Methodology
The Value Score, explained
Every GLP-1 program on this site earns a Value Score out of 100 on the same six weighted factors — led by the price you really pay and whether that price is honest. We apply the identical rubric to every program, and you should assume any provider we list may compensate us. A score is our editorial judgment, built from each program's public pricing and our checks; it is never sold — the standards that judgment is held to are set out in our editorial policy, and who we are and how this site makes money is on the about page.
The six factors
1. Lowest Real Price
35%The price you actually pay for a working dose — the ongoing monthly rate after any intro month, not the flashiest headline. The single heaviest factor, because this is a deals site.
2. No Teaser-Rate Bait
20%Whether the price is honest: no $99 first month that silently triples, no hidden membership, lab or consult fees bolted on. Flat, step-up-free pricing scores highest; opaque or lock-in pricing gets flagged.
3. Both Molecules
13%Whether you can get both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide (and any oral/sublingual route) — a program that hides or omits one molecule's price can't be fully deal-checked.
4. Nationwide Availability
12%How many states the program actually serves. A great price you can't buy where you live isn't a deal — all-50 coverage scores highest; undisclosed state lists are marked down.
5. Easy Cancellation
12%How easily you can pause, switch or quit — and whether the low price is tied to a contract, auto-ship, or coaching subscription you can't unbundle. Lock-in is a hidden cost.
6. Reputation
8%Track record, transparency and how established the operator is. A rock-bottom price from an unverifiable seller isn't a bargain — it's a risk.
The savings math
The “% vs brand-name” figure on every deal card compares a program's lowest disclosed monthly price against a ~$1,349/mo brand-name cash reference (Wegovy's published U.S. list/cash price). It's a rough, apples-to-oranges comparison — compounded vs. FDA-approved brand — meant to show scale, not a precise quote. Where a program won't publish a price up front, we mark it “not shown” rather than guess.
The same scored roster is cut several ways for several different shoppers — cheapest overall, cheapest without insurance, cheapest per molecule, cheapest oral route. All of them start from our guide to the GLP-1 price rankings, which explains which ranking answers which question.
How we stay honest
- The real price, not the ad price. We score the ongoing rate after month one, so a teaser first month can't buy a program a fake bargain ranking.
- Same rubric for everyone. Every program is graded on identical factors. Assume any provider we list may compensate us — it never adjusts a Value Score.
- We flag the traps. Programs with step-ups, opaque pricing or lock-in are marked “pricing to watch” — even when they're cheap on the sticker.
- We re-check. Telehealth pricing changes constantly — entries are dated and re-verified, and you should confirm current pricing on the program's own site before deciding.
This page is editorial information, not medical advice. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting any weight-management medication. See our affiliate disclosure and medical disclaimer.