Wegovy Subscription Plans Aim to Lower Weight Loss Drug Costs for Self-Pay Patients

A new subscription model is aiming to make popular weight loss drugs more accessible—but cost concerns still remain.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, has announced new multi-month subscription plans for self-pay patients. The move is designed to offer both savings and pricing consistency for those using GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

These drugs, which have surged in popularity in recent years, can cost more than $1,000 per month without insurance. Under the new model, patients can choose 3, 6, or 12-month plans through telehealth providers. The company says users could save up to $600 annually on the pill form and up to $1,200 on the injectable version.

Jamey Millar, executive vice president of U.S. operations for Novo Nordisk, says the goal is to improve both affordability and predictability for patients.

Despite the savings, the medication can still cost nearly $3,000 a year—keeping it out of reach for many.

GLP-1 drugs have gained widespread attention, with celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg and Kelly Clarkson publicly discussing their use.

Medical experts say cost remains one of the biggest barriers. Dr. Jorge Moreno, an obesity specialist with Yale Medicine, notes that about a quarter of his patients are paying out of pocket for these medications.

He also raises concerns about how easy it will be for patients to cancel subscription plans if the treatment doesn’t work for them—something that will ultimately be handled by the telehealth providers offering the plans.

As demand for weight loss drugs continues to grow, companies are experimenting with pricing strategies and partnerships to expand access. Still, insurance coverage—and long-term affordability—remain major hurdles for many patients.