Starting GLP-1s: What Users Wish They Knew, and How To Feel More Confident From Day One
Side effects, regrets, and surprises. GLP-1 patients reveal their biggest lessons learned when starting weight loss treatment.
GLP-1 mediations like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are FDA-approved prescription medications that have shown powerful results for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. But between insurance coverage, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs, many patients struggle to understand what they'll actually pay — and what they can afford.
To make things easier, Levity created an interactive budgeting calculator to help you compare average list prices, insurance plans, and compounded alternatives like Compounded* Liraglutide with B12. By answering a few simple questions, you'll instantly receive personalized results and see how GLP-1 medication could fit into your budget.
Try Levity's GLP-1 Budget Builder calculator today. In just a few minutes, you'll have a personalized overview of potential costs to help inform the conversation with your healthcare provider.
The hardest part of starting GLP-1 treatment is often knowing where to begin. With so many weight loss medications available — from Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy to Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound — it can be tough to compare prices, coverage, and side effects. This calculator breaks the process into manageable steps, connecting your current spending habits to your healthcare goals.
It starts with a few quick questions about your income and essential monthly expenses like rent, groceries, and transportation. It also asks about your insurance plan, including your current deductible and whether your insurer offers GLP-1 medication coverage. After entering your details, the tool creates a quick summary of your discretionary health budget.
At a glance, you'll instantly know whether brand-name GLP-1 medications are realistic for you, or if compounded alternatives may be the best option for long-term weight management. For further information about the weight-loss medication recommended for your budget, simply click the "Learn More" button located below your results.
Remember, affordability is just one piece of the equation. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who can help determine whether a GLP-1 medication is medically appropriate for your needs.
Knowing how it works is important before you begin any new medication. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, leading to significant reductions in body weight for many people. These benefits can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people living with obesity or diabetes.
Before starting any GLP-1 prescription, it's also important to discuss your medical history, insurance coverage, and important safety information with a trusted healthcare provider. They can help you understand possible side effects and determine which GLP-1 medication is right for you. Healthcare professionals may also assist with prior authorization paperwork or direct you to other resources that can lower out-of-pocket costs and make treatment more accessible.
Another option is an online provider like Levity. Our GLP-1 medication plans include an online consultation, prescription processing by US‑based clinicians, medication shipping, and ongoing clinical support — all bundled into one clear monthly cost. With the right plan, you can balance your healthcare expenses, stay on track with weight loss, and protect your health.
Levity's interactive calculator was designed to help users assess affordability for GLP-1 weight loss prescriptions. Users enter their age, income, core expenses (such as rent, food, and utilities), healthcare costs, and lifestyle spending. The tool then subtracts these values from monthly income to estimate a discretionary health budget.
That figure is compared to average list prices for brand-name medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, alongside lower-cost alternatives such as Compounded* Liraglutide with B12. Affordability categories are assigned based on whether the budget meets or falls short of these tiers. Personalized outputs and visual comparisons provide practical insights for users planning their treatment.
Important note: The calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or determine eligibility for any treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication plan.
Levity helps people take control of their health with medically supervised weight loss solutions, including GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Compounded* Liraglutide with B12. With expert healthcare professionals, personalized support, and practical tools like the GLP-1 Budget Builder, Levity empowers you to achieve safe and sustainable results.
This content is provided for informational purposes only. You may share or reference it for noncommercial use, but please include a link back to Levity with proper attribution.
*Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality.