Are GLP-1 Shots Worth It?The Real Monthly Cost vs. a Structure-Based Wellness Plan

Let’s talk numbers and truth. All of the resources are cited at the bottom of this blog post for reference. Please do your own research too.

GLP‑1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are becoming mainstream for weight loss — especially on social media.

But what’s rarely talked about is the actual cost, dependency, and long-term implications for women who are simply trying to feel better in their bodies.

As a certified trainer and nutritionist, I feel a responsibility to give you the facts — not just trends. Because what’s happening online right now is alarming.

The Monthly Price Tag (U.S. Estimates)

• Ozempic: $900–$1,200 per month

• Wegovy: $1,300–$1,500 per month

• Mounjaro: $1,000–$1,400 per month

• Compounded versions (non-FDA approved): $250–$600 per month

With insurance or discount cards, some can pay as little as $25–$300/month.

But that’s not the norm, and many women are paying out-of-pocket just to feel in control again.

In other countries, these same injections can cost under $200/month — a major contrast.

The Real Cost Isn’t Just Financial

The physical and emotional side effects of GLP-1s — especially without proper medical supervision — can be significant.

And yet… the internet is flooded with influencers pushing these meds without transparency.

What you’re not seeing are the disclaimers, the long-term dependency, or the fact that many regain the weight the moment they stop taking the shots. (i'm going by the research done by professionals in their field)

And here’s where I draw the line....keep reading.....

I recently watched a video (see below) that exposed just how deceptive this has become in the online wellness world — especially among fitness and nutrition influencers who have massive platforms.

It was disturbing. I'm coming from a certified nutritionist lens so I'm not happy about the lies being told on social platforms. It's just frustrating.

It was misleading.

And it’s giving certified professionals like myself — who build real, structured programs — a bad name.

I have worked with clients who came to me after damaging experiences with programs like Optavia. Ya'll already know my feelings on OPTAVIA from earlier blogs. Many were left metabolically damaged and mentally defeated.

That kind of quick-fix diet culture is harmful, in my personal and professional opinion.

It is not sustainable.

It is not safe for everyone.

And it is not what I stand for.

Structure vs. Shortcuts and my sources

When you look at the numbers, there’s no comparison:

• $1,200/month for an injection vs.

• $19 one-time investment in a structure-based reset or program/plan like DARE TO SAY NO

The difference? (be sure you get trained and educated by a qualified professional with up to date credentials)

One is a temporary override of your appetite.

The other teaches you how to build boundaries, protect your energy, and stop quitting on yourself.

sources.

1. Novo Nordisk Official PricingReported on by The Washington Post and Reuters — confirms retail list price of Wegovy around $1,349/month, with discounts as low as $499/month for cash-paying U.S. customers through NovoCare.

2. GoodRx and Drugs.comLists Ozempic (semaglutide) at a retail average of $997.58/month in the U.S., with potential savings via savings cards for some patients down to $25/month (with insurance and eligibility).

3. The Wall Street JournalReported on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) costing around $1,023 to $1,200/month without insurance. Zepbound, the weight-loss approved version, is priced similarly but has promotional self-pay options.

4. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF Health News)Offers price comparisons between the U.S. and countries like Germany, Australia, and the U.K., showing GLP‑1 meds priced 5–10x cheaper internationally (e.g., Wegovy ~$103/month in Germany vs. $1,349/month in the U.S.).

5. Bloomberg HealthConfirms a surge in GLP-1 demand, noting compounded versions (unregulated) range from $250–$600/month in private wellness clinics, raising regulatory concerns.

6. Healthline and Mayo ClinicProvide clear, fact-based breakdowns of side effects, long-term dependency risks, and the importance of medical supervision with GLP‑1 usage.

Final Thoughts

This post isn’t anti-medication.

It’s pro-education, pro-truth, and pro-self-respect.

If you choose to go the GLP-1 route, I respect your decision — but please do it under real medical guidance, not Instagram advice.

And if you’re tired of feeling like structure is always out of reach?

You don’t need to inject change.

You can build it — one decision, one boundary, one bold "no" at a time.

I’ll be sharing more thoughts on the video I mentioned (sharing video below) inside the podcast and on socials this week.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online — you’re not alone.

Let’s bring it back to structure, standards, and self-respect.

this is just for educational and entertainment purposes only. i do not know this youtube creator.

---

—Heather NewmanCertified Trainer | Nutritionist | Creator of GlitterU®

Host of the #GetUnstuckPodcast

Structure is self-respect™

---

Sources Referenced in This Article

• The Washington Post

• Reuters Health

• GoodRx

• Drugs.com

• Wall Street Journal

• KFF Health News

• Bloomberg Health

• Healthline

• Mayo Clinic