Great question! The Success by Sesame weight loss program 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 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-1s; 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 healthcare provider on Sesame can help determine if GLP-1s or an alternative medication is appropriate based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

Sesame's weight loss program subscription pricing starts at just $89 per month for patients who do not require medication or will purchase their own medication from their preferred pharmacy. This is a good option for eligible Sesame patients who have insurance coverage for name-brand GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy, Zepbound or Saxenda.

It's important to note that brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound or Saxenda can be expensive without insurance coverage, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month out-of-pocket. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to help reduce the cost of your medication.

Sesame also offers a weight loss program subscription that includes medication for just $249 per month. This option includes the price of pre-measured, high-quality injectable compounded semaglutide at cost for those who are prescribed it, along with free home delivery.

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

Unlike competitors, Sesame does not profit from dispensing weight loss medications. Instead, we offer compounded semaglutide to eligible patients at cost. This keeps prices low for our patients and ensures that providers can prescribe whatever therapy is truly best for the patient, without any conflicts of interest.

And because Sesame’s marketplace removes unnecessary middlemen from your care, there are no deductibles, out-of-network costs or hidden fees to worry about. Just clinically-supervised weight loss at a low, upfront price.

No, 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 do 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. Our weight loss program refund policy for subscriptions and medications 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.
  
  

Medication refunds

• If you sign up for Sesame's $249 weight loss program option and your provider decides not to prescribe compounded semaglutide after your initial visit, you may be refunded $140 for the cost of the medication.
  
• In the event that your prescription is missing, damaged or encounters a different issue, a replacement may be issued. Please reach out to Sesame’s Customer Support team for assistance.
  
• Sesame is unable to issue medication refunds once the medication has been ordered.
  
  

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.

Compounded semaglutide is a customized pharmaceutical formulation of the GLP-1 medication semaglutide. According to FDA guidelines, a compounding pharmacy can compound medications of FDA-approved drugs that are in shortage.

If you're new to injectable medications, your provider will explain the process in detail. We'll also provide videos that show you how to check the pre-measured syringe and inject your medication.

The compounded semaglutide available for prescribing on Sesame is prepared exclusively by 503B compounding pharmacies that are FDA-registered. While federal law allows the prescription of compounded drugs, they are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.

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: Carrying less 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).
  
• 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 guidance, your Success by Sesame provider will support you every step of the way on your weight loss journey.

Our lab provider is Quest Diagnostics. If your provider orders lab work, your lab order and testing are included with your weight loss program subscription.

If there are no Quest Diagnostics labs near your location, you can take your lab order to another lab facility for testing. However, please note that if you choose a different lab facility, your lab testing fees must be paid directly to the lab facility and will be in addition to your weight loss program subscription price.

Due to legal restrictions in NY, NJ and RI, patients in these states are required to pay for lab tests at the lab facility. Please note that any lab testing fees paid to the lab facility will be in addition to your weight loss program subscription price.

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

• Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, with limited availability expected through 2024
  
• Saxenda (liraglutide) injection, with limited availability expected through 2024
  
  

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.