- Monthly GLP-1 costs will drop to $350 or less under TrumpRx starting in 2026.
- Medicare patients may pay as little as $50/month for Wegovy and Zepbound.
- GLP-1 drugs are one part of a healthy lifestyle, not a quick fix for weight loss.
The Trump Administration has just announced price agreements with pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly that will make some GLP-1s more affordable for Americans, including people enrolled in Medicare. The increased accessibility of these drugs, like Ozempic, may see further downward shifts in adult obesity rates. Here’s what to know.
According to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, adult obesity rates have gradually declined after peaking at 39.9% in 2022. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved some forms of GLP-1s for treating type 2 diabetes in 2005, its more recent approval as a weight loss drug, coupled with its increasing popularity, draws probable correlations between the drug and Gallup’s obesity rate findings.
This second round of negotiations under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act will slash prices on several semaglutides in an effort to help adults struggling with diabetes, heart disease and obesity—semaglutides are a type of GLP-1 drug.
This agreement leaves room for the possibility of including oral GLP-1s, such as Ryblesus and an anticipated Wegovy pill. Rybelus was also recently approved by the FDA for managing cardiovascular health—an advancement that healthcare providers say makes the semaglutide available to a wider range of patients, including those with an aversion to needles.
Cost reductions are expected to go into effect as early as mid-2026, creating significantly lower prices for both people paying fully out of pocket and those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. “The prices of Ozempic and Wegovy will fall from $1,000 and $1,350 per month, respectively, to $350 when purchased through TrumpRx,” the White House shared this week.
TrumpRx, a new website, will debut in January 2026 to connect patients directly with prescription providers offering the best price. Patients enrolled in Medicare who are diagnosed with obesity and related comorbidities will have a co-pay of $50 per month for Wegovy and Zepbound.
According to a White House statement, the Trump administration sees this historic agreement as an opportunity to “reverse the obesity epidemic and associated chronic disease crisis when coupled with lifestyle changes to preserve and improve health gains long-term.” EatingWell senior nutrition editor, Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, offers expert insights for those interested in taking a GLP-1 for weight loss.
“Many providers use BMI plus another risk factor—such as a chronic disease diagnosis—to determine whether people are eligible for a prescription. It’s important to remember that weight loss itself may not inherently make you healthier, and these medications are meant to be one tool as part of an overall healthy lifestyle,” explains Ball.
Ball also says that appetite change is a common symptom of GLP-1 medications, especially when beginning treatment or changing doses. “It’s important to prioritize protein and nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy to help people meet their needs even if they’re eating less,” says Ball. “Also, digestive symptoms like constipation are common side effects of taking a GLP-1 medication, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated and discuss any symptoms you’re having with your healthcare team.”
These popular weight loss drugs aren’t a general solution for everyone and may cause different effects for each person, so it’s also important to discuss your medical history and health goals with a healthcare provider before beginning treatment. Whether you decide to go forward with taking a GLP-1 for weight loss or not, remember that making healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a balanced diet and staying active, will play a large role in your individual progress.
