I've been meticulously tracking my costs since starting compounded semaglutide 10 months ago. I know cost is a huge barrier for people, so here's the full breakdown.

Comparison — what brand-name Wegovy would have cost:

Now here's the part people don't think about — money I'm NO LONGER spending:

• Fast food/delivery: was $400-500/mo, now $50-80/mo = ~$3,800 saved
• Alcohol: was $150/mo, now $30/mo = ~$1,200 saved
• Discontinued metformin copay: $25/mo = $250 saved
• Discontinued lisinopril copay: $15/mo = $120 saved (discontinued month 6)
• Sleep apnea supplies (CPAP): $45/mo = $225 saved (discontinued month 7)

Net savings when accounting for reduced spending: approximately $2,350 over 10 months. I'm basically paying myself to lose weight and get healthier.

M/44. Results: SW 271, CW 218 (-53 lbs).

This is the kind of analysis more people need to see. The "GLP-1s are too expensive" narrative ignores the economic cost of obesity itself — healthcare spending, food spending, lost productivity, disability.

A recent analysis estimated the lifetime healthcare cost attributable to obesity at $150,000-$200,000 per person. If these medications prevent or delay diabetes complications, cardiovascular events, and joint replacements, they are cost-SAVING at almost any price point.

That said — the current brand pricing IS outrageous, and I'm glad compounding provides an affordable alternative. Your $175-225/mo is manageable for many people. $1,360/mo for Wegovy is not.

Wait, you're spending $175-225/month? I'm paying $325/month for compounded semaglutide. Who's your provider? I might be overpaying significantly.

I use a telehealth provider that sources from a 503B compounding pharmacy. I'll DM you the details — don't want to turn this into a vendor recommendation thread. But I'd encourage everyone to shop around. Prices for identical products vary enormously. I got quotes ranging from $150 to $450/month when I was researching.

Key things to look for:

• 503B pharmacy (outsourcing facility) vs. 503A (traditional compounding) — 503B has stricter quality standards
• Third-party testing/certificates of analysis
• Transparent pricing (beware of "membership fees" or "consultation fees" that inflate the real cost)
• Provider who actually reviews your labs and adjusts dosing, not a rubber stamp operation

The fast food reduction is so real. I didn't realize how much I was spending on DoorDash until I stopped ordering it. My credit card statement dropped by like $350/month and I was shocked. I was spending $12-18 per order, 5-6 times a week. That's more than the semaglutide.