Great question! Ideal candidates for weight loss medication include those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, OR a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Most weight loss plans involve a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists, which can be used to treat overweight and obesity; however, GLP-1 medications are not suitable for everyone and should be avoided by:

• Those with a history of pancreatitis
• Those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
• Those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN2)
• Those with Type 1 diabetes

A medical provider on Sesame can help determine if GLP-1s or an alternative medication is appropriate based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

There are a range of prescription drugs that can aid in weight loss. Some are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, while others are diabetes medications that are prescribed off-label. These include:

FDA-approved weight loss medications include:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Zepbound (tirzepatide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)
• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion ER)
• Orlistat (Xenical)

Diabetes medications that may cause weight loss include:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
• Victoza (liraglutide)
• Metformin (Glucophage)

There are also several weight loss medications that are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse, including Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER) and phentermine. Please note that providers on Sesame do not prescribe controlled weight loss medications.

You can access FDA-approved weight loss medications (including injections) through Sesame’s online weight loss program, if a provider deems them clinically appropriate. If weight loss medication is prescribed, it can be sent to your pharmacy of choice for pickup or delivery.

It’s important to know that the cost of weight loss medications can vary quite a bit. Pricing depends on:

• The medication you’re prescribed
• If the medication is brand-name or generic
• Your insurance coverage, and whether or not the medication is included in your plan

The Success by Sesame subscription starts at just $99 per month and includes telehealth visits, unlimited messaging, and ongoing clinical care from a provider of your choice. The $99 subscription fee does not include the cost of medication.

It's important to note that brand-name GLP-1 receptor agonist medications can be expensive without insurance coverage. However, many manufacturers offer reduced cash-pay prices for self-pay patients, as well as weight loss medication savings coupons.

If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to help reduce the cost of your medication.

Note that providers on Sesame set their own prices, which means that some providers may offer the service at a higher price.

No! The Sesame by Sesame program is available to everyone regardless of insurance status, and we do not bill health insurance in order to keep prices affordable for all. This means you don’t need to worry about surprise bills, specialist referrals or insurance coverage to access high-quality weight management care.

If you do have insurance, you may be able to use it to cover the cost of any prescribed weight loss drugs.

It depends on your individual insurance plan! Many private insurance plans do offer some level of coverage, though benefits can vary.

Your Sesame provider will work directly with your insurance to handle any prior authorization paperwork and help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for your weight loss medication.

Also keep in mind that federal health insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, typically do not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

Sesame’s commitment to providing a convenient, high-quality weight loss program is matched by our dedication to fair and transparent customer service practices. Our weight loss program refund policy for subscriptions is outlined below:

Subscription refunds

• If you sign up for Sesame's weight loss program and cancel at least 3 hours prior to your initial visit start time, you will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued for the first month if the initial visit has occurred.
• You can self-cancel your subscription at any point. To avoid future charges, cancellation must occur before the next billing cycle starts. Fees paid for previous months are not refundable.

Please note that this refund policy is subject to change, and we advise our patients to review it regularly. Your continued use of our services following any changes indicates your acceptance of such changes. For questions or clarifications regarding our refund policy, please contact Sesame’s Customer Support team.

Reaching a healthy weight can lead to noticeable physical changes, but its impact goes far beyond appearance. Losing weight can also lower your risk of developing certain health conditions (and improve existing ones). These benefits can improve your quality of life — starting from within.

Here are some key benefits of weight loss:

• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Losing weight can help prevent or manage conditions like type 2 diabetes, liver and kidney failure, cancer, certain types of arthritis, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease.
• Better heart health: Weight loss can improve cholesterol levels and lower your risk of stroke.
• Improved mobility: Losing weight makes it easier to move around and reduces strain on your joints, especially your knees.
• Better sleep: Losing weight can help reduce obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and improve overall sleep quality.
• Enhanced mood and self-esteem: Achieving weight loss goals can boost your confidence and may help improve symptoms of depression and stress.
• Increased energy and physical fitness: Reaching a healthy weight can boost your energy levels throughout the day and improve physical fitness. Consistent exercise and strength training are especially important for those on GLP-1 medications, as they may put some people at risk of losing muscle mass. This is why your clinician will recommend adequate protein intake and specific strength training exercises.
• Improved sexual function and libido: Weight loss can improve erectile dysfunction and sex drive (libido), particularly for those with certain health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and obesity
• Healthier blood sugar levels: Weight loss can improve your body's insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Even moderate weight loss can make a big difference to your health. If you’re in need of clinical obesity guidance, your Success by Sesame provider will support you every step of the way on your weight loss journey.

You can take your lab order to any lab testing location near you. Your Success by Sesame subscription includes the cost of lab work completed at Quest Diagnostics facilities, except for those in AZ, HI, ND, NJ, NY, OK, RI, SD and WY.

If you are located in any of the states listed above, your Success by Sesame subscription does not include the cost of your lab work. Any fees required by your lab testing facility will be in addition to your Success by Sesame subscription price.

This promotional offer is valid for new self-pay patients in the United States whose prescribing healthcare provider authorizes Wegovy® or Ozempic®. Patients will pay $199 per month for the first two consecutive months of therapy at the lowest available dosage strengths (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg) of Wegovy® or Ozempic®.

After the two-month introductory period, the standard self-pay price of $349 will apply. This offer is effective beginning November 17, 2025 and is valid through March 31, 2026 for qualifying new patients.

Patients are not eligible if he/she is enrolled in any federal or state health care program with prescription drug coverage. Please see Novo Nordisk's terms for more detail. The cost of Wegovy® and Ozempic® under this promotion is separate from the $99/month Success by Sesame subscription price. The discount applies only to the medication cost, not to program or service fees.

Due to increased demand, the FDA has reported national shortages for the following GLP-1 medications:

• Trulicity (dulaglutide) injection, with limited availability expected through 2025
  
  

Your clinician will work with you to discuss your options if your medication is out of stock, including:

• Working with you to help cover the cost of an alternative in-stock medication
  
• Discuss cash pay prices for in-stock medications not covered by insurance
  

Certain GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid gland tumors, including MTC, a type of thyroid cancer. This conclusion is based on studies where laboratory animals given semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications developed tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed if these medications pose the same risk to humans. You can find additional information about the risks of FDA-approved medications that contain semaglutide here.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you or any family member has ever had MTC or MEN. If this is the case, your doctor will likely advise against taking GLP-1 medications.

If you are prescribed a GLP-1 medication and exhibit any of the following symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Severe abdominal pain
  
  

Before taking GLP-1 medications, you should also discuss the following with your provider:

Allergies: Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any allergies you have to semaglutide (including under brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) or similar medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, or in Xultophy) and lixisenatide (Adlyxin, or in Soliqua).

Personal and family medical history: Be sure to disclose if you have a history of medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease or kidney disease. Inform your doctor about recent episodes of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or any inability to consume liquids, which could lead to dehydration.

Current medications and supplements: Provide a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This is crucial as GLP-1 medications can alter how your body absorbs oral medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon.

Surgical procedures: In the event of surgery, including dental procedures, inform the medical or dental professional that you are on GLP-1 medication.

It's essential to thoroughly discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and consider your personal and family medical history when deciding whether to use these medications. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your specific health situation.