Losing weight isn’t easy, and it’s even more difficult when weight loss medications are too expensive or hard to find. Brand-name GLP-1 weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have an out-of-pocket monthly price tag between $950 and $1,400, and nationwide medication shortages have made these medications even harder to access.
But for the people of Mississippi, affordable weight loss medicine is finally within reach. Thanks to a partnership with the Mississippi Obesity Alliance Program (MOA), Mississippians can now access compounded semaglutide medication through Sesame for just $249 per month, along with clinical care, lab work, provider messaging and more.
Here’s what you need to know - and how to get started.
What is the Mississippi Obesity Alliance Program (MOA)?
With nearly 70% of Mississippi adults struggling with overweight or obesity, the state has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. The MOA was created to address this issue by making GLP-1 weight loss medications like compounded semaglutide accessible to all Mississippians.
Sesame, an online healthcare marketplace, is working with the MOA to make these medications available to all eligible Mississippians, regardless of insurance status. Through an online program called Success by Sesame, Mississippians can access compounded semaglutide medication and comprehensive care from a board-certified provider each month for just $249. This price reduction can help save patients between $8,000 and $10,000 on medication each year.
What’s included in the Success by Sesame program?
Sesame’s weight loss program offers an outstanding level of affordability, quality and accessibility. The $249 monthly subscription includes the following for eligible patients in Mississippi:
- An initial video consult with a provider of your choice, plus follow-up video visits as needed
- A monthly supply of compounded semaglutide with zero price markup
- Medication delivered right to your doorstep, plus free shipping
- Unlimited messaging with your provider
- Lab order & lab cost
- Ongoing care and guidance from your provider
Here’s how Success by Sesame works:
| How It Works | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete a comprehensive intake form | First, patients will fill out a thorough intake form that covers medical and family history, as well as other factors that can influence body mass and overall health. |
| Choose a provider | After filling out the intake form, patients can select from a wide range of clinicians and read reviews ahead of booking, ensuring that each patient can find a provider who aligns with their personal needs and preferences. |
| Face-to-face consultation | The patient and provider meet for an initial video consultation to discuss goals and determine appropriate treatment. Most initial consultations happen within 24 hours. |
| Lab panels | If needed, the provider will order initial lab tests – either at a lab facility or at home – to establish if medication is right for the patient. |
| Guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle | The provider will offer expert advice on necessary changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle. |
| Prescription for weight loss medication | If deemed clinically appropriate, the provider may prescribe medication, such as compounded semaglutide from a carefully-selected pharmacy. Some patients may receive prescriptions for name-brand GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Saxenda and Zepbound. |
| Monitoring and adjustments | Providers will closely monitor patients for side effects like nausea, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. |
| Ongoing support from your provider | Patients can schedule face-to-face video consultations as needed and also have access to unlimited messaging. This continuous support helps patients stay on track. |
How do I get started with Success by Sesame?
Beginning your weight loss journey through Sesame is simple! Simply visit the Success by Sesame homepage, or click the “Get started” button below:
What is compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide is a customized pharmaceutical formulation of the GLP-1 medication semaglutide. It is prepared by a compounding pharmacy. Semaglutide works by regulating your blood sugar, which reduces food cravings and stabilizes your appetite. It also causes you to feel full for longer, which can cause weight loss.What is Sesame?
Sesame is a radically new kind of healthcare system. Our direct-to-consumer marketplace cuts out the middlemen who hike up healthcare costs and replaces them with a direct connection between patients and providers. By removing insurance copays, medication price gouging, and surprise bills from the equation, Americans can access high-quality, convenient care from board-certified clinicians at half the price of what is typical. We call it, “Half-price health care.”
And because patients can choose doctors and specialists based on reviews, availability and upfront prices, Sesame has created an environment where providers actually compete to serve patients – regardless of their insurance status.
Sesame doesn’t accept health insurance (which also keeps prices low). This makes it ideal for Mississippians who prefer to pay cash for their health care, whether it is because they are enrolled in high deductible insurance plans, are uninsured, or simply appreciate the price, quality and convenience of Sesame.
