I Thought I Couldn't Afford GLP-1s. I Was Wrong!

GLP-1 medications are more affordable than they were just a few months ago, but the real cost depends heavily on which medication you choose, whether you have insurance coverage, and whether you use a brand-name or compounded option. In this episode of The Downsized, Christopher Durham breaks down the real out-of-pocket prices for today’s major obesity medications, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Foundayo, compounded tirzepatide and compounded semaglutide. He compares starting-dose prices, higher-dose costs, manufacturer cash-pay programs, telehealth pricing and the discounts that can dramatically change what patients actually pay each month. Christopher also shares his own experience after losing 100 pounds on tirzepatide and maintaining that loss for more than a year. He and his wife Laraine have lost more than 150 pounds combined since starting GLP-1 medications in September 2023, paying out of pocket because their insurance does not cover obesity treatment. The episode explains how GLP-1 medications work, the differences between semaglutide and tirzepatide, common side effects, how compounding works, and why patients should check insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs before assuming these medications are unaffordable. Christopher also walks through current Mochi Health pricing for compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, including the monthly membership fee, and compares those costs side by side with Zepbound, injectable Wegovy, oral Wegovy and Foundayo. The Downsized is an affiliate of Mochi Health and may receive compensation when viewers use their link or code. The goal is simple: give people real numbers so they can understand what obesity treatment may actually cost today and have a better-informed conversation with their healthcare provider. The Downsized shares daily GLP-1 news, research, patient experiences, maintenance discussions and practical information for people using or considering obesity medications. Start your weight loss journey today! We use Mochi Health: https://app.joinmochi.com/eligibility... Use Laraine’s code for $40 off: QIYGO8. 00:00 Real Costs Today 01:17 Our GLP-1 Story 02:38 Why This Matters 03:24 Compounding Explained 04:52 Check Coverage First 06:29 How GLP-1s Work 07:40 Side Effects are Real! 08:21 Zepbound 09:46 Foundayo 11:07 Wegovy And Ozempic Prices 12:07 Injectabe Wegovy 12:58 Our Path 14:53 Mochi Pricing 16:17 Real Numbers 16:44 Compare Options Side By Side 17:59 Take Action