# Incorporating weight-loss drugs into your life **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** diet-weight-loss\ **Created:** [March 16, 2025, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675 "2025-03-16T20:28:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/21 "2025-03-19T18:08:15Z")
I am hoping I won’t have to stay on it forever- but I also gained the weight in what I think is an unusual way. When I hit menopause, I gained about 40 lbs within a couple of years, without changing my eating habits or activity. And then I stopped gaining, still without really changing my eating habits or activity. So I’m hoping that once I lose enough weight I’ll be able to stop the Trulicity and keep my weight stable, just like I’ve always been able to except that couple of years. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/22 "2025-03-21T23:13:04Z")
> [@YellowDog51](#): > > So my question is this: Will Wegovy or equivalent work after losing what I suspect is the easier weight to lose? My suspicion is that it would work, but not as dramatically. My experience? Yes. Although I did see a big drop the first week or two (thought mostly to be water weight) my drop was remarkably consistent over time. The graph in excel is a nearly straight line until I hit maintenance. I would ask to have your doctor consider Zepbound too. It’s a generation newer than Wegovy and works in two ways to Wegovy’s one. Unlike me, my wife started on Wegovy and found that she had significant trouble with side effects relative to the slow weight loss she saw. Things improved (fewer side effects, more weight loss) when she switched to Zepbound. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/23 "2025-03-21T23:17:36Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I certainly can’t afford the uninsured cost (in the neighborhood of $1K per month) so I guess if I want to use any of these drugs I have to go shopping for new insurance. I get compounded semaglutide and pay out of pocket. It’s $200 for a one month supply. (4 shots, so technically a 4 week supply) ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/24 "2025-03-21T23:46:42Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I certainly can’t afford the uninsured cost (in the neighborhood of $1K per month) so I guess if I want to use any of these drugs I have to go shopping for new insurance. If you have your prescription sent to Lilly Direct, the vials up to the 10mg size are $499. It’s still a lot, but it’s still less than half of the pharmacy price. > [@Procrustus](#): > > I get compounded semaglutide and pay out of pocket. It’s $200 for a one month supply. (4 shots, so technically a 4 week supply) What’s your plan for post April 22? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/25 "2025-03-22T00:45:28Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > If you have your prescription sent to Lilly Direct, the vials up to the 10mg size are $499. It’s still a lot, but it’s still less than half of the pharmacy price. …and note that Novo Nordisk has a similar deal for Wegovy. > **[NovoCare® pharmacy | NovoCare®](https://www.novocare.com/obesity/products/wegovy/get-product.html)** > > Explore comprehensive support services for your patients with obesity, including a coverage check, prior authorization assistance, and savings offers. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/26 "2025-03-22T02:08:02Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I get compounded semaglutide and pay out of pocket. It’s $200 for a one month supply. (4 shots, so technically a 4 week supply) From where? Where can I find out more about this? How do you know that its safe and effective? > [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > What’s your plan for post April 22? And this? > [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > If you have your prescription sent to Lilly Direct, the vials up to the 10mg size are $499. It’s still a lot, but it’s still less than half of the pharmacy price. Vials of what medicine? How are they taken? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/27 "2025-03-22T03:38:45Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > > [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > > > What’s your plan for post April 22? > > And this? Computing of tirzepatide and semaglutide was allowed for a brief while as the manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk respectively, were formally unable to keep up with demand. The FDA has determined that the shortage window has closed, so after a grace period tirzepatide compounding ended March 19th and semaglutide compounding will end April 22nd. > [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > > [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > > > If you have your prescription sent to Lilly Direct, the vials up to the 10mg size are $499. It’s still a lot, but it’s still less than half of the pharmacy price. > > Vials of what medicine? How are they taken? Zepbound. Taken via injection. > **[Lilly Direct](https://lillydirect.lilly.com/pharmacy/zepbound?utm_id=go_cmp-21338006045_adg-168310125105_ad-737101253454_kwd-2245905445095_dev-c_ext-_prd-_mca-_sig-CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0mK-t3dI8HxN8fxhs_XvOlU-bsJ1OeEP0nnyz8fvQII26lQDhxBfExoCNKcQAvD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&campaign=21338006045&adgroup=168310125105&ad=737101253454&utm_keyword=kwd-2245905445095&utm_term=go_cmp-21338006045_adg-168310125105_ad-737101253454_kwd-2245905445095_dev-c_ext-_prd-_mca-_sig-CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0mK-t3dI8HxN8fxhs_XvOlU-bsJ1OeEP0nnyz8fvQII26lQDhxBfExoCNKcQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAqAD4imFt_sQfibIJuTFwJnO-eyGW&gclid=CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0mK-t3dI8HxN8fxhs_XvOlU-bsJ1OeEP0nnyz8fvQII26lQDhxBfExoCNKcQAvD_BwE)** ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/28 "2025-03-22T04:25:31Z")
Thank you @Pork_Rind for the information. $6500 a year is pretty steep; I wonder what people who are covered by insurance have to pay. Because this is delivered in vials instead of pre-prepared injectors, I presume I would have to use regular syringes? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/29 "2025-03-22T14:58:22Z")
I’ve seen insured folks with the right coverage pay just the $25 or $30 copay. Would be nice. I haven’t formally done the math, but now that I essentially don’t drink, rarely go to restaurants any longer, and do a much better job grocery shopping, I would be surprised if the cost is neutral for me. For the vials, yes, standard injections stuff is needed. They ask when I order if I want syringes included for some small fee and I say no since I bought a huge box a while back. But they end up sending them anyway. It must be an automatic move for the people packing the boxes. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/30 "2025-03-22T16:44:05Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > > [@Procrustus](#): > > > > I get compounded semaglutide and pay out of pocket. It’s $200 for a one month supply. (4 shots, so technically a 4 week supply) > > From where? Where can I find out more about this? How do you know that its safe and effective? My doctor recommended this place. Seems completely legit, But I’ve heard and read about places that aren’t. [Nordic Pharmacy](https://nordicpharmacy.net/) ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/31 "2025-03-22T16:58:38Z")
$6.90 all in Australian ( $5 US ) for 4 weeks supply of LiraGlutide. We won’t start a Universal Health Care argument here …ya’ll know the score. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/32 "2025-03-22T17:32:15Z")
We are too greedy & too stupid to have nice things. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/33 "2025-03-22T18:25:51Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > $6.90 all in Australian ( $5 US ) for 4 weeks supply of LiraGlutide. We won’t start a Universal Health Care argument here …ya’ll know the score. Canada has UHC but not Universal Pharma Care. My work benefits cover Ozempic for diabetes but not weight loss, so I pay CAD$10 for a ninety day supply. Full price is $250/month for the .5mg dose, ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/34 "2025-03-22T18:39:27Z")
Didn’t Canada start a seniors drug plan for all recently? ( expat Canuck ) I started on Ozempc but then no supply so switched to Lira. Indigestion, occasional runs on both. Successful weight loss 55 lb and drifting very slowly lower. Not trying to lose more - just happens. No food “noise”. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/35 "2025-03-22T18:55:00Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > Didn’t Canada start a seniors drug plan for all recently? There is some provincial coverage for seniors and younger people as well as people on assistance in Ontario (varies across the country). The national pharmacare is in its infancy and just covers contraceptives and first line diabetes drugs and only in provinces with a deal with the Feds. > **[About national pharmacare - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-systems/national-pharmacare/about.html)** > > Overview of the Pharmacare plan and the medications that will be covered I had assumed it would be killed in its infancy under the Conservatives, but it might just make it if the Liberals win. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/36 "2025-03-22T18:58:45Z")
I thought the NDP had pushed that through…still might. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/37 "2025-03-22T19:11:17Z")
Latest word is election day is on April 28th. I suspect that the NDP caucus after the election will be able to dine at any restaurant in Ottawa without calling ahead to make a reservation. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/38 "2025-03-22T19:25:15Z")
Hehe …Libs circling the wagons for sure with a possible majority at stake…and what a shift in fortunes! 🤪 🍿 Trying to get my mail in vote sorted today …was not even up as an election on the expat site yesterday. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/39 "2025-03-22T19:37:13Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > Trying to get my mail in vote sorted today …was not even up as an election on the expat site yesterday. Carney is going to see the GG tomorrow to dissolve Parliament. Expect Elections Canada to have something posted in 48 hours. And apologies to the OP for the off topic chatter! ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675/40 "2025-03-22T20:08:45Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > When I started taking metformin (not one of the weight loss drugs, but has a definite, if limited weight loss effect) I lost 20 lb over the next couple years, making no attempt at dieting. Then I dieted and lost 40 lb more. I’ve been on Metformin since February 2024, and I’ve lost 60+ lbs so far. I was “dieting” to a certain extent, but mostly eating more fresh fruit/veg, cutting out my bad habits (ice cream and the small amount of fast food I used to eat), and also dropping a lot of the processed/packaged foods I depended on. It was a lot less difficult than I expected. I still get cravings, but not as strongly. I have some health issues that have prevented me from doing much strenuous exercise, but I expect I’ll do better once I can incorporate that into my life style. I don’t have noticeable side effects (although I will have if digestive issues if I eat too much fatty food at once – good disincentive!), and my pcp has also said they keep finding more benefits other than weight loss. My cardiologist agrees. > [@MacDoc](#): > > Also had lots of low blood sugar headaches and if I waited too long that would turn into full blown migraine. Interesting. Is this why if I have a migraine, eating really seems to help? Sadly, my migraines have not gone away with Metformin. 😢 > [@FinsToTheLeft](#): > > I suspect that the NDP caucus after the election will be able to dine at any restaurant in Ottawa without calling ahead to make a reservation. Sorry for continuing the highjack, but what does this mean? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incorporating-weight-loss-drugs-into-your-life/1015675.md?page=3)