The "$99/month" or "$149/month" price you see advertised for GLP-1 medications is almost never what you'll pay over a full year. Dose titration, lab work, shipping fees, membership costs, and the gap between promotional and ongoing pricing all add up. This guide calculates the real 12-month cost across every major provider on our board.
The Full 12-Month Price Comparison
We calculated total cost assuming a standard dose titration schedule: low doses in months 1-2, mid-range in months 3-4, and maintenance doses from month 5 onward. Some providers charge the same price at every dose (GobyMeds, Oak Longevity, Gala); others increase with your dose.
| Provider | Month 1 | Months 2-4 | Months 5-12 | 12-Mo Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GobyMeds | $99 | $99 | $99 | $1,188 | Flat rate · code x7X72r |
| Oak Longevity | $130 | $130 | $130 | $1,560 | Flat at any dose |
| Embody | $149 | $299 | $299 | $3,541 | Metabolic report incl. |
| Gala GLP-1 | $179 | $179 | $179 | $2,148 | Dose-locked |
| Yucca Health | $149 | $206 | $206 | $2,697 | 6-mo plan rate |
| Care Bare Rx | $169 | $199 | $199 | $2,559 | Wellness plan |
| BB Health+ | $179 | $179 | $179 | $2,148 | Fitness-focused |
| Found Health | $189+99 | $189+99 | $189+99 | $3,456 | Incl. membership |
| MEDVi | $175 | $175 | $175 | $2,100 | ⚠️ FDA Warning Letter |
| Sesame Care | $199 | $349 | $349 | $3,983 | Brand-name only |
| NovoCare (Wegovy) | $199 | $349 | $349 | $3,983 | Brand-name self-pay |
| Foundayo (Lilly) | $149 | $199-299 | $299 | $3,239 | Oral pill, new Apr 2026 |
Costs Most People Forget
Lab work
Most legitimate GLP-1 providers require baseline bloodwork before prescribing. Some include it in the program fee, others don't. Expect $50-200 for a comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, and HbA1c. Many providers accept labs you've already had done within 6-12 months.
Shipping and handling
Injectable GLP-1s require cold-chain shipping (insulated packaging with ice packs). Some providers include shipping in their monthly price; others charge $10-25 per shipment. Over 12 months, that's an extra $120-300 if it's not included.
Consultation and membership fees
Watch for separate consultation fees ($49-99 for the initial visit) and recurring membership charges ($29-99/month on top of medication). Found Health, for example, charges a $99/month membership fee in addition to their medication price. That effectively makes their $189/month medication cost $288/month all-in.
Dose escalation
This is the biggest hidden cost with some providers. A provider advertising "$149 first month" might charge $299-399 at maintenance doses. Over 12 months, the difference between a flat-rate provider and one that escalates pricing can be $1,000-2,000.
Brand-Name vs. Compounded: The 12-Month Math
The gap between brand-name and compounded GLP-1 pricing over a full year is staggering. Here's the real comparison:
| Route | Monthly Range | 12-Month Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compounded (lowest) | $99-130/mo | $1,188-1,560 | Same active ingredient, licensed pharmacy |
| Compounded (mid) | $149-199/mo | $1,788-2,388 | May include coaching, labs |
| Brand self-pay (Wegovy) | $199-349/mo | $2,388-4,188 | FDA-approved product |
| Brand self-pay (Foundayo) | $149-299/mo | $2,388-3,588 | Oral pill, no injection |
| Brand + insurance | $25-150/mo | $300-1,800 | Best price IF covered |
| Brand retail (no savings) | $935-1,349/mo | $11,220-16,188 | Nobody should pay this |
A year of compounded semaglutide through GobyMeds costs less than two months of retail-price brand-name Wegovy. Even the most expensive compounded providers are less than half the cost of brand-name self-pay pricing.
How to Minimize Your 12-Month Cost
Choose a flat-rate provider that doesn't increase price with dose escalation. Pay with HSA/FSA to save 22-37% in taxes. Ask about multi-month plan discounts — many providers offer 10-15% savings on 3-month or 6-month commitments. Check if your provider includes lab work and shipping in their price before comparing headline numbers.
If you're considering brand-name medications, the Wegovy oral tablet is now available at $149/month for the starter dose through NovoCare. Foundayo (orforglipron), approved April 2026, also starts at $149/month through LillyDirect. Both are oral pills — no injections required.