Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro—these weight loss drugs are everywhere, and celebrities swear they’ve never looked better (totally naturally, of course). But while Hollywood is shedding pounds, regular people are looking at the price tags and wondering if they need to take out a second mortgage just to fit into their jeans.

Let’s talk about the real cost of these miracle drugs—and whether they’re worth obliterating your budget.

The sticker shock

Monthly cost without insurance:

  • Ozempic/Wegovy: $900-1,500/month
  • Mounjaro: $1,000-1,400/month

Annual cost: $12,000-18,000

That’s more than many people’s rent. That’s a used car every year. That’s a vacation home in some parts of the country (okay, maybe not California, but still).

With insurance (if you’re lucky): Some insurance covers these drugs for diabetes, but coverage for weight loss is rare. Co-pays can range from $25 to $500/month, depending on your plan.

The catch: Insurance companies are cracking down. What was covered last year might not be covered this year, and pre-authorization requirements are getting stricter.

The hidden costs nobody mentions

The prescription price is just the start.

Doctor visits: Monthly or quarterly check-ins add up—$100-200 per visit without insurance, $20-50 co-pays with insurance.

Lab work: Regular blood tests to monitor side effects—another $50-200 per test.

The rebound effect: Many people regain weight after stopping (because your body wants its set point back). So you’re either paying forever or accepting that this might be temporary.

Side effects management: Nausea, digestive issues, and other fun surprises might require additional medications or supplements.

Is there a cheaper alternative?

Compounded versions: Some pharmacies offer compounded semaglutide for $200-400/month. It’s the same active ingredient but not FDA-approved in the same way. Proceed with caution and vet your pharmacy carefully.

Generic options: Don’t exist yet. Patents don’t expire for years, so we’re stuck with brand-name prices.

The old-school approach: Diet and exercise are free (well, mostly). A gym membership is $30-50/month. A nutritionist might be $100-200 for an initial consultation. Not sexy, slower, harder—but infinitely cheaper.

The bottom line

Weight loss drugs work—there’s real science behind them. But at $12,000-18,000 annually, they’re a luxury most people can’t sustain long-term.

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Can I actually afford this monthly, or will I be stressed about money constantly?
  • Does my insurance cover it, and for how long?
  • Am I prepared to take this indefinitely, or do I have a plan for what happens when I stop?
  • Could that money go toward a trainer, therapy, or other health investments that might have lasting impact?

If you’ve got the budget and insurance coverage, these drugs can be life-changing for people struggling with obesity or diabetes. But if you’re going into debt or sacrificing other financial goals to afford them, that’s adding financial stress to your health journey—which kind of defeats the purpose.

Sometimes the real miracle isn’t the drug—it’s finding sustainable ways to be healthy that don’t bankrupt you. Your body and your wallet both deserve better than constant stress.