The right medication for your goals

Not all people are eligible for weight loss medication, including GLP-1s. In the event that a prescribing clinician has determined that a patient is eligible for weight loss medication as part of the Everlywell Weight Care+ program, the patient is first offered the name-brand medication best suited for them as determined by their clinician. If it was a GLP-1 medication, in the event that it is either not available near the patient or not covered by their insurance, then the patient may be eligible for a compounded version of certain GLP-1 medications. In the event that these are not desired or not affordable, your clinician may offer alternative weight loss medications, based on your symptoms and medical history.

In the world of medication, “compounding” refers to small-scale formulations of drugs that usually differ slightly from the commercially available version. A patient may need a compounded version of a drug if they are allergic to one of the inactive ingredients in a medication, or if the medication generally comes in a form they cannot take (such as swallowing pills), or for other medical reasons. Currently, the listed shortages of many GLP-1 medications has caused the FDA to consider them “not commercially available.” This means that compounding pharmacies can manufacture identical versions of trademarked drugs while they are on the FDA shortage list. Like commercially-produced GLP-1s, compounded versions still require prescriptions from a healthcare provider. The dosages and frequencies of compounded medications are also determined by a healthcare provider to best match the medical needs of the patient.

Yes—the compounding pharmacy we work with accepts HSA/FSA cards so you can put your funds toward your Rx.

The time it takes the compounding pharmacy to fill each individual prescription varies. Most orders are filled and shipped within 7 business days if the prescription is received by 7:00 PM CST.

If your insurance does not cover branded GLP-1 medications, the cost savings between compounded semaglutide and branded GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic®, is vast. If you qualify for compounded semaglutide your Rx cost will be $199/mo. (or per prescription refill), which does not include your monthly membership cost of $49.00/mo. for the first month and $139.00/mo. after that.

Virtual care for Weight Care+ involves ongoing visits with a healthcare provider. During your first visit, your provider will review and evaluate your medical history and order any appropriate lab testing that may be needed to determine whether weight loss medication may be for you. At your second visit, your provider will evaluate your test results, discuss your personal health and weight-related goals, and help you design a personalized care plan. In addition to lifestyle recommendations, your care plan may include a prescription for weight loss medication. Once you begin the medication, you'll have regular check-ins with your provider, who will review your weight loss progress, assess your medication tolerance, order follow-up lab testing or prescription refills, and adjust your care plan as needed.

GLP-1s are medications that work by regulating your appetite to reduce the amount of food you eat. Studies have shown they can reduce weight by up to 15% in many people who take them for a year or longer, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.*

Weight loss isn’t about willpower. There are biological factors that impact your metabolism, hunger, and weight that are outside of your control.

GLP-1s make you feel full longer, curb food cravings, and help your body process sugars more efficiently (source). This is why these drugs are often prescribed and used for the management of type 2 diabetes or obesity.

These medications are sometimes used along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. Some GLP-1 medications are also used in patients with diabetes to help with blood sugar management.

• Semaglutide (Wegovy®, RYBELSUS®, Ozempic®

• Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®)

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

Your provider will assess your health needs to determine if medication is best suited for you. They will answer any questions about GLP-1s you have during your initial consult.

*Source: National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Semaglutide improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity: STEP 1 and 4 exploratory analyses. E-published October 28, 2022.

While prescriptions are not guaranteed for all patients, you may be eligible for a prescription for weight loss medication if you are over 18 years of age and your healthcare provider determines that you meet certain criteria, such as weight and specific associated health conditions.

Who should not take GLP-1 prescription weight loss medication? You may not be eligible for a GLP-1 prescription if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Under the age of 18 or above the age of 74

• BMI<27

• Currently pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant

• Breastfeeding or providing bottled breastmilk

• Active eating disorder or history of eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia, etc.)

• Active cancer diagnosis or treatment, or in remission or cancer-free for less than 5 continuous years

• Active suicidal thoughts or past suicide attempts

• History of organ transplant on anti-rejection therapy

• Heart attack or stroke within the last 12 months

• Severe gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroparesis, blockages, or inflammatory bowel disease

• End stage kidney disease (also called end-stage renal disease)

• End stage liver disease (cirrhosis)

• Pancreatitis

• Family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)

• Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes treated with insulin

• Diabetic retinopathy

The Weight Care+ program costs $99 a month with an initial 12-month commitment or $139 a month with an initial 3-month commitment. This includes ongoing regular virtual consults with a clinician, writing and renewing GLP-1 prescriptions (if applicable), expert help navigating insurance for prescription coverage, an included at-home lab test or 3-month Daily Multivitamin supply delivered each quarter (note: at-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing), support for conditions such as prediabetes and high cholesterol, and digital features within the Everlywell app.

Note that the following items are not included in the program fee, and their cost may vary depending on insurance coverage:

Lab Testing (other than included quarterly at-home tests): Lab testing is required before your provider prescribes weight loss medication. Required labs include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. You can work with Quest or another lab of your choice directly to determine if coverage is available through your insurance plan. The cost of lab testing varies based on your insurance coverage and the labs near you.

Note that certain co-conditions, such as prediabetes and high cholesterol, may require additional ongoing testing. As part of the program, users outside of NY can get an included at-home lab test each quarter (Heart Health, Cholesterol & Lipids, HbA1c). At-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing. If more frequent testing is required, those tests would require an additional fee.

Medication (based on insurance coverage): Your clinical care team will work with you to identify the most affordable and effective medication based on your health needs and insurance coverage. With insurance, GLP-1 prescriptions are typically more affordable, but your exact cost will depend on your insurance plan. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or if the medication is not covered by your insurance, your provider may be able to help you find a prescription discount card. If you are unable to use insurance or a discount card, GLP-1 prescription medication costs may range from $900 to $1,400 for a one-month supply. Everlywell does not directly sell GLP-1 or other medications. Prescriptions can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

Virtual visits for Weight Care+ are not currently covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover other costs related to weight loss treatment, such as lab testing and prescription weight loss medication.

GLP-1 medication may be covered by your insurance plan. If needed, your clinician can help you navigate the prior authorization process. We will use your insurance information to help find affordable prescription options for you.

Yes, lab testing is required before your provider prescribes GLP-1 medication. This helps to ensure you are healthy enough to start a weight loss program. Required labs include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. These labs may also need to be repeated periodically to monitor how your body is responding to the medication.

Your provider will direct you to have your lab testing performed at your nearest Quest laboratory. Additionally, if you have completed the required lab testing in the past six months, you can upload them for your clinician to review.

The cost of the initial in-person lab testing will vary depending on your location and if you are using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. To confirm if lab testing is covered by your insurance plan, contact your insurance carrier directly.

Lab testing may be covered by your insurance plan. To confirm coverage, contact your insurance carrier directly.

As part of the program, you will get to choose one of these at-home lab tests or supplements every three months*:

• Heart Health Test**

• HbA1c Test**

• Cholesterol & Lipids Test**

• Daily Multivitamin gummies (3-mo supply)

These have been selected to support preventive health and common conditions associated with weight care.

*You can place your first order after completing three months in the program.

** At-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing.

As part of this program, we will provide additional care for the following conditions: high cholesterol and prediabetes. If these conditions are detected while you are in the program, your clinician will work with you to prescribe additional medications, offer care, and recommend additional lab testing, as needed.

Weight loss results vary depending on your starting weight, medical conditions, lifestyle changes, and type of weight loss medication. Many people who take GLP-1 medications for a 68-week period or longer have reported losing up to 15% of their starting body weight, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

*Average weight loss is based on research in people without diabetes who used semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, over 68 weeks.

** Prescriptions are subject to your provider's medical discretion. Ozempic(R) is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

If your BMI falls below 27, you may no longer need GLP-1 medications and your insurance may no longer cover them. In this scenario, your healthcare provider will reevaluate whether you can continue on the program

At this time, only patients aged 18+ are eligible for Weight Care+.

Due to state regulation of laboratory testing, we are currently unable to include at-home lab testing for NY residents.

This means that every three months, NY residents will be able to receive a 3-month supply of multivitamin gummies as part of the program. If additional lab testing is required, your clinician will write you a lab order for Quest or another lab, which may be covered by insurance

Your licensed board-certified nurse practitioners are qualified to prescribe medication, order lab tests, and assess your symptoms and health goals to create a customized care plan for you.

Yes, you can choose from the available providers licensed in your state when scheduling your appointment.

In most cases, you can expect to speak with the same provider. However, this cannot be guaranteed and depends on provider availability.

r services are HIPAA-compliant and follow privacy guidelines. We use industry-leading technology to ensure your personal information is kept safe and confidential.

The Everlywell Weight Care+ program requires a 3-month or 12-month commitment, depending on your plan. In certain extenuating circumstances, we will offer a refund or early cancellation:

• If you are not eligible for the program based on new lab results or factors that come to light after at least one virtual consult, you may cancel immediately but will not receive a refund for prior months.

• If your insurance will not cover medication or if medication is too costly for you to proceed with the program, we will allow you to cancel immediately but will not refund prior months.

If you have questions or would like to request a refund or cancellation, please contact our Customer Experience team at [email protected].

If you are denied prior authorization for GLP-1s, you can pay for them out of pocket. Alternatively, may be eligible for alternate medications such as naltrexone;bupropion, orlistat, or metformin. Your eligibility will be discussed with and determined by your healthcare provider to help provide the best options for your specific case.

You may be eligible for alternate medications such as naltrexone;bupropion, orlistat, or metformin if you are denied prior authorization or are otherwise ineligible for GLP-1s. Your provider will work with you and your insurance company to find the best option for you.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are commonly referred to as GLP-1s, work by stimulating the hormone GLP-1. This leads to secretion of insulin (which lowers the levels of glucose in the body) and also slows the emptying of the stomach, which keeps people feeling full longer. Synthetic GLP-1 analogs, like the compounds in GLP-1 medications, also have a longer half-life in the body compared to the naturally occurring version.

Other classes of weight loss medications all have unique mechanisms of action that do not necessarily affect the GLP-1 pathway. For example, naltrexone;bupropion is a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, that together can help reduce cravings and appetite by acting on the brain and nervous system. We recommend discussing alternative medication options with your healthcare provider to learn about how these medications work and which might be the best for you.

Weight loss results vary depending on your starting weight, medical conditions, lifestyle changes, and type of weight loss medication. Many people who take GLP-1 medications for a 68-week period or longer have reported losing up to 15% of their starting body weight, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

The FDA currently has several medications approved for weight loss that are not GLP-1 agonists, and there are a select few more that clinicians sometimes prescribe off-label for weight loss, if deemed appropriate. We recommend discussing your options with a healthcare provider, who can determine your eligibility and help decide which of these alternative options might be best for you after reviewing your medical history and symptoms.

The combination of bupropion and naltrexone together, as well as the drug orlistat alone, are both FDA-approved for use as weight loss medications. The FDA reviews medication efficacy as part of the approval process. Other drugs, such as metformin, have been shown to assist in weight loss in clinical studies, though weight loss is considered an off-label use of the drug (which is approved for use in type 2 diabetes).

It is important to note that weight loss medications are always evaluated in addition to healthy lifestyle changes, which should be made while taking these kinds of drugs.

Compounded medications are available in all states except Mississippi, California, Louisiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin

*Note: Not everyone is eligible for GLP-1 medication. Read more about GLP-1 eligibility in our FAQ.