GLP-1 costs, risks, side effects, and the secret for sustaining weight loss

Protecting muscle is a critical weight loss goal

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are helping millions of people lose weight. If you are using one of these drugs, or considering them, you already know how effective they can be.

But if you are wondering about the cost, the side effects, or the long-term risks, you are not alone. These are some of the most common questions people ask before deciding if GLP-1 medications are right for them.

The truth is, GLP-1s work. But the price goes beyond the pharmacy bill. And while they can help the number on the scale drop, they do not guarantee lasting success unless you take steps to protect your muscle and strength. That missing piece is structured movement. It is what helps weight loss become sustainable, safe, and long term.

How much do GLP-1s cost?

The cost of GLP-1 medications is one of the biggest factors people consider. What you pay depends on your insurance coverage and why the medication is prescribed. Here are the most common scenarios:

• If you have diabetes coverage: Many insurance plans cover Ozempic or Mounjaro when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. In this case, you may only pay a typical prescription copay, which could range from $25 to $100 per month, depending on your plan.
• If you have weight-loss coverage: Some plans now cover Wegovy or other GLP-1s for weight loss, but often with restrictions. You may need to meet certain BMI requirements or show that you have a weight-related health condition. If approved, you might pay a copay or a coinsurance percentage of the medication’s cost. For many, this can be $100 to $300 per month.
• If your plan excludes weight-loss coverage: Without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is steep. GLP-1s often cost between $900 and $1,400 per month, or up to $12,000 per year.¹

If you are unsure whether you are covered, the best step is to call your insurance provider directly. Ask if GLP-1s are covered for weight loss under your plan, and whether there are requirements like prior authorization or BMI criteria. You can also check if the manufacturer offers savings cards or patient assistance programs, which can help lower the cost if you qualify.

No matter how you pay, it is important to remember that GLP-1s are often a long-term commitment. Stopping suddenly increases the risk of regaining weight.² That is why pairing them with healthy habits is so important.

What are the side effects of GLP-1s?

Most people know that GLP-1s can cause side effects, but the experience is different for everyone. Here is what you need to know:

Common side effects: the most frequent issues are gastrointestinal and usually happen when you first start:

• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Headaches
• Fatigue

These side effects often improve after the first few weeks as your body adjusts.³ Many doctors recommend starting on a lower dose and slowly increasing it to reduce the risk. Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat or greasy foods, and staying hydrated can also make symptoms more manageable.

Less common but possible side effects: some people experience heartburn, dizziness, or gallbladder issues. These are less frequent but worth discussing with your doctor if they occur.

Rare but serious risks: in very rare cases, GLP-1s have been linked to pancreatitis or thyroid tumors in animal studies. These risks are low, but it is important to review your health history with your doctor before starting treatment.

The reassuring news: most people tolerate GLP-1s well enough to continue treatment, especially once the initial adjustment period is over. And for many, the benefits of weight loss and improved blood sugar outweigh the side effects. Still, knowing how to manage symptoms makes the process easier and helps you stay on track.

What GLP-1 risks do you need to consider before starting?

Beyond side effects, there are longer-term risks to think about. The most important is muscle loss.

Research shows that 20 to 50 percent of the weight lost on GLP-1s may come from lean mass, including muscle.⁴Losing muscle makes your metabolism slower, weakens your body, and increases your risk of falls or injuries. And if you ever stop taking GLP-1s, it becomes easier to regain fat instead of keeping your results. In fact, many people regain much of the weight they lost within a year of stopping medication.²

That is why protecting your muscle is the number one factor for lasting success on GLP-1s.

The missing piece for lasting GLP-1 weight loss is movement

Medication alone cannot preserve your muscle or keep you strong. The key is adding structured movement.

The right kind of activity helps you prevent lean muscle mass loss and develops the regular physical activity habits you need for safe and sustained weight loss long after you finish your GLP-1 prescription:

• Protect your muscle and metabolism
• Stay strong and mobile in daily life
• Reduce the risk of pain, falls, and injuries
• Build habits that keep weight off long term

Think of it this way: GLP-1s help bring the weight down. Movement makes sure that weight is mostly fat, not the muscle you need to stay healthy.

Sword Move makes protecting muscle simple

Move is Sword Health’s digital program that helps people on GLP-1s protect muscle and strength with ease. Move is designed to allow you to work on your program from the comfort of home at any time that suits your schedule.

Unlike wellness coaches, personal trainers, or fitness apps – Move provides personalized, clinically-guided activity movement programs tailored to each member’s needs and goals.

All Sword Move members receive the following guidance and support:

• A dedicated Physical Health Specialist that carries a Doctor in Physical Therapy for one-on-one support
• This DPT develops a personalized movement plan baked on each individual’s gaols, that evolves as the member progresses and strength and stamina improves
• Move members receive a complimentary Move wearable, or Move also offers a seamless integration with Apple Watches and Fitbits
• Real-time tracking means you can see progress with daily, weekly, and monthly views, displayed in the Sword app
• Quick check-ins keep you accountable and help to troubleshoot any questions or adapt your program based on any required changes

This combination of expert guidance and smart technology means Move members can safely and confidently build muscle-preserving activity into their daily routines. The program adapts to different lifestyles, whether someone is just starting out, returning from inactivity, or using GLP-1s as part of a weight loss plan. By making activity easy and accessible, Move helps turn short-term weight loss into long-term health improvement.

Move is covered by health plans of many top insurers and employers across the US (and expanding into many other countries worldwide). You can check your eligibility now to see if Move is already included for you at no additional cost.

Real weight loss results from Move members 

Members who start with Move often begin from inactivity and quickly see progress:

• 69% of inactive members became active or healthy active within 10 weeks
• Members complete an average of 4.5 guided sessions per week
• Sedentary time dropped by more than an hour each day
• 91% report feeling moderately or much better⁵

For people using GLP-1s, this means weight loss that lasts because you are building strength and protecting your health at the same time.

Lose weight and build strength from the comfort of home

GLP-1s can help you reach your weight loss goals. But without movement, you risk losing muscle, feeling weaker, and regaining weight later.

Starting structured movement now helps you protect your strength, reduce pain, and make your results last. With Sword Move, you have expert guidance and a plan that is simple, flexible, and built for you. Check your eligibility now. Sword’s Move program may already be covered in your health plan at no cost to you.

FAQ: Preventing muscle loss during weight loss

Is it normal to lose muscle while losing weight?

Yes, especially without movement or adequate nutrition. But with the right plan, it can be prevented.

Do GLP-1 medications make muscle loss worse?

They can. Without structured movement, up to 39% of lean muscle mass may be lost during treatment¹.

What’s the fastest way to protect muscle?

Start moving. Resistance training and consistent activity are the most effective strategies available.