Frequently asked questions
Plain-English answers to the things people ask me most.
Do I qualify for a GLP-1?
Most doctors follow FDA guidelines for prescribing GLP-1s for weight management. You generally qualify if your BMI is 30 or higher — or 27+ with a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol.
BMI is body mass index — a basic height-to-weight ratio doctors use as a starting point. You can calculate yours with the CDC's free calculator.
If you don't meet these criteria, a doctor likely won't prescribe and insurance almost certainly won't cover it. Heads up: telehealth providers like Ro or PlushCare follow the same FDA guidelines, so they're not a workaround.
Why isn't Ozempic on this site?
Ozempic is the most famous GLP-1, but it's only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes — not weight loss. Wegovy is literally the same drug (semaglutide) approved specifically for weight loss.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Ozempic “off-label” for weight loss, but insurance probably won't cover it for that purpose, and the manufacturer's savings programs don't apply either. If you want semaglutide for weight loss, Wegovy is the same medicine through the front door.
Same story with Mounjaro vs. Zepbound — both are tirzepatide. Mounjaro is the diabetes version; Zepbound is the weight loss version.
Do I need a prescription? Do I need insurance?
You always need a prescription from a licensed provider — GLP-1s aren't available over the counter. But you do NOT need insurance.
A prescription and how you pay are two separate things. You can get a prescription and pay cash directly to the manufacturer through LillyDirect (for Zepbound or Foundayo) or NovoCare (for Wegovy). That's what “self-pay” means: paying full price out of pocket, no insurance involved.
What about side effects?
The most common ones are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting — especially when you're first starting or stepping up your dose.
For most people these improve as the body adjusts. That's why doses go up gradually over months — a process called titration (slowly stepping up to your target dose). Some people do stop because of side effects.
Talk to your provider about what to expect, what's normal, and when to call them. This page isn't medical advice — your doctor knows your specific situation.
Is this a forever medication?
Honest answer: studies show most people regain a significant amount of the weight after stopping. GLP-1s are designed for long-term use, like blood pressure medication.
This matters for budgeting — think about the monthly cost as ongoing, not temporary. Some people do taper off with their doctor's guidance and maintain through lifestyle changes, but plan for the long haul.
Pill or injection — how do I choose?
The big practical difference: injections are once a week. Pills are once a day.
The pills also differ from each other. Foundayo can be taken any time of day, with or without food. Wegovy pill requires an empty stomach, a small sip of water, and a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking anything else.
Injections tend to produce slightly more weight loss in clinical trials. But the best medication is the one you'll actually stick with. Needle-phobic? Pills exist now and work well. Hate daily routines? A weekly injection might fit your life better.
Okay, I got my quiz result. What's the literal first step?
If you have insurance: call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask “Is [medication name] covered on my plan?” — or use a manufacturer coverage checker tool. Then book an appointment with your regular doctor (or a telehealth provider if you don't have one) and ask about the medication.
If you're self-paying: go to LillyDirect (for Zepbound or Foundayo) or NovoCare (for Wegovy). You can connect with a provider and get your prescription filled in one place.
Either way: run through the quiz again any time — the path that fits you may change as your situation does.
How much will this actually cost me per month?
As of June 2026, the honest range is wide:
- With good insurance + a savings card: as little as $25/mo
- Medicare (starting July 1, 2026): $50/mo through the Bridge Program
- Self-pay pills: starting at $149/mo
- Self-pay injections: $199-449/mo depending on drug and dose
- Plus possible telehealth membership fees ($20-149/mo) if you don't use your own doctor
Prices change often — check the manufacturer pages for current numbers: Foundayo on LillyDirect, Zepbound on LillyDirect, or Wegovy on NovoCare.