Weight Loss
HOW MUCH DOES
SEMAGLUTIDE COST?
A transparent breakdown of GLP-1 pricing: brand-name vs compounded, what's included vs what's extra, and why the cheapest option isn't always the best value.
Medically reviewed by Missy Zammichieli, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC · Updated April 2026
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QUICK ANSWER: WHAT DOES SEMAGLUTIDE COST?
At Moonshot Medical in Park Ridge, IL, the GLP-1 Weight Loss Program costs $405 per month all-inclusive. That covers your medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide), medical oversight, required labs, body composition tracking via DEXA scan, and dosing adjustments. Nothing extra.
If your insurance already covers the GLP-1 medication, the medical oversight-only plan is $150 per month. We write the prescription and send it to your pharmacy, monitor your progress, run labs, and track your body composition so you're not losing muscle along with fat.
For context: brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy costs $1,000-1,500 per month at retail without insurance. Brand-name Mounjaro or Zepbound (tirzepatide) runs $1,000+ per month. Most people searching "semaglutide cost" are trying to figure out if there's a way to access GLP-1 therapy without paying four figures a month. There is.
$405/mo
All-Inclusive GLP-1 Program
- GLP-1 medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide)
- Medical oversight
- Required labs and diagnostics
- Body composition tracking via DEXA
- Dosing adjustments
$150/mo
Medical Oversight Only
- Prescription sent to your pharmacy
- Medical oversight
- 2 DEXA scans per year
- Blood panels every 6 months
- 1 vitamin shot per month
HSA/FSA accepted. GLP-1 weight loss prescribed by a medical provider is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. This effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost by your marginal tax rate (typically 22-37%).
SEMAGLUTIDE VS TIRZEPATIDE PRICING
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight loss, but they work slightly differently. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, meaning it activates two incretin pathways instead of one. Clinical data suggests tirzepatide may produce greater weight loss in some patients. At Moonshot Medical, both medications are available at the same price.
| Medication | Brand Names | Retail (No Insurance) | Moonshot All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy | $1,000-1,500/mo | $405/mo |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro, Zepbound | $1,000+/mo | $405/mo |
The massive gap between retail and clinic pricing comes down to one thing: compounding. Brand-name Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured exclusively by Novo Nordisk. Brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound are manufactured exclusively by Eli Lilly. That exclusivity drives the retail price.
Licensed 503A compounding pharmacies can prepare the same active molecules (semaglutide or tirzepatide) at a fraction of the cost. These are patient-specific prescriptions prepared under state pharmacy board oversight. The active ingredient is the same — the difference is the supply chain and the margin structure.
Your provider will recommend semaglutide or tirzepatide based on your health profile, goals, and response. Some patients respond better to one than the other. The cost is the same either way at Moonshot, so the decision is purely clinical. For a detailed comparison of how these two medications differ, see our semaglutide vs tirzepatide guide.
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GLP-1 weight loss programs starting at $150/mo. In-person medical oversight in Park Ridge, IL.
WHAT'S INCLUDED VS WHAT'S EXTRA
"GLP-1 for $299/month" sounds great until you realize that's medication only. Labs, monitoring, body composition tracking, and provider visits are all extra. Here's how Moonshot's all-inclusive model compares to the typical telehealth approach:
Moonshot All-Inclusive ($405/mo)
GLP-1 medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide)
In-person medical oversight with a licensed provider
Required labs and diagnostics (thyroid, metabolic, lipids)
DEXA body composition scans to track fat vs muscle loss
Dosing adjustments based on your response and labs
Initial labs included
Typical Telehealth Clinic ($300-500/mo)
GLP-1 medication shipped to your door
Video-only visits (no in-person examination)
Labs not included (you pay separately, $200-500+)
No DEXA scans (can't tell if you're losing muscle)
Limited dosing adjustments
No physical exams or vitals monitoring
Why DEXA matters during GLP-1 therapy: Research shows that up to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1 medications can be lean mass (muscle) rather than fat. A scale can't tell you the difference. DEXA scans track exactly what you're losing so your provider can adjust your protocol if you're losing too much muscle. This is the difference between weight loss and fat loss.
GLP-1 COST COMPARISON
Here's how the major GLP-1 access pathways stack up on cost and what you actually get:
| Option | Monthly Cost | Includes | Doesn't Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonshot All-Inclusive | $405/mo | Medication, labs, DEXA, in-person oversight, dosing adjustments | Nothing extra |
| Moonshot Oversight Only | $150/mo | Prescription, oversight, 2 DEXAs/yr, labs every 6mo, 1 vitamin shot/mo | Medication (you fill via insurance) |
| Telehealth GLP-1 Clinics | $300-500/mo | Medication, basic video check-ins | Labs, DEXA, in-person exams, comprehensive monitoring |
| Retail Pharmacy + Insurance | $25-75 copay | Brand-name medication (IF approved) | Prior auth battle, GLP-1-specific oversight, DEXA, metabolic labs |
| Retail Without Insurance | $1,000-1,500/mo | Brand-name medication | Everything else — labs, monitoring, body composition tracking |
When comparing costs, compare what's included. A $300/month telehealth plan plus $300 in labs plus $150 per DEXA scan adds up to more than $405/month — and you still don't have in-person oversight. The sticker price is only part of the equation.
INSURANCE COVERAGE REALITY
If you're searching for semaglutide cost, you've probably wondered whether insurance will cover it. Here's the honest picture:
Coverage Is Inconsistent
Most insurance plans cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Far fewer cover Wegovy or Zepbound specifically for weight loss. Many plans classify weight-loss medication as "cosmetic" or "lifestyle" and exclude it entirely. Even plans that have a GLP-1 benefit often have strict requirements.
Prior Authorization Is Standard
Nearly all plans require prior authorization for GLP-1 medications. This means your provider submits documentation proving medical necessity. The process takes days to weeks, and denial rates are high — especially for patients without a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
BMI Requirements
Most plans require a documented BMI of 30+ (obese) or BMI 27+ with at least one weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea). If your BMI is 26 and you want to lose 20 pounds, insurance will almost certainly deny coverage.
Step Therapy Requirements
Some insurers require "step therapy" — documented evidence that you've tried and failed cheaper weight loss methods (diet, exercise, older medications like phentermine) before they'll approve a GLP-1. This can add months to the process.
If Your Insurance Does Cover It
Great news — Moonshot's $150/month oversight plan is built for this exact scenario. We write the prescription, send it to your pharmacy, and provide the medical oversight, labs, and DEXA tracking that turns a prescription into a real weight loss program. The medication cost goes through your insurance; the clinical program goes through us.
Bottom line on insurance: Don't plan your weight loss timeline around insurance approval. If your plan covers it, excellent — use our $150/month oversight option and save. If it doesn't, the $405/month all-inclusive program gets you started immediately without the prior auth waiting game.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED GLP-1?
GLP-1 therapy isn't meant to be a lifetime commitment for everyone. Here's what a typical program timeline looks like:
Month 1-3
Titration Phase
Start at a low dose and gradually increase. This minimizes GI side effects (nausea, which is the most common) and lets your body adjust. Most patients begin seeing meaningful weight loss by the end of this phase. Initial labs are drawn before starting.
Month 3-9
Active Weight Loss Phase
At therapeutic dose, most patients lose 1-2 pounds per week. DEXA scans every 8-12 weeks track your body composition — making sure you're losing fat, not muscle. Blood work monitors metabolic and thyroid markers. Dosing adjustments as needed.
Month 9-12
Maintenance Phase
As you approach your goal weight, your provider may reduce the dose or frequency. The focus shifts from active weight loss to weight maintenance and habit consolidation. Some patients transition off the medication entirely during this phase.
Post-Program
Transition & Monitoring
Some patients maintain results without medication. Others stay on a low maintenance dose. Your provider helps you determine the right approach based on your body's response, metabolic markers, and personal goals. This isn't a cliff — it's a planned transition.
Total investment for a typical program: At $405/month for 6-12 months, the total cost ranges from $2,430 to $4,860. For patients using the $150/month oversight plan with insurance-covered medication, the oversight cost is $900-1,800 plus your insurance copay. Compare that to the health costs of carrying excess weight for years — or the $10,000+ cost of bariatric surgery.
IS GLP-1 WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
Cost matters. But so does what you're buying. Here's how to think about the value of GLP-1 therapy beyond the monthly price tag:
Health Outcomes, Not Just Weight
Clinical trials show GLP-1 medications reduce cardiovascular risk markers, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and improve lipid profiles — independent of weight loss. The SELECT trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events in patients taking semaglutide. You're not just paying for weight loss; you're investing in measurable health improvement.
Compare to What You've Already Tried
Most patients who start GLP-1 therapy have already spent years and thousands of dollars on gym memberships, personal trainers, meal plans, supplements, and diet programs that didn't produce lasting results. GLP-1 medications work on the biological mechanism driving overeating — they address appetite regulation at the hormonal level, which is something willpower alone can't override.
Cost of Not Treating
Obesity increases the lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, joint problems, and certain cancers. The annual healthcare cost of obesity-related conditions averages $1,861 more per year than for normal-weight individuals. Over 10-20 years, that gap compounds significantly.
Body Composition, Not Just Scale Weight
This is where the Moonshot program diverges from "just prescribe and go" models. Tracking body composition via DEXA ensures you preserve lean mass during weight loss. Muscle mass is metabolically active — preserving it keeps your metabolism higher and makes weight maintenance after GLP-1 therapy significantly more sustainable. Learn more about our weight loss approach.
SEMAGLUTIDE COST FAQ
How much does semaglutide cost per month?
Semaglutide cost varies widely depending on how you get it. Brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy costs $1,000-1,500 per month at retail without insurance. Compounded semaglutide through a medical clinic like Moonshot Medical costs $405 per month all-inclusive (medication, labs, DEXA scans, medical oversight) or $150 per month if your insurance covers the medication and you only need medical oversight.
Is semaglutide covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for semaglutide is inconsistent. Many plans cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes but deny Wegovy for weight loss, categorizing it as cosmetic. Most plans require prior authorization, documented BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with comorbidities), and proof that diet and exercise have failed. Even with coverage, copays can range from $25-75 per month. If your insurance does cover GLP-1 medication, Moonshot Medical offers a $150/month oversight-only plan.
What's the difference between compounded and brand-name semaglutide?
Brand-name semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and costs $1,000-1,500 per month without insurance. Compounded semaglutide is produced by licensed 503A compounding pharmacies using the same active ingredient, but at a significantly lower cost. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved as finished products, but they are prepared under state pharmacy board oversight with the same active molecule. The key difference is cost and availability, not the molecule itself.
How much does tirzepatide cost?
Brand-name tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) costs $1,000+ per month without insurance. At Moonshot Medical, both semaglutide and tirzepatide are available at the same price: $405 per month all-inclusive or $150 per month for medical oversight only if insurance covers the medication. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that may produce greater weight loss than semaglutide alone in some patients. See our semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison for more detail.
What's included in Moonshot's GLP-1 program?
The $405/month all-inclusive program includes GLP-1 medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide), medical oversight, required labs and diagnostics, body composition tracking via DEXA scan, and ongoing dosing adjustments. The $150/month oversight-only plan includes medical oversight, a prescription sent to your pharmacy, 2 DEXA scans per year, comprehensive blood panels every 6 months, and 1 vitamin shot per month. Both plans include initial labs.
Can I use HSA/FSA for GLP-1 weight loss?
Yes. GLP-1 weight loss treatment prescribed by a licensed medical provider is an eligible medical expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). This applies to both the $405/month all-inclusive program and the $150/month oversight-only plan at Moonshot Medical. HSA/FSA payment effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost by your marginal tax rate — typically 22-37% for most patients.
READY TO START YOUR GLP-1 PROGRAM?
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are prescription medications. Individual results vary. Pricing current as of April 2026 and subject to change. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight loss program. No provider-patient relationship is established by viewing this content.