What is a GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 receptor agonists copy a gut hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1) that tells your brain you're full, slows how fast your stomach empties and helps regulate blood sugar. For weight loss, the FDA-approved options are Wegovy (semaglutide injection), the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide, which also acts on the GIP hormone) and Foundayo (orforglipron, a once-daily pill).
Who qualifies for a GLP-1 weight-loss prescription?
The FDA-approved weight-loss labels cover adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher plus at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnea. A clinician reviews your history to make sure the medicine is safe for you. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 should not take semaglutide or tirzepatide.
How much does a GLP-1 cost without insurance?
As of October 2026, manufacturer self-pay prices start at $149 a month for the starting doses of the Wegovy pill and Foundayo, $199 for the first two months of Wegovy injections (then $349), and $299 a month for the 2.5 mg starting dose of Zepbound. Higher Zepbound doses can be $449 with on-time refills or up to $699 at regular prices. Add any clinic membership or visit fee. See our full cost guide.
Can I get a GLP-1 prescription online?
Yes. Licensed online clinics can evaluate you by video or questionnaire, order labs if needed and send a prescription to a pharmacy or a manufacturer program such as LillyDirect or NovoCare. Expect to share your height, weight, medical history and current medications. Compare online clinics.
Which works better, Wegovy or Zepbound?
In separate trials, people on the top 15 mg dose of Zepbound lost about 21% of their body weight on average over 72 weeks, compared with about 15% on Wegovy 2.4 mg over 68 weeks. In the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial, tirzepatide also produced more weight loss than semaglutide. Individual results vary, and side effects, cost and coverage matter just as much. Read our Zepbound and Wegovy guides.
Are GLP-1 pills as effective as injections?
Slightly less on average. In trials, the Wegovy pill (25 mg) produced about 13.6% average weight loss and Foundayo about 11.1%, compared with about 15–21% for the top injectable doses. Pills avoid needles and the starting doses cost less. See GLP-1 pills compared.
Is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide still available?
The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage over in late 2024 and the semaglutide shortage over in February 2025, ending the broad allowance for compounded copies. Some pharmacies still compound personalized versions for individual patients, and the FDA has sent warning letters to telehealth companies over how they market them. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. Read our compounded GLP-1 explainer.
What happens if I stop taking a GLP-1?
Most people regain a large share of the weight they lost within a year of stopping, because appetite returns to its previous level. That's why clinicians treat GLP-1s as long-term medicines and pair them with nutrition, strength training and sleep habits. If cost forces a pause, ask your clinician about lower maintenance doses or a cheaper formulation before stopping.
Does insurance cover GLP-1s for weight loss?
Sometimes. Coverage depends on your employer plan, and many plans exclude weight-loss drugs or require prior authorization. Coverage is more common when a GLP-1 is prescribed for an approved condition such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction (Wegovy) or obstructive sleep apnea (Zepbound). Several online clinics will check your benefits before you pay for medication.
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