Can You Get Ozempic at Costco? See How to Save on Weight Loss Drugs

Ben Gran, The Motley Fool


Person trying on clothing in mirror.
Person trying on clothing in mirror.

Image source: Getty Images

Costco is becoming known as a place where you can save money on healthcare -- not just on groceries, household items, or big-ticket items like electronics and appliances. But Costco Optical, Hearing Aids centers, and the Costco Pharmacy are not the only ways to save on healthcare costs. Costco is now offering a unique weight loss program with its partner company, Sesame (sesamecare.com), a telehealth platform.

Costco members can use the special Sesame Costco weight loss program to get help with losing weight -- and you can even get prescribed GLP-1 weight loss drugs, like Ozempic.

Let's look at the details of how you can get Ozempic with a Costco membership, and how much it costs.

Why people might want to get Ozempic at Costco

Would you like to lose weight? If you've heard about the latest blockbuster "miracle" weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy (also known as GLP-1 drugs), you might wonder how to get a prescription. People who have struggled to lose weight (and keep the pounds off) with diet and exercise changes might be good candidates for GLP-1 weight loss drugs -- if your healthcare professional agrees.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are changing the world. Weight loss patients who use these drugs are reporting dramatic results in their weight loss and overall health and wellness; these drugs seem to have powerful effects to reduce people's cravings.

Some major food and beverage companies saw big declines in their stock prices because of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other drugs. Walmart announced in October 2023 that Walmart customers who use Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs were buying less food and fewer calories in their grocery shopping at Walmart. Some investors believe that widespread use of GLP-1 drugs could cause a massive, permanent reduction in consumer demand for snacks, sweets, and high-calorie meals.

How much it costs to get Ozempic at Costco

So far, much of the hype about Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 drugs seems to be fair and justified: the drugs seem to work incredibly well for many people who could not lose weight with traditional methods. But GLP-1 drugs are not cheap. Without insurance, the exact price can range from $950-$1,600 per month. And as of May 2024, there are no FDA-approved generic versions of Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs.

The Costco weight loss program with Sesame could help you get access to Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 drugs prescribed by a healthcare professional. As a Costco member, you can get three months of the Costco weight loss program with Sesame for only $179 (about $60 per month).

Keep in mind: the Costco weight loss program does not include the cost of Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs. Any medications that you might be prescribed as part of your weight loss program will have to be paid for separately.

What you get with the Costco + Sesame weight loss program

The Costco weight loss program is a unique opportunity for Costco members. You can get three months of online weight loss support and access to healthcare professionals who can diagnose you and prescribe weight loss medications (as appropriate to your healthcare needs).

For $179, you get:

  • Your choice of healthcare provider from Sesame's online marketplace of clinicians (including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and some M.D.s)

  • Online meeting with your healthcare professional, who will create your treatment plan and order lab work if needed (lab prices cost extra)

  • Access to weight loss prescription (if appropriate based on your clinician's diagnosis)

  • Three months of ongoing help and guidance on nutrition and exercise -- via unlimited messaging with your healthcare professional

The program renews after three months, unless you decide to cancel. Results will vary, but typical goals for the Costco + Sesame weight loss program include:

  • Losing 5% of body weight by three months

  • Losing 10% of body weight by six months

  • Losing 15% of body weight by 12 months

If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP), the Costco weight loss program could be your lowest-cost way to see a clinician (via online meetings, instead of expensive office visits). Costco can't give you a cheaper price on Ozempic. But your Costco membership can help you start your weight loss journey with low-cost online healthcare and get easier access to prescription weight loss drugs that are right for you.

Bottom line

Costco cannot necessarily get you "cheaper Ozempic." The price you pay for Ozempic or other GLP-1 weight loss drugs will depend on your health insurance. But if you believe you're a good candidate for Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 weight loss drugs, your Costco membership could help you get the treatment you need, hopefully without breaking your budget. Check out the Costco + Sesame weight loss program to learn more.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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