Members Are Racing to Join Costco's New Weight Loss Program—Here's Everything You Need to Know About It
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Costco loyalists have yet another reason to love the wholesale club: Costco's weight loss program.
Costco shoppers already know that their pharmacy prices are some of the lowest around for a lot of medications, and now members may be able to get weight loss medications through Costco as well. Costco launched a partnership with Sesame, a telemedicine company, that will let members connect with weight loss physicians nationwide and develop a program tailored to them—including, if applicable and recommended, Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs.
Here's everything you need to know about Costco's new weight loss program.
Related: Top Foods to Limit If You're Taking Ozempic or Weight Loss Medications
What's Included in Costco's New Weight Loss Program?
Costco and Sesame’s weight loss program is a three-month subscription that includes:
A video consultation with a weight loss doctor or specialist of your choice from a list of participating providers (which you can even filter by languages, including English, Arabic, Filipino, French, Hindi, Spanish and Tagalog)
GLP-1 or other weight loss prescription (as recommended by your program physician) and insurance coordination for your prescription
Unlimited messaging with your chosen provider
Nutrition guidance
Exercise guidance
Lab order (if needed)
The subscription does not include the cost of a lab order or your medication if it's prescribed to you. So make sure you know you'll be expected to pay, especially if you don't have insurance because weight loss medication is expensive.
Related: The Unexpected Benefit of Weight Loss Drugs
How Much Does Costco's New Weight Loss Program Cost?
A three-month subscription for Costco and Sesame's weight loss program costs $179. Without a Costco membership, a Sesame weight loss program will set you back $195 per month.
Related: Celebrities Who've Used Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Medications
How Does Costco's New Weight Loss Program Work?
You'll begin with a video consultation with your provider of choice, in which you'll discuss your weight history and goals. Your provider will help you develop a treatment plan and, if necessary, prescribe you medication to help you lose weight.
If a prescription is necessary, your provider will send your prescription to your pharmacy, and you can begin your treatment plan ASAP.
You'll be able to continually message your provider with progress updates, questions and concerns. Your provider can also update and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Related: The Best Exercise for People on Ozempic, According to Obesity Doctors
Who Is Eligible for Costco's Weight Loss Program?
Anyone who's not satisfied with their weight loss progress through diet and exercise alone can participate in Costco's weight loss program, but not everyone will get a prescription through it.
Sesame's website notes, "Ideal candidates often include those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol."
Whether you get a prescription for weight loss medication will depend on other factors, including your personal health history, and is up to your provider's discretion.
Related: How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose on Ozempic?
What Weight Loss Medications Are Included In Costco's Weight Loss Program?
Costco and Sesame's weight loss program offers, as needed and recommended by your provider, the following weight loss medications:
Naltrexone/bupropion
Ondansetron
Orlistat
Rybelsus
Saxenda
Wegovy
Your prescription may vary according to your personal needs and your physician's recommendations, and not all medications are available all the time. There's no one-size-fits-all solution.
The cost for these medications can be astronomical without insurance (we're talking $950 to $1,600 per month), so make sure you know whether or not your insurer will cover your prescription. This is especially crucial since, as of now, there are no generic or low-cost alternative versions of any of these drugs.
Related: Ozempic Vs. Wegovy Vs. Mounjaro: What's the Difference?
How Long Does the Costco Weight Loss Program Last?
Subscriptions are for three-month increments. After the first three months, you'll have an option to renew.
Does Costco's Weight Loss Program Accept Insurance?
Unfortunately, no. Sesame doesn't accept insurance, but if you're given a prescription, that may be covered by your insurance plan. You also have the option to pay for the Costco weight loss program through a flex spending account (FSA) or health spending account (HSA).
