With obesity on the rise, an increasing number of people are turning to injectable weight loss meds to supplement diet and exercise.
But how much do these medications cost, and how readily available are they? This guide breaks down the details.
Injectable weight loss medications like Saxenda, Contrave, and Wegovy can be highly effective for eligible patients.
However, the cost can be prohibitive for those without insurance coverage. On average, these drugs range from $900 to $1,500 per month without insurance.
Fortunately, more insurance companies are starting to cover these medications in light of rising obesity levels.
Overview of Injectable Weight Loss Drugs
The most common injectable prescription medications for weight loss are:
- Saxenda: Liraglutide, also used to treat diabetes. Taken as daily injection.
- Contrave: Combination of naltrexone and bupropion, both oral medications. Taken as daily extended-release tablet.
- Wegovy: Higher-strength semaglutide for chronic weight management. Taken as weekly injection.
These medicines work by suppressing appetite through effects on the central nervous system. All are FDA-approved as adjuncts to diet, exercise, and behavior therapy for chronic weight management in obese and overweight adults.
Average Costs of Injectable Weight Loss Medications
Here is an overview of the average monthly costs of common injectable weight loss drugs, with and without insurance:
| Medication | Average Monthly Cost |
| Saxenda | Without insurance: $1,200 – $1,500With insurance: $15 – $200 |
| Contrave | Without insurance: $220 – $420With insurance: $55 – $75 |
| Wegovy | Without insurance: $1,300 – $1,500With insurance: $25 – $200 |
- Prices vary based on location, clinic/pharmacy, dosage, and insurance provider. Cash prices directly from manufacturers may offer additional savings.
As shown above, paying out-of-pocket for these drugs can be very expensive, often $1,000 to $1,500 per month on average. Getting coverage through insurance brings costs way down for most people.
Are Injectable Weight Loss Medications Covered by Insurance?
Historically, many insurance companies did not cover weight loss drugs, considering obesity a lifestyle issue. But views have evolved with scientific advances showing biologic complexities beyond behavioral factors.
The percentage of insurance plans covering anti-obesity medimines like injectable weight loss meds is rising annually. But coverage still varies considerably depending on your specific insurance provider and plan details.
Most insurance companies that do cover weight loss drugs have strict prior authorization requirements, such as:
- Proof patient has made serious attempts to lose weight through traditional means for 6 months to 1 year without success.
- Proof of medically-supervised weight loss efforts showing inadequate results.
- Documentation of obesity-related health issues (like diabetes or hypertension).
- Prescription limitations on length of use (typically 6 to 12 months).
Medicare and Medicaid rarely cover anti-obesity medicines presently due to lack of long-term safety and efficacy data.
Availability Through Weight Loss Clinics & Telehealth
Specialized weight loss clinics focus on supervised programs with lifestyle modification coaching, physician monitoring, and medications when appropriate. They can prescribe injectable drugs like Wegovy, Saxenda, or Contrave if medically suitable.
Weight loss clinics will verify insurance coverage details for these meds and provide prior authorization documentation to maximize chances of approval. If insurance denies coverage, clinics often offer patient discounts or payment plans to lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Online telehealth weight loss services provide similar physician-guided programs remotely through phone/video appointments. They can equally prescribe injectable anti-obesity drugs given proper patient screening and follow-up.
Telehealth tends to offer increased convenience and lower costs than brick-and-mortar clinics. With doctors reviewing your history to determine if you meet medical necessity criteria for these potent medicines.
The Takeaway
The high efficacy but hefty price tags of novel injectable weight loss products like Wegovy and Saxenda once made them unrealistic options for many struggling with obesity. Fortunately, expanding insurance coverage is improving access and affordability.
Engaging licensed weight loss providers (whether online or in-clinic) maximizes the odds of getting insurance approval. And even for those paying out-of-pocket, substantial cost reductions are often available in exchange for committing to a physician-guided program.
