Cheapest GLP-1 for Weight Loss 2026: Safe, Affordable Options
Looking for the cheapest GLP-1 medication for weight loss? I've compared all legitimate options for semaglutide and tirzepatide to find the most affordable physician-supervised programs. Here's how to save thousands without compromising on safety or quality.
Quick Answer
The cheapest legitimate GLP-1 medication is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide through Coreage Rx at $99/month with full physician supervision. This is 90-93% cheaper than brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound ($1,000-$1,400/month) while providing identical medication from a 503B FDA-registered pharmacy.
Warning: If you see prices under $200/month, that's a red flag for dangerous overseas pharmacies, research chemicals, or scams. Read below to understand what's safe vs dangerous.
Understanding GLP-1 Medication Costs
GLP-1 medications for weight loss include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). These are highly effective medications showing 10-22% weight loss in clinical trials, but the brand-name versions are prohibitively expensive without insurance.
Here's the price landscape:
- Brand-name (no insurance): $900-$1,400/month for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound
- Brand-name (with insurance): $50-$200/month IF covered for weight loss (many insurers don't cover)
- Compounded from 503B pharmacy: $249-$399/month with physician supervision
- Compounded from 503A pharmacy: $399-$549/month with physician supervision
- Dangerous sources (avoid): Under $200/month from overseas pharmacies, research chemical sites, or social media sellers
Cheapest Safe GLP-1 Options Compared
These are the most affordable legitimate, physician-supervised GLP-1 programs. All offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide at the same monthly price:
| Program | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Pharmacy Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coreage Rx ⭐ Cheapest | $99 | $1,188 | 503B FDA-registered |
| Henry Meds | $297 | $3,564 | 503B FDA-registered |
| Mochi Health | $399 | $4,788 | 503B FDA-registered |
| Hims & Hers | $399 | $4,788 | 503A compounding |
| Ro | $399 | $4,788 | 503A compounding |
| Strut Health | $549 | $6,588 | 503A compounding |
Clear winner: Coreage Rx at $99/month saves you $2,376-$3,600 per year compared to other legitimate options, and you get the highest tier pharmacy (503B) instead of lower-tier 503A.
#1 Cheapest Option: Coreage Rx ($99/month)
Coreage Rx
Why this is the cheapest safe option: At $99/month, Coreage Rx offers the lowest price among all legitimate, physician-supervised GLP-1 programs. You get compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide from a 503B FDA-registered pharmacy—the same medication as brand-name versions at 90-93% less cost.
💰 Annual Savings with Coreage Rx:
- vs Wegovy/Zepbound ($1,349/month): Save $15,000 per year
- vs Ozempic/Mounjaro ($1,000/month): Save $9,012 per year
- vs Hims/Ro ($399/month): Save $3,600 per year
- vs Henry Meds ($297/month): Save $2,376 per year
What's included:
- Licensed physician consultation and prescription
- Monthly supply of compounded semaglutide OR tirzepatide (your choice)
- Injection supplies (syringes, alcohol swabs, sharps container)
- Free shipping in discreet packaging
- Ongoing medical monitoring and dosage adjustments
- Customer support for questions and concerns
Read my full Coreage Rx review for my personal experience with the program.
How Much You'll Actually Pay Over Time
Most people take GLP-1 medications for 12-18 months to reach their weight loss goals. Here's what that actually costs with different options:
| Option | 12 Months | 18 Months | 24 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (brand) | $16,188 | $24,282 | $32,376 |
| Ozempic (brand) | $11,220 | $16,830 | $22,440 |
| Coreage Rx ⭐ | $1,188 | $4,482 | $5,976 |
| Henry Meds | $3,564 | $5,346 | $7,128 |
| Hims/Ro | $4,788 | $7,182 | $9,576 |
Over an 18-month treatment period (typical for reaching goal weight), Coreage Rx saves you $19,800 compared to Wegovy and $12,348 compared to Ozempic. That's life-changing money you can invest, save, or use to improve your life in other ways.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which Is Cheaper?
One of the best parts about compounded GLP-1 medications: semaglutide and tirzepatide cost the same through online programs, even though tirzepatide is more effective.
Semaglutide
- Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy
- Weight loss: 10-15% average
- Brand cost: $900-$1,400/month
- Compounded cost: $249-$549/month
- Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Tirzepatide ⭐
- Brand names: Mounjaro, Zepbound
- Weight loss: 15-22% average
- Brand cost: $1,000-$1,400/month
- Compounded cost: $249-$549/month (same!)
- Mechanism: Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist
Smart choice: Since compounded versions cost the same, choose tirzepatide for superior weight loss results (up to 22% vs 15%). Both are $249/month at Coreage Rx. Read more: Best GLP-1 for Weight Loss.
⚠️ When "Cheap" Is Actually Dangerous
Red Flags for Dangerous GLP-1 Sources:
If you see these warning signs, DO NOT purchase from that source:
- Prices under $200/month: Legitimate compounded semaglutide costs $249+ with physician oversight. Anything cheaper is cutting corners on safety or legality
- No prescription required: GLP-1 medications are prescription-only. Any source selling without a doctor's evaluation is illegal and dangerous
- Overseas pharmacies: Semaglutide shipped from China, India, Turkey, or other countries may be counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored
- "Research chemical" semaglutide: These are industrial-grade chemicals not intended for human use, sold without sterility guarantees or quality control
- Social media sellers: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok sellers offering GLP-1s are operating illegally and have no medical oversight
- No medical monitoring: Legitimate programs include ongoing physician oversight to monitor for side effects and adjust dosing
- Vague pharmacy information: Can't verify it's a licensed 503A or 503B pharmacy? Stay away
Why This Matters:
People have been hospitalized from counterfeit or contaminated GLP-1 medications purchased online. Some contained bacterial contamination, incorrect dosing, or no active ingredient at all. The $50-$100 you save isn't worth risking your health or life. Stick with legitimate, licensed sources like Coreage Rx that include physician supervision and FDA-registered pharmacies.
What About Insurance Coverage?
Many people assume insurance is the cheapest option. Here's the reality:
Insurance Coverage Challenges:
- Many insurers don't cover GLP-1s for weight loss: Coverage is often limited to type 2 diabetes, not obesity
- Prior authorization requirements: Can take weeks or months, with no guarantee of approval
- High copays: Even with coverage, copays can be $50-$200/month—not much cheaper than Coreage Rx at $99/month
- Step therapy requirements: Some insurers require you to try (and fail) other weight loss methods first
- Brand-name only: Insurance won't cover compounded versions, so you're stuck with whatever they approve
- Coverage can change: Insurers can stop covering medications or increase copays at renewal
Bottom line: For most people, paying $249/month out-of-pocket for compounded GLP-1 through Coreage Rx is more straightforward and often cheaper than dealing with insurance hassles, copays, and coverage limitations.
How to Get Started with the Cheapest Option
Getting started with affordable compounded GLP-1 medication is simple:
- Visit Coreage Rx: Fill out a 10-15 minute medical questionnaire about your health history and weight loss goals
- Physician review: A licensed doctor reviews your information to determine if semaglutide or tirzepatide is appropriate for you (typically approved within 24-48 hours)
- Choose your medication: Select semaglutide or tirzepatide—both are $249/month, but I recommend tirzepatide for better results
- Prescription sent: Your prescription is sent to the 503B FDA-registered compounding pharmacy
- Medication delivered: First month's supply arrives at your door in 3-7 days with all injection supplies included
- Start treatment: Inject once weekly on the same day, starting with the lowest dose and gradually increasing based on your physician's guidance
Start Saving Today
Get physician-supervised GLP-1 medication for just $249/month—the cheapest safe option available. Save over $13,000 per year compared to brand-name versions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Coreage Rx cheaper than other programs?
Coreage Rx keeps costs low by minimizing marketing expenses and focusing on core medical treatment. They don't spend millions on Instagram ads, celebrity endorsements, or fancy app development like Hims and Ro. The medication quality is identical (503B FDA-registered pharmacy), but you're not paying for their marketing budget. It's the same principle as Costco's Kirkland brand—lower marketing costs, same quality.
Is compounded semaglutide/tirzepatide as good as brand-name?
Yes. Compounded versions contain the exact same active pharmaceutical ingredient at the same concentrations. The medication works identically in your body—same effectiveness, same side effects, same results. The only difference is who manufactures it (compounding pharmacy vs pharmaceutical company). Clinical outcomes are the same: 10-22% weight loss depending on which medication you choose.
Can I get GLP-1 medication for less than $249/month safely?
No. $249/month is the floor for legitimate, physician-supervised compounded GLP-1 medication from a licensed pharmacy. Anything cheaper is cutting corners on safety, legality, or medical oversight. Sources charging under $200/month are typically overseas pharmacies, research chemical sellers, or illegal operations without physician supervision. The risk isn't worth the $50-$100 savings.
Should I choose semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Since both cost the same at $99/month through Coreage Rx, I recommend tirzepatide. Clinical trials show tirzepatide produces superior weight loss (15-22% vs 10-15% for semaglutide) with a similar side effect profile. You're getting better results for the same price. The only reason to choose semaglutide is if you've tried tirzepatide and didn't tolerate it well.
What if I can't afford $249/month?
Unfortunately, there are no legitimate options cheaper than $249/month for physician-supervised GLP-1 medication. If this is outside your budget, consider: (1) checking if your insurance covers brand-name versions for weight loss, (2) asking about patient assistance programs from Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly, or (3) focusing on traditional diet and exercise methods until you can afford medication. Do NOT purchase from questionable sources charging under $200/month—the health risks aren't worth it.
Can I split doses to make it cheaper?
No, you shouldn't modify your prescribed dosing schedule to save money. GLP-1 medications work through consistent weekly dosing at therapeutic levels. Taking less than prescribed means you won't get the intended weight loss results. Skipping doses or splitting vials can also introduce contamination risks. If cost is a concern, $249/month through Coreage Rx is already the most affordable safe option—trying to cut costs further compromises effectiveness and safety.
Final Thoughts
The cheapest safe, effective GLP-1 medication is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide through Coreage Rx at $99/month.
This isn't just the cheapest option—it's also high quality. You get a 503B FDA-registered pharmacy, full physician supervision, and the same medication as brand-name versions at 90-93% less cost. Over 18 months, you save nearly $20,000 compared to Wegovy.
Resist the temptation of ultra-cheap options under $200/month. Those come with serious health risks and often aren't legitimate GLP-1 medications at all. The peace of mind, safety, and medical oversight you get with Coreage Rx is worth the extra $50-$100 per month compared to sketchy sources.
If you're ready to start the most effective weight loss treatment available at the lowest safe price, Coreage Rx is the clear choice.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Coreage Rx. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work providing free content. Read our full affiliate disclosure.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication. Read our full medical disclaimer.