Is pharmaceutical waste management worth the cost? Efficiency, expenses, and realistic expectations

The short answer: Weight loss medications are an investment, but in clinical trials, they produce an average weight loss of 15–21%, which is significantly higher than lifestyle changes alone. Whether the price is worth the investment depends on your health risks and the level of support you want throughout the process.

The cost of weight loss medication is the most commonly cited barrier for those considering starting treatment. In our customer satisfaction survey, 40% of customers mentioned price as a barrier before starting—more than any other factor. This is understandable: weight loss medication is a significant expense, and you want to know if it pays off. In this article, we take an honest look at what weight loss medication costs, what the clinical benefits are, and how to make your decision.

Why price is the biggest barrier

Price weighs more heavily than any other doubt before people begin treatment. In our customer satisfaction survey, 40% of customers cited price as a barrier, more than the "excitement of starting online" (36%) or concerns about safety (31%). Even after starting treatment, price is a recurring topic: a small portion of customers spontaneously mention costs as an area for improvement in open-ended responses.

Yet, a large proportion of customers are so satisfied in hindsight that they would recommend Goodweigh to someone in a similar situation. The question, therefore, is not whether price matters—because it does—but whether the investment is proportional to what you get in return.

What weight loss medications cost and why

The cost structure of a medical weight loss program generally consists of three parts: the medication itself, medical monitoring, and delivery. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are patented substances that are relatively expensive to manufacture, which is reflected in the price. In addition, you are paying for ongoing monitoring by a healthcare professional, which is necessary to track dosage and side effects. A review of different weight loss medications shows that the active ingredient and the method of administration vary by medication, which also affects the price.

In the Netherlands, these medications are not reimbursed for weight management; through basic insurance, coverage applies only to type 2 diabetes in specific situations. An Irish study on the managed use program for liraglutide shows how healthcare systems are struggling with the question of when and for whom GLP-1 medications should be reimbursed—a discussion that is current in almost every European country.

Alternative methods for weight loss also require time and money. A dietitian's program often lasts for months or even years, a gym membership is an ongoing cost, and bariatric surgery is sometimes covered, but it is a more invasive and irreversible procedure. None of these options are free; the question is always about the value you get for your money.

What are the benefits: clinical data

Clinical data is the foundation for weighing price against results. According to the STEP 1 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, weekly semaglutide leads to an average weight loss of approximately 15% over 68 weeks. The SURMOUNT-1 study, also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that tirzepatide leads to an average weight loss of 20.9% over 72 weeks.

For comparison: lifestyle changes alone, such as changes in diet and exercise without medication, produce a more modest result on average in the long term. A comparative review published in Current Obesity Reports shows that lifestyle changes alone typically produce a 5–10% weight loss, while medical treatment achieves 15% or more. These are averages, and individual results vary, but this difference in the magnitude of the effect is exactly what you are paying for.

What about those who choose based on price?

Customers who choose primarily based on price are generally satisfied in hindsight, although our research shows that customers who chose based on reliability or guidance are slightly more clearly satisfied. This difference speaks primarily to managing expectations.

Someone who knows in advance that the treatment path requires time, patience, and guidance starts with realistic expectations, which are confirmed in hindsight. This does not mean that choosing based on price is the wrong choice, but rather that it is useful to familiarize yourself in advance with what the guidance entails. Anyone who familiarizes themselves with the principles of the Goodweigh treatment path starts with a more realistic picture of what is to come.

The illegal route: a real risk

A lower price sounds tempting, but the illegal route to GLP-1 medications carries risks that aren't worth the savings. Online, semaglutide and similar drugs are offered outside official channels—without a prescription, without a medical examination, and with no guarantee of authenticity or correct dosage.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research on semaglutide products sold online without a prescription revealed that their actual purity deviated significantly from what was claimed: the active ingredient content was only 7.7–14.37% of the claimed 99%. Some products were also found to contain endotoxins. Furthermore, without medical supervision, there is a danger that side effects will not be detected in time.

The broader costs of being overweight

In addition to the cost of treatment, you must also consider the cost of not seeking treatment. Being overweight is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, joint problems, and mental health issues. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that the economic costs of obesity are rising significantly worldwide due to healthcare expenses and loss of productivity.

This is not meant to induce guilt, but rather to provide useful context for your decision. According to the Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas, medical guidance during weight management medication is essential precisely because effects and side effects vary from person to person, and this guidance influences the value you get for your money.

How do you make your decision?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few questions can help you make your choice. How long have you been trying to lose weight using other methods, and what results have you achieved? What are the health risks associated with your current weight? What kind of medical guidance do you want during the process, and what is the cost to you of staying as you are?

Do you want to know what the Goodweigh program includes and what it entails? Check out the costs of a medical weight loss program or read more about the Goodweigh weight loss program. If you are still unsure, start with an initial assessment and find out, with no obligation, whether the program is right for your situation.