Great question! Sesame’s weight loss package is a good fit for individuals looking to manage their weight, especially those who have not achieved their desired results through diet and exercise alone.

Ideal candidates often include those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

However, GLP-1 medications are not suitable for everyone. People with a history of pancreatitis, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 and those with Type 1 diabetes should avoid these medications.

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if GLP-1 medications are a good fit for your individual health needs and circumstances.

Sesame’s online weight loss program is a subscription which renews every 3 months and includes a video consultation with a weight loss doctor or specialist, a GLP-1 prescription (as appropriate), insurance coordination for medication coverage, and unlimited messaging with your chosen provider. Sesame does not accept insurance in order to keep prices low and transparent, which means that the cost of the weight program will not be covered by insurance.

It's important to note that the cost of medication is not included in this program. If you are uninsured, please be aware that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Saxenda can be expensive, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to cover the cost of your medication.

Your provider may order a metabolic panel if you do not have recent metabolic testing data available. If this is the case, the price of your lab test is not included in the program cost.

Our providers are committed to ensuring that patients feel supported and informed at every step of their health journey. Patients who purchase Sesame’s online weight loss program subscription can expect to receive comprehensive care designed to guide them through their weight loss journey. This includes:

• Video consultation: Patients have the opportunity to select an online weight loss doctor or specialist for a personalized video consultation. This session allows for a detailed discussion of their specific needs and goals.
• Assistance with pre-authorization paperwork: Understanding that medication costs can be a significant concern, Sesame providers will provide assistance with paperwork for insurance pre-authorization to help you secure medication coverage.
• Unlimited messaging: Patients can reach out to their healthcare provider at any time with questions or concerns about medications, diet, exercise and more. They will also receive holistic nutrition and exercise guidance from their provider.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, Sesame's weight loss doctors and specialists can write a prescription during an online weight loss program visit. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

It's important to note that the cost of medication is not included in this program, and Sesame does not guarantee insurance coverage for medication. If you are uninsured, please be aware that GLP-1 medications like Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda can be expensive, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to cover the cost of your medication.

No, there are currently no generic alternatives to GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide; GLP-1 medications are available only as brand-name products.

In line with FDA guidance, and due to potential safety and legal risks regarding compounded GLP-1 medications, Sesame advises against ordering compounded GLP-1 medications.

If you need assistance with navigating your options, you can schedule a video consult with a provider through Sesame’s weight loss program to discuss the best medication for your needs.

Nope! Sesame is available to all patients regardless of insurance status. However, you can pay for your weight loss program subscription using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

If you have insurance, your weight loss medication prescription may be covered depending on your plan. Sesame providers can assist with insurance prior authorization requests for your prescription coverage, and they can also direct you to medication savings coupons from manufacturers to assist with the cost of your medication! As noted above, insurance coverage for medication cannot be guaranteed.

Sesame’s commitment to providing a convenient, high-quality weight loss program is matched by our dedication to fair and transparent customer service practices. However, there are certain circumstances where we are unable to offer refunds. Please review our refund policy outlined below:

Full refunds are available when:

• Patient wishes to cancel program 3 hours prior to visit start time.

Patients will be refunded 50% of the bundle price in the following circumstances:

• After consulting with provider, it is determined that patient is not eligible for further treatment (ie. is not a good candidate for GLP-1s or other weight loss treatment plan).
• Patient has initial visit with provider and chooses to cancel the program prior to starting the post-appointment messaging feature with the provider for any reason (denied prior authorization, medication out of stock, cost of medication, etc).

There are certain circumstances where we are unable to offer refunds:

• Disagreement with treatment plan: We cannot issue refunds based on dissatisfaction or disagreement with the clinical outcome or the treatment plan provided by the clinician.

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 any queries or clarifications regarding our refund policy, please contact Sesame’s Customer Success team.

Certain GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic 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 medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer. This conclusion is based on studies where laboratory animals given semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide developed tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed whether semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide pose the same risk to humans.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you or any family member has ever had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a condition leading to tumors in multiple glands. If this is the case, your doctor will likely advise against taking GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide.

If you are prescribed a GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Saxenda 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
  
  

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, 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 conditions like pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease, or kidney disease. Inform your doctor about recent episodes of diarrhea, nausea, or 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.