the point above about downstream cost savings is important and often overlooked. I've been collecting self-reported data from about 200 community members, and the average person reports:

• Dropping 1.3 other medications within 12 months of starting a GLP-1
• Average monthly savings on other meds: $67/month
• Reduction in doctor visits: 2.1 fewer per year

When you factor in total healthcare cost reductions, the NET cost of GLP-1 therapy is significantly lower than the sticker price. This is the argument insurers should be making to themselves, honestly.

Incredible data from everyone. I'm going to compile all of this into a comprehensive spreadsheet and share it with the community. The bottom line seems to be:

The "right" option depends entirely on your insurance situation, and the cost gap between best-case (Kaiser at $35/mo) and worst-case (brand retail at $1,349/mo) is absolutely massive. The compounding option provides a critical middle path that makes this medication class accessible to people who would otherwise be priced out entirely.

Going to do a follow-up post at the 24-month mark with updated data. Thanks everyone for contributing your numbers!