on my formulary?" If the answer is yes, the "Membership Model" is likely your cheapest path.
- Compare All-Inclusive Plans: If you are paying out of pocket, focus on the all-inclusive compounded programs. Review the total monthly cost and its components. [Check our Top 5 Weight Loss Injection reviews] for a direct comparison.
- Verify the Pharmacy: When using a compounded option, ask the provider which pharmacy they use. It should be a state-licensed 503A or FDA-regulated 503B facility. Reputable providers are transparent about this. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is a good resource for verifying pharmacy credentials.
Our top picks for October 2025
Is the Monthly Cost of GLP-1s Worth It?
While the monthly cost is significant, it's important to frame it as a medical investment. These medications have been demonstrated in major clinical trials to be the most effective non-surgical tool for weight loss currently available.
The health benefits—such as improved blood pressure, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and better cardiovascular health—can lead to long-term savings on other medical expenses. When compared to the cost, risk, and recovery time of bariatric surgery, many find the $300-$500 monthly investment in a telehealth program to be a powerful and accessible alternative. That being said, there are also many myths surrounding GLP-1s, such as the notion that they will cause “Ozempic Face.” To learn more, check out our article on the subject.
Final Verdict on Cost
For 2025, the true monthly cost of an online GLP-1 weight-loss program for a cash-pay patient will be between $250 and $500. This price covers a telehealth membership and compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide medication.
If you have excellent insurance that covers brand-name obesity drugs, your total cost could be between $100 and $200 per month ($75 membership fee + $25 co-pay). Avoid programs that only advertise a low membership fee without being transparent about the separate, high cost of medication.
Ready to Find Your Program?
Stop guessing. We've done the research for you. Compare the top-rated online GLP-1 programs, see head-to-head pricing, and read our unbiased reviews to find the right fit for your health goals and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the cheapest way to get GLP-1s without insurance?
A. The most affordable path for cash-pay patients is typically an all-inclusive online program that provides compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. These plans usually cost between $250 and $500 per month and include telehealth consultations, medication, and shipping. This is significantly cheaper than the $1,000 - $1,500 cash price for brand-name pens like Wegovy or Zepbound.
Q. Do online programs include medication in their monthly fee?
A. This is the most important question to ask.
- All-Inclusive (Compounded) Programs: Yes. A monthly fee of $250 to $500 usually includes everything.
- Membership (Brand-Name) Programs: No. The low advertised fee ($50-$150) is only for the doctor's visit and insurance support. You are responsible for the separate medication cost at the pharmacy, which can range from a $25 co-pay to a $1,500 cash price.
Q. Will my insurance cover an online GLP-1 prescription?
A. Your insurance might cover brand-name drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound, but this requires a "prior authorization" from your provider. Most insurance plans will not cover compounded medications. You must call your insurance provider directly to confirm if "anti-obesity medications" are on your plan.
Q. Is compounded semaglutide safe and legal?
A. Compounded semaglutide is legal for providers to prescribe as long as the base drug (semaglutide) is on the official FDA drug shortage list. For safety, you must ensure the provider uses a reputable, state-licensed 503A or 503B compounding pharmacy.
Q. Does the price increase as my dose goes up?
A. This varies by provider. Most all-inclusive compounded programs maintain the same price, even as your dose (titration) increases. However, some do charge more for higher doses. This is a crucial question to ask before signing up.
Q. What happens if I pay but don't qualify for a prescription?
A. Reputable telehealth companies offer a full refund of your initial consultation or membership fee if their medical provider determines you are not a suitable candidate for GLP-1 treatment. Always check the refund policy before you provide payment.
Liked this article?
Smart Recommendations
Thank you!