cons of glp 1 In my latest blog, The Pros and GLP-1 Agonist Medications, I walk through what to consider before starting, or while using, medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. These medications Common GLP-1 Side Effects and

Other Telehealth Providers: Semaglutide: $199-$599/month Tirzepatide: $349-$699/month May have separate consultation fees Membership fees sometimes Usually includes supplies and shipping Brand-Name Medications (Telehealth): Same retail prices as in-person Wegovy: $1,349/month Zepbound: $1,069/month Ozempic (off-label): $969/month May have consultation fees In-Person Care Costs Through Primary Care Doctor: With Insurance: Office visit copay: $25-$75 per visit Multiple visits often needed Medication copay: $25-$300/month (if covered) Prior authorization required Total monthly: $50-$375 Without Insurance: Office visit: $150-$300 per visit Medication: $969-$1,349/month Lab work: $150-$300 (if needed) Total monthly: $1,100-$1,650+ Through Weight Loss Clinic: Typical Structure: Initial consultation: $200-$500 Monthly program fee: $200-$500 Medication: $200-$400 (compounded) or $969-$1,349 (brand) Coaching/support: Often included Lab work: $100-$300 (periodic) Total monthly: $400-$1,850 Through Medical Spa/Aesthetic Clinic: Often Most Expensive: Initial consultation: $300-$500 Monthly medication: $400-$800 (compounded) or higher Program fees: $200-$400/month Additional services bundled Total monthly: $600-$2,250 Cost Comparison Table Hidden Cost Factors In-Person Care Additional Expenses: Transportation: Gas or public transit Parking fees ($5-$20 per visit) Mileage/wear on vehicle Time in traffic Time Costs: Travel time (30-60 minutes each way) Waiting room time (15-45 minutes) Time off work Lost productivity Childcare arrangements Multiple Visits: Initial consultation Follow-up to discuss results Monthly monitoring visits Dose adjustment appointments Lab work appointments 12+ visits first year common Facility Fees: Some clinics charge separate facility fees Concierge or program fees One-time enrollment fees For someone with in-person care: 12 visits/year 2 hours per visit = 24 hours 12 visits $15 parking = $180 12 visits $20 gas = $240 Total: 24 hours + $420 beyond medical costs Telehealth: Zero transportation Zero parking Zero time in traffic/waiting Appointments from home Value Proposition Analysis Telehealth Advantages: Cost Savings: Lower overhead (no office rent) Competitive pricing Transparent costs Often includes everything in one price Time Savings: No travel required No waiting rooms Flexible scheduling Quick appointments (15-20 minutes) Can do from work/home Convenience: Appointments fit your schedule Evening/weekend options often No childcare needed Private from home Access: Available in areas without specialists Same-day or next-day appointments Easier to maintain regular follow-ups Better continuity of care When In-Person May Be Worth Extra Cost: Complex Medical Situations: Multiple significant health conditions Need for hands-on examination Coordination with other specialists Frequent lab monitoring needed Preference for Face-to-Face: Strong preference for in-person care Discomfort with technology Want hands-on support Excellent Insurance Coverage: Low copays ($25-$50) for in-person Great medication coverage Easy approval process Cost-Effectiveness: 18-Month Treatment Total Cost Comparison (Semaglutide, 18 Months): Telehealth (TrimRx): $199 18 = $3,582 All-inclusive (no additional costs) In-Person (Weight Loss Clinic, Cash): Initial: $500 Monthly: $600 18 = $10,800 Total: $11,300 Plus transportation/time costs In-Person (PCP, Good Insurance): Visits: $50 18 = $900 Medication: $100 18 = $1,800 Total: $2,700 Plus transportation/time costs Savings with Telehealth: vs

Its clear that we need more research evaluating the impact of these drugs on eating disorders outside of binge-eating disorders, but this could take a long time

Hansen L, Hartmann B, Bisgaard T, Mineo H, Jorgensen PN, and Holst JJ

( 10.1101/2022.06.02.22275920) [DOI] [Google Scholar] Fuchs FD & Whelton PK

There's a big difference between honest, evidence-based recommendations and paid promotion, and unfortunately, the two aren't always easy to tell apart

3.2% Semaglutide patients had a 41.7 pain drop, vs