Blog/Sesame Care Weight Loss Reviews 2026: Pricing & Verdict
Reviews16 min read

Sesame Care Weight Loss Reviews 2026: Pricing & Verdict

By PeptidesExplorer Research Team
#sesamecareweightlossreviews#successbysesamereviews#sesamecareglp-1#sesamecaresemaglutide#telehealthweightloss#glp-1reviews
Sesame Care weight loss review 2026: pricing, Trustpilot rating, and program overview

Sesame Care runs one of the only telehealth weight loss programs that does not mark up medication prices. The subscription starts at $59 per month with an annual plan ($99 month-to-month), and the medication ships separately at whatever the pharmacy charges. For patients with insurance, that means brand-name semaglutide or tirzepatide for as little as $25 per month after prior authorization. Without insurance, compounded semaglutide runs $249 per month through Sesame's Costco Pharmacy partnership.

That pricing model sets Sesame apart in a market where most competitors bundle medication and subscription into a single inflated fee. It also creates confusion. The $59 price does not include medication. The $25 price requires insurance approval that is not guaranteed. These details matter, and the reviews reflect the gap between expectation and experience.

DetailInformation
CompanySesame, Inc. (sesamecare.com)
Founded2018
CEODavid Goldhill
HeadquartersNew York, NY
Funding$90M+ (investors include Google Ventures, General Catalyst, Virgin Group)
Weight Loss ProgramSuccess by Sesame
Program Cost$59/mo (annual) or $99/mo (monthly)
Medication (insured)As low as $25/mo (brand-name GLP-1s with prior auth)
Medication (uninsured)$249-$349/mo (Costco Pharmacy partnership)
Trustpilot4.5/5 (3,700+ reviews)
BBBA- rating, accredited
Available StatesAll 50 states + D.C.
Medications14 options including Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, compounded semaglutide

This review covers pricing breakdowns, the Costco partnership, patient reviews from Trustpilot and Reddit, GLP-1 side effects, and how Sesame compares to MEDVi, Zealthy, Willow, and other telehealth weight loss platforms. We also explain what Success by Sesame actually includes, because the marketing leaves gaps.

This is educational content. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

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What Is Sesame Care?

Sesame is a telehealth marketplace founded in 2018 that connects patients directly with independent, licensed healthcare providers. Unlike most telehealth weight loss platforms, Sesame started as a broad healthcare marketplace offering everything from $29 doctor visits to specialist consultations. Weight loss is one vertical, not the entire business.

This distinction matters. Platforms like Hims, Ro, and MEDVi were built around weight loss or specific conditions. Sesame was built as a healthcare pricing tool, then expanded into weight loss with its Success by Sesame program. The result is a platform with deeper provider networks and more medication options, but less specialized weight loss infrastructure than purpose-built competitors.

Sesame is backed by $90 million in venture funding from Google Ventures, General Catalyst, and Virgin Group. The company is HIPAA-compliant, BBB-accredited with an A- rating, and operates in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Providers on the platform are independently licensed and set their own prices, which Sesame displays transparently before booking.

The core value proposition: Sesame does not mark up medication or provider fees. You see the price before you pay. That transparency attracted attention when most telehealth weight loss platforms were under fire for hidden costs and confusing billing.

Success by Sesame: The Weight Loss Program

Success by Sesame: how the weight loss program works in four steps

Success by Sesame launched as the company's dedicated weight loss offering. The program wraps clinical care, lab work, and medication access into a monthly subscription. But the subscription and the medication are billed separately, which is the single most important detail to understand before signing up.

What the Subscription Includes

The monthly subscription ($59/month annual, $99/month monthly) covers:

  • Video consultations with a board-certified weight loss provider of your choice
  • Lab work ordered and reviewed by your provider (availability varies by state)
  • Unlimited messaging with your dedicated clinician
  • Ongoing clinical oversight including dose adjustments and follow-ups
  • Insurance navigation for patients who want brand-name GLP-1 coverage

What it does not include: medication. The prescription itself ships from a pharmacy, and the cost depends on your insurance status and which medication your provider prescribes.

This unbundled model is unusual. Most competitors (Hims, Ro, MEDVi) bundle medication into one monthly price. Sesame separates them, which can be cheaper or more expensive depending on your insurance situation.

How the Process Works

  1. 1.Sign up and choose a provider. Unlike most telehealth platforms that randomly assign clinicians, Sesame lets you browse providers by specialty, ratings, and price. You pick who you want to see.
  2. 2.Complete a video consultation. Same-day appointments are often available. Your provider reviews your medical history, current medications, BMI, and weight loss goals.
  3. 3.Lab work (if needed). Your provider may order blood work through Quest Diagnostics or a local lab. Labs are included in the subscription in most states.
  4. 4.Prescription and medication. If GLP-1 treatment is clinically appropriate, your provider writes a prescription. For insured patients, Sesame handles prior authorization paperwork. For uninsured patients, medication ships from Costco Pharmacy or another partner pharmacy.

Most patients move from signup to first dose within one week. The provider-choice feature means you can read reviews, check credentials, and select a clinician you trust before the first appointment. That level of control is rare in telehealth.

Medications Available

Sesame offers 14 prescription options, more than any competitor we have reviewed. The full list:

Brand-Name GLP-1 Agonists (require insurance or cash pay at full price): - Wegovy (semaglutide injection) - for weight loss - Ozempic (semaglutide injection) - FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, prescribed off-label for weight loss - Zepbound (tirzepatide injection) - for weight loss - Mounjaro (tirzepatide injection) - for type 2 diabetes - Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) - for type 2 diabetes

Other Brand-Name Options: - Saxenda (liraglutide) - Victoza (liraglutide) - Trulicity (dulaglutide) - Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone)

Non-GLP-1 Medications: - Metformin - Topiramate - Other adjunctive medications as clinically appropriate

Compounded Options: - Compounded semaglutide (available in all 50 states since October 2024)

This breadth matters. If your insurance covers Wegovy or Zepbound, Sesame's providers handle the prior authorization that can bring your monthly medication cost from $1,000+ down to $25. If you lack insurance, compounded semaglutide at $249 per month through Costco Pharmacy is the fallback. To understand how these medications differ and calculate your dose, use our semaglutide dosage calculator.

Sesame Care Pricing Breakdown

Sesame's pricing model has three layers: the subscription, the medication, and optional add-ons. Understanding all three prevents the sticker shock that drives negative reviews.

Subscription Pricing

PlanMonthly CostCommitment
Annual subscription$59/month12-month commitment
Monthly subscription$99/monthCancel anytime
Individual provider visitsVaries ($49-$149 per visit)No subscription required

Some providers on Sesame charge higher monthly rates. Sesame sets a base price, but individual clinicians can price above it based on their credentials and demand. Always confirm the exact price before your first appointment.

Medication Pricing

Medication costs depend entirely on your insurance status.

With Insurance (after prior authorization):

MedicationEstimated Monthly Cost
Wegovy (semaglutide)$0-$25 with qualifying insurance
Zepbound (tirzepatide)$0-$25 with qualifying insurance
Ozempic (semaglutide)$0-$25 with qualifying insurance

Without Insurance (Costco Pharmacy partnership):

MedicationMonthly Cost
Wegovy injection$349/month (50% off retail)
Wegovy pillFrom $149/month
Compounded semaglutide$249/month (at cost, no markup)

Key context: The $25/month figure for insured patients assumes successful prior authorization. Not all insurers cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, and prior authorization can take days to weeks. Sesame's providers handle the paperwork, but approval is never guaranteed.

For a full breakdown of semaglutide pricing across all platforms, see our guide on how much semaglutide costs.

True Annual Cost Scenarios

The annual cost varies dramatically based on your insurance and medication choice.

ScenarioProgramMedicationTrue Annual Cost
Insured + annual plan + Wegovy ($25/mo)$708$300$1,008
Insured + monthly plan + Wegovy ($25/mo)$1,188$300$1,488
Uninsured + annual plan + compounded semaglutide$708$2,988$3,696
Uninsured + monthly plan + Wegovy at Costco$1,188$4,188$5,376

The insured pathway ($1,008/year) is among the cheapest GLP-1 options in telehealth. The uninsured pathway ($3,696/year for compounded semaglutide) is competitive with MEDVi ($3,767/year) and cheaper than Willow ($3,588+/year). Use our peptide cost calculator to model your specific costs.

The Costco Partnership

In April 2024, Sesame and Costco announced a partnership offering Costco members discounted access to Sesame's telehealth services, including the weight loss program. The partnership generated significant media coverage and drove a wave of signups.

What Costco Members Get: - Access to the Success by Sesame weight loss program at promotional pricing - Wegovy injections at $349/month through Costco Pharmacy (roughly 50% off retail) - Ozempic at similar Costco Pharmacy pricing - The Wegovy pill starting at $149/month

What Changed: Costco stopped offering the weight loss program at a discounted membership rate in early 2025. The Costco Pharmacy pricing for medications remains available to anyone with a Costco membership, but the reduced subscription pricing ended. Current Sesame pricing ($59-$99/month for the subscription) applies to all patients regardless of Costco membership status.

Compounded Semaglutide at Cost: In October 2024, Sesame became the first major direct-to-consumer weight loss company to offer compounded semaglutide in all 50 states. The company priced it at $249 per month, stating this is the pharmacy's production cost with no retail markup. That pricing undercut competitors like Hims ($199+ with markup) and MEDVi ($299/month).

The at-cost model works because Sesame makes money on the subscription, not the medication. Competitors who bundle medication and subscription into one price have financial incentive to mark up the drug. Sesame's unbundled model removes that incentive.

Sesame Care Reviews: What Patients Say

We analyzed reviews from Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, BBB, and Reddit to identify consistent patterns. Sesame's review profile is strong by telehealth standards, but the positive headline numbers hide meaningful complaint clusters.

Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (3,700+ Reviews)

Sesame holds an "Excellent" Trustpilot rating. Of the 3,700+ reviews, roughly 83% are four or five stars. The weight loss program accounts for a growing share of reviews since 2024.

What positive reviewers consistently mention: - Transparent pricing with no surprises at checkout - Ability to choose your own provider based on reviews and credentials - Fast appointment scheduling (same-day video visits are common) - Prescriptions sent quickly after consultation - Professional, attentive providers

Representative positive review: "Signed up for the weight loss program, had my video visit the same afternoon, and my Wegovy shipped two days later. My provider walked me through everything and answered my questions via messaging the next day."

What negative reviewers consistently mention: - Confusion about the subscription not including medication cost - Difficulty canceling subscriptions (no self-service cancel button) - Provider quality varies (some clinicians are excellent, others rush through visits) - Billing charged even when providers no-show for appointments - Labs not available in all states despite being advertised as included

BBB: A- Rating, 72 Customer Reviews

Sesame is BBB-accredited with an A- rating and a customer review score of 3.61 out of 5 from 72 reviews. The BBB profile shows a mix of resolved and unresolved complaints, primarily focused on billing and cancellation issues.

The most common BBB complaints:

  1. 1.Unauthorized charges after cancellation attempts. Multiple patients report being charged for months after requesting cancellation because the request was not properly processed.
  2. 2.Provider no-shows. Several reviews describe booking an appointment, the provider not showing up, and Sesame billing the subscription anyway.
  3. 3.Medication pricing confusion. Patients who expected the subscription price to include medication discovered the additional cost after signing up.

Sesame responds to BBB complaints and typically offers resolutions. The A- rating reflects adequate complaint handling, but the pattern of recurring billing issues suggests systemic friction in the cancellation process.

Reddit and Community Feedback

Reddit threads about Sesame Care weight loss reveal a split experience.

Positive patterns on Reddit: - Users praise the speed of getting medication, especially for insured patients who get brand-name GLP-1s approved quickly - The provider-choice feature gets consistent positive mentions - Pricing transparency is frequently cited as a reason for choosing Sesame over competitors

Negative patterns on Reddit: - Isolated reports of incorrect medications being sent - High variability in provider quality (some providers prescribe aggressively, others are conservative) - Frustration with the subscription model for patients who only need periodic check-ins - Reports of providers not reviewing lab work thoroughly before prescribing

The provider variability issue is structural. Sesame is a marketplace, not a medical practice. It connects you with independent providers who set their own clinical standards. That means your experience depends heavily on which provider you choose. Reading provider reviews before booking is essential.

GLP-1 Medications: Efficacy and Side Effects

The medications prescribed through Sesame are the same FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists available through any provider. Clinical efficacy does not depend on which telehealth platform prescribes them. What matters is the active ingredient, the dose, and patient adherence.

How GLP-1 Medications Work for Weight Loss

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists mimic a hormone your gut produces after eating. They slow gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and improve insulin sensitivity. The result: patients eat less without constant hunger.

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) targets the GLP-1 receptor alone. In the STEP 1 trial, patients lost an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The SURMOUNT-5 trial showed tirzepatide produced superior weight loss compared to semaglutide, with average reductions exceeding 20% of body weight.

Both medications require gradual dose escalation over several months to minimize side effects. Your Sesame provider should start you at the lowest dose and increase based on tolerability. For guidance on what to expect week by week, see our guide on how long semaglutide takes to work.

Common Side Effects

GLP-1 side effects are dose-dependent and affect the majority of patients during the first 4 to 8 weeks. They typically improve as your body adjusts.

Side EffectSemaglutide IncidenceTirzepatide Incidence
Nausea40-44%24-33%
Diarrhea29-30%17-25%
Vomiting24-25%9-13%
Constipation21-24%17-21%
Injection site reaction3-5%3-7%

Nausea is the most common reason patients discontinue treatment. Slow dose titration, eating smaller meals, and staying hydrated reduce severity. For management strategies, see our guide on how to relieve nausea from semaglutide.

Serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and potential thyroid tumors (observed in rodent studies). GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Disclose your full medical history during your Sesame consultation.

Compounded vs. Brand-Name Safety

Sesame offers both brand-name and compounded GLP-1 medications. Brand-name versions (Wegovy, Zepbound) are FDA-approved and manufactured under strict quality controls. Compounded versions use the same active ingredients but are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved products.

The FDA reported 605 adverse events linked to compounded semaglutide and 545 linked to compounded tirzepatide as of July 2025. These include dosing inconsistencies, contamination events, and allergic reactions to inactive ingredients not present in brand-name formulations.

Sesame's compounded semaglutide ships through its Costco Pharmacy partnership. For patients considering compounded options, request a Certificate of Analysis for your medication batch. For a detailed analysis, read our guide on whether compounded tirzepatide is safe.

Sesame Care vs. Competitors

Sesame Care vs competitors GLP-1 pricing comparison 2026

Sesame's unbundled pricing model makes direct comparisons tricky. Most competitors quote a single monthly price that includes everything. Sesame quotes the subscription and medication separately.

Pricing Comparison Table

PlatformMonthly Program CostMedication Included?Lowest Total Monthly (Insured)Lowest Total Monthly (Uninsured)
Sesame Care$59-$99No (separate)~$84 ($59 + $25 med)~$308 ($59 + $249 med)
HimsNo membership feeYes (bundled)N/A (cash-pay only)$79-$199
Ro$99 first monthYes (bundled)From $145From $145
MEDViNo membership feeYes (bundled)N/A (cash-pay only)$179-$399
Zealthy$60-$99No (separate)VariesFrom $199+
WillowNo membership feeYes (bundled)N/A$299-$524

Prices verified March 2026. Exact costs vary by medication, dosage, and insurance.

Sesame wins if: You have insurance that covers brand-name GLP-1s. The total cost ($59-$99 subscription + $0-$25 medication) is the cheapest pathway to Wegovy or Zepbound. No other platform handles prior authorization as part of its core offering.

Sesame loses if: You are uninsured and want the simplest possible billing. Hims at $199/month with no separate subscription fee is more straightforward, even if the total cost is similar.

For patients weighing tirzepatide specifically, see our guide on where to buy tirzepatide for a broader market overview.

Feature Comparison

FeatureSesameHimsRoMEDVi
Provider choiceYes (you pick)No (assigned)No (assigned)No (assigned)
Brand-name GLP-1sYes (14 options)LimitedYesLimited
Insurance supportYes (prior auth)NoSomeNo
Compounded medsYesYesYesYes
Oral GLP-1 optionsYes (Rybelsus)YesYesYes
Nutrition coachingNo (provider tips only)Yes (basic)Yes (weekly coaching)No
Behavioral therapyNoNoNoNo
Mobile appYes (buggy per reviews)YesYesNo
24/7 messagingYesYesLimitedYes
Lab work includedYes (most states)VariesVariesYes

Sesame's strongest competitive advantage is provider choice combined with insurance support. No other platform lets you pick your clinician and then has that clinician handle insurance prior authorization for brand-name medications. For patients with good insurance, this combination saves thousands per year.

Sesame's biggest gap is the lack of structured lifestyle support. Ro includes weekly coaching. Hims offers basic nutrition guidance. Sesame leaves lifestyle changes entirely to the patient-provider relationship, which varies by clinician. If you need structured support alongside medication, Sesame is not the right fit.

Red Flags and Limitations

Sesame is a stronger platform than most telehealth weight loss services, but it has real limitations that reviews consistently identify.

Cancellation Friction

There is no self-service cancel button in the Sesame patient portal. Cancellation requires contacting customer support directly. Multiple reviewers on Trustpilot and BBB report being charged for additional months after requesting cancellation because the request was not processed in time.

How to protect yourself: Cancel in writing (email) with at least 72 hours before your next billing cycle. Save the confirmation email. If you signed up for the annual plan, understand that you are committed for 12 months.

Provider Quality Variability

Because Sesame is a marketplace connecting patients with independent providers, clinical quality varies. Some providers conduct thorough video consultations with detailed medical history review. Others rush through five-minute appointments and prescribe quickly.

Reddit reports highlight specific concerns: some providers prescribe aggressively without adequate lab review, while others are overly conservative and refuse to prescribe GLP-1s to patients who clearly meet clinical criteria.

How to mitigate this: Use Sesame's provider-choice feature. Read reviews. Check credentials. If your first provider is not a good fit, switch to another one without penalty. This flexibility is Sesame's safety net against inconsistent provider quality.

No Structured Nutrition or Coaching

Sesame does not offer dedicated nutrition coaching, meal planning, or behavioral therapy as part of its weight loss program. Providers give diet and exercise recommendations during consultations, but there is no structured program.

Research consistently shows that GLP-1 medications work best when combined with lifestyle changes. Patients who modify their diet and exercise habits alongside medication lose more weight and maintain it longer. The absence of structured support is a meaningful gap.

For patients who want to understand what dietary changes pair best with GLP-1 therapy, our guide on what to eat on tirzepatide covers evidence-based recommendations. For broader context on which peptides support weight loss, see our best peptides for weight loss guide.

Insurance Approval Is Not Guaranteed

Sesame markets its insurance navigation heavily. The $25/month medication price assumes successful prior authorization. In reality, many insurance plans exclude GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, cover only specific medications, or impose BMI thresholds that not all patients meet.

If your prior authorization is denied, you fall back to the uninsured pricing: $249 per month for compounded semaglutide or $349 per month for brand-name Wegovy through Costco Pharmacy. That price jump from $25 to $249 is significant.

Before signing up: Call your insurance company and ask specifically whether they cover Wegovy or Zepbound for weight management. Ask about prior authorization requirements. This five-minute call prevents the most common source of disappointment with Sesame's pricing promises.

Who Should Use Sesame Care for Weight Loss?

Sesame is a strong choice if you:

  • Have insurance that covers brand-name GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound)
  • Want to choose your own provider rather than being randomly assigned
  • Prefer transparent pricing with no medication markup
  • Want access to the widest range of medication options (14 prescriptions available)
  • Value live video consultations over asynchronous messaging
  • Need help with insurance prior authorization paperwork

Sesame is not ideal if you:

  • Are uninsured and want the simplest possible single-price billing
  • Need structured nutrition coaching or behavioral therapy alongside medication
  • Prefer a self-service platform where you can cancel and manage everything online
  • Want a dedicated weight loss app with tracking, meal plans, and community features
  • Are uncomfortable with a marketplace model where provider quality varies

The ideal Sesame patient has decent insurance, wants a specific provider, and is self-motivated enough to manage dietary changes independently. If that describes you, the total annual cost can be under $1,500, making Sesame one of the most affordable legitimate pathways to GLP-1 therapy.

For patients exploring their options more broadly, our guide on how to get semaglutide covers every legal pathway. For visual evidence of what these medications can achieve, see our semaglutide before and after and tirzepatide before and after galleries.

Verification Checklist Before Signing Up

Complete these steps before paying for a Sesame weight loss subscription.

Insurance Verification: 1. Call your insurer and confirm GLP-1 coverage for weight management (not just diabetes) 2. Ask which specific medications are covered (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro) 3. Ask about prior authorization requirements and typical approval timelines 4. Confirm your BMI meets the insurer's threshold for coverage

Provider Selection: 5. Browse Sesame's provider directory before signing up 6. Read at least 10 reviews for your chosen provider 7. Confirm the provider's monthly rate (some charge above Sesame's base price) 8. Check that the provider is licensed in your state

Billing Protection: 9. Screenshot the pricing page showing your subscription rate 10. Save the terms of service, especially the cancellation policy 11. Set a calendar reminder 5 days before your next billing cycle if you plan to cancel 12. Use a credit card (not debit) for easier dispute resolution if needed

Clinical Preparation: 13. Gather recent lab work (metabolic panel, A1C, thyroid function) if available 14. List all current medications, supplements, and medical conditions 15. Document your weight loss history and any previous medication trials 16. Prepare specific questions for your provider about dose escalation and side effect management

This checklist takes 30 minutes. It prevents the billing surprises, provider disappointments, and insurance denials that drive the majority of negative Sesame reviews.

How Sesame Handles the 2026 Regulatory Landscape

The telehealth weight loss market is shifting under regulatory pressure. Understanding how Sesame navigates these changes helps assess its long-term viability.

Compounded GLP-1 Oversight: The FDA issued warning letters to 30+ compounders in 2025, and the agency continues tightening oversight of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. Sesame's compounded semaglutide ships through its Costco Pharmacy partnership, which provides a layer of institutional oversight. However, compounded medications remain non-FDA-approved products, and the regulatory future is uncertain.

Insurance Navigation Advantage: As regulatory pressure mounts on compounded GLP-1s, Sesame's insurance-first model positions it better than competitors who rely entirely on compounded medications. If compounded semaglutide availability tightens further, Sesame patients with insurance coverage can transition seamlessly to brand-name alternatives. Competitors like Hims (which settled with Novo Nordisk in March 2026 and dropped compounded semaglutide) and MEDVi (which relies entirely on compounded formulations) face greater disruption risk.

Provider Accountability: Because providers on Sesame are independent practitioners with their own medical licenses, clinical accountability sits with the individual provider, not with Sesame the company. This is both a strength (providers make independent medical decisions) and a concern (Sesame has limited ability to enforce clinical standards across its marketplace).

For context on how the broader regulatory environment affects compounded peptide access, see our FDA peptide crackdown guide. If you are interested in understanding the cost landscape for tirzepatide with insurance, we cover that in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sesame Care legit for weight loss?

Sesame Care is a legitimate telehealth platform founded in 2018, backed by $90 million from Google Ventures, General Catalyst, and Virgin Group. It holds a BBB A- rating and a Trustpilot 4.5 out of 5 across 3,700+ reviews. Sesame is HIPAA-compliant and operates in all 50 states. The company connects patients with independently licensed providers who prescribe FDA-approved GLP-1 medications including Wegovy and Zepbound.

How much does Sesame Care weight loss cost per month?

The Success by Sesame subscription costs $59 per month with an annual commitment or $99 month-to-month. Medication is separate. With insurance, brand-name GLP-1s like Wegovy or Zepbound can cost as little as $25 per month after prior authorization. Without insurance, compounded semaglutide runs $249 per month through Costco Pharmacy, and brand-name Wegovy costs $349 per month. Use our semaglutide dosage calculator to estimate your specific dose and cost.

Does Sesame Care accept insurance for GLP-1 medications?

Sesame's providers handle insurance prior authorization for brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. If approved, medication costs can drop to $0 to $25 per month. However, the subscription fee ($59 to $99 per month) is not covered by insurance. Not all plans cover GLP-1s for weight loss, so verify with your insurer before signing up. For alternative ways to access these medications, see our guide on how to get semaglutide.

What is the difference between Sesame Care and Success by Sesame?

Sesame Care is the parent telehealth marketplace offering doctor visits, specialist consultations, and other healthcare services. Success by Sesame is the company's dedicated weight loss program, which includes a video consultation with a weight loss provider, lab work, unlimited messaging, and prescriptions for GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. The weight loss program is one product within the broader Sesame Care platform.

Can you still get Sesame weight loss through Costco?

Costco stopped offering the Success by Sesame weight loss program at a discounted membership rate in early 2025. However, Costco Pharmacy pricing for medications remains available to Costco members. This means Wegovy at $349 per month and compounded semaglutide at $249 per month through Costco Pharmacy are still accessible. The Sesame subscription itself ($59 to $99 per month) is available directly through sesamecare.com regardless of Costco membership. For a broader look at semaglutide pricing, see our cost guide.

How does Sesame Care compare to Hims for weight loss?

Sesame's total cost is 35% to 45% lower than Hims for insured patients because Sesame handles prior authorization for brand-name GLP-1s. Sesame lets you choose your provider; Hims assigns one. Sesame offers 14 medication options; Hims offers fewer. Hims bundles medication into one monthly price ($79 to $199), which is simpler. Hims provides basic nutrition coaching; Sesame does not. For uninsured patients, pricing is comparable. For the full range of weight loss medication options, see our where to buy tirzepatide guide.

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications from Sesame?

Side effects are medication-dependent, not platform-dependent. Common GLP-1 side effects include nausea (40 to 44% for semaglutide), diarrhea (29 to 30%), vomiting (24 to 25%), and constipation (21 to 24%). These are dose-dependent and typically improve within 4 to 8 weeks. Serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Your Sesame provider should titrate your dose slowly and monitor for adverse effects. For detailed management strategies, see our semaglutide nausea guide.

How do I cancel Sesame Care weight loss subscription?

Sesame does not offer a self-service cancel button. You must contact customer support directly to cancel. Submit your cancellation request in writing (email) at least 72 hours before your next billing cycle. Save the confirmation email. If you enrolled in the annual plan at $59 per month, you are committed for 12 months. Monthly plan subscribers at $99 per month can cancel anytime with adequate notice. Multiple Trustpilot reviewers report being charged after cancellation requests, so document everything.

Does Sesame Care prescribe compounded semaglutide?

Yes. Since October 2024, Sesame offers compounded semaglutide in all 50 states at $249 per month, which Sesame states is the pharmacy's production cost with no retail markup. Compounded semaglutide uses the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic but is not an FDA-approved product. For context on compounded medication safety, see our guide on whether compounded tirzepatide is safe.

Is Sesame Care better than MEDVi or Ro for weight loss?

It depends on your insurance status. With insurance, Sesame is the strongest option because of prior authorization support and brand-name medication access (total cost under $100 per month). Without insurance, MEDVi ($299 per month bundled) and Sesame ($308 per month subscription plus compounded med) are similar in total cost. Ro includes weekly coaching, which neither Sesame nor MEDVi offers. Sesame's unique advantage is provider choice. MEDVi's advantage is bundled simplicity. Ro's advantage is structured lifestyle support.

The Bottom Line

Sesame Care occupies a unique position in the telehealth weight loss market. It is the only major platform that separates subscription costs from medication costs, handles insurance prior authorization as a core feature, and lets patients choose their own provider. For insured patients, the total annual cost under $1,500 makes it one of the most affordable legitimate pathways to brand-name GLP-1 therapy.

The platform is not without friction. Cancellation requires contacting support directly. Provider quality varies across the marketplace. The marketing emphasizes best-case pricing ($25/month medication) that requires insurance approval not all patients will receive. And the absence of structured nutrition coaching means patients must manage lifestyle changes independently.

The review profile, 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot with 3,700+ reviews and a BBB A- rating, is among the strongest in telehealth weight loss. The negative reviews cluster around billing confusion and cancellation difficulty, not clinical care quality. That pattern suggests operational friction rather than fundamental problems with the service.

If you have insurance that covers GLP-1 medications, Sesame should be on your shortlist. The combination of provider choice, insurance navigation, and transparent pricing creates genuine value. If you are uninsured, the total cost is competitive but not dramatically cheaper than alternatives like MEDVi or Zealthy.

Complete the verification checklist before signing up. Confirm your insurance coverage. Choose your provider carefully. Set billing reminders. The patients who follow these steps report the best experiences.

For help calculating your specific dose, use our free semaglutide dosage calculator or tirzepatide dosage calculator. For a broader look at all available weight loss medications, see our best peptides for weight loss guide.

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