Costco Just Started Offering Ozempic & Other Weight Loss Services—Here's What to Know

Costco members can now subscribe to a weight loss program with clinical support and possible prescription medication options.

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Costco fans have grown to love the warehouse giant for its quality products and discounted prices. Following suit with many other large corporations, Costco is also expanding its services in specialized healthcare. Recently, the retailer announced a new partnership with the online healthcare marketplace Sesame that will allow members to access weight loss management services, including possible prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

What Does Costco's Plan Include?

Through the program, Costco members can subscribe to Sesame's weight loss management plan for a discounted rate of $179 for three months (or $60 per month). The subscription includes a live video consultation with a physician, counseling on diet and exercise, a medical background exam to create an individualized treatment plan and ongoing messaging support. Following this evaluation, the physician may prescribe weight loss medications if deemed appropriate.

While the subscription fee doesn’t cover the cost of any prescribed medications, Ozempic and Wegovy are among the drugs available through the program. Both drugs belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists which work by increasing insulin sensitivity (or how well your cells respond to insulin), reducing appetite and slowing the passage of food through the stomach (helping you feel satisfied for longer after a meal), which can lead to weight loss over time. That said, it’s worth noting that Ozempic is only approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes, though it has shown to help with weight loss.

Related: What to Eat & Drink When Taking Weight-Loss Medications

Another important consideration is that even if healthcare providers prescribe these medications, patients might face challenges when trying to fill their prescriptions. Pharmacies nationwide have reported shortages of these drugs amidst increased consumer demand. ​​Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, stated earlier this year that it's trying to increase supply. But, semaglutide—the primary ingredient in both prescriptions—is still identified on a list of drug shortages by the FDA.

Though it might sound appealing to have a "magic pill" prescription, weight loss medications aren't suitable for everyone. Plus, they may have significant side effects and safety concerns, ranging from nausea and gastrointestinal changes to nutrient deficiencies, heart problems and cancer. While they may offer weight loss support in the right circumstances, they're not a one-to-one replacement for healthy habits. Luckily, realistic and science-backed goal-setting, regular movement and balanced nutrition will always be reliable options for better health.

The Bottom Line

Costco’s new weight management program provides an option for members seeking weight loss support, but it's important to approach it with caution. As with any medical treatment, it’s essential to understand all of the considerations associated with these medications before diving in. And it should go without saying, but being transparent with your medical history, practicing open communication and adhering to clinician protocol are necessary for your overall success and well-being. Always talk to your doctor and healthcare team before trying something new.

Read the original article on Eating Well.