The Complete GLP-1 Decision Matrix: Every Drug, Format, and Program Ranked (Mid-2026 Edition)
Prices verified May 2026 · Updated for mid-2026
Every GLP-1 Option in One Place
The GLP-1 market in mid-2026 has more options than any point in history. This matrix compares every available medication across the dimensions that actually matter for patients making a decision.
The Medication Matrix
| Medication | Type | Format | Avg. Weight Loss | FDA Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | GLP-1 | Weekly injection | ~15% | ✅ Approved |
| Oral Wegovy | GLP-1 | Daily pill (fasting req) | ~15% | ✅ Approved |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | GLP-1/GIP | Weekly injection | ~21% | ✅ Approved |
| Foundayo (orforglipron) | GLP-1 | Daily pill (no restrictions) | ~12.4% | ✅ Approved (Apr 2026) |
| Compounded semaglutide | GLP-1 | Injectable (vial) | ~15% (same molecule) | ❌ Not FDA-approved product |
| Compounded tirzepatide | GLP-1/GIP | Injectable (vial) | ~21% (same molecule) | ❌ Not FDA-approved product |
| Compounded oral (troches/drops) | GLP-1 | Sublingual/buccal | Unknown | ❌ Not FDA-approved, unproven bioavail. |
The Cost Matrix
| Access Path | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Bridge (brand) | $50 | Medicare beneficiaries (Jul 2026–Dec 2027) |
| Insurance + savings card | $0–$25 | Commercially insured with formulary coverage |
| GobyMeds (compounded) | $99 | Cash-pay patients seeking lowest all-in price |
| Embody (compounded) | $149–$299 | Cash-pay patients wanting clinical support |
| Gala (compounded) | $179 flat | Patients wanting dose-independent pricing |
| LillyDirect (brand cash) | $349–$699 | Patients wanting brand without insurance |
| NovoCare (brand cash) | $349–$500 | Patients wanting brand without insurance |
| Retail (no program) | $800–$1,349 | Nobody should pay this |
The Convenience Matrix
| Factor | Injectable | Foundayo | Oral Wegovy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly | Daily | Daily |
| Needles | Yes | No | No |
| Cold storage | Yes | No | No |
| Food restrictions | None | None | 30-min fast |
| Water restrictions | None | None | ≤ 4 oz |
| Travel-friendly | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
Our Scoring: Overall Rankings
| Rank | Option | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zepbound (injectable tirzepatide) | 9.2/10 | Highest efficacy, dual mechanism, strong safety data |
| 2 | Wegovy (injectable semaglutide) | 8.8/10 | Proven CV benefits, longest track record, multiple formats |
| 3 | Oral Wegovy | 8.2/10 | Strong efficacy in a pill, but strict dosing protocol |
| 4 | Foundayo | 8.0/10 | Best convenience, moderate efficacy, new (less data) |
| 5 | Compounded injectable sema | 7.8/10 | Same molecule as #2, proven delivery route, 60–80% cheaper |
| 6 | Compounded injectable tirz | 7.5/10 | Same molecule as #1, but less available and costlier than compounded sema |
Methodology note: Rankings weight efficacy (30%), safety data depth (20%), cost accessibility (20%), convenience (15%), and availability (15%). Full methodology at compareglp-1.com/methodology.
Top Providers Across Categories
Sesame Care
From $29/visit
Brand-name access: Foundayo, Wegovy, Zepbound. From $29/visit.
Compare →Paid link · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved
Embody
$149 first month
Best compounded value with clinical support. $149 first month.
Compare →Paid link · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved
GobyMeds
$99/mo
Lowest all-in compounded price. $99/mo semaglutide. LegitScript certified.
Compare →Paid link · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved
Yucca Health
From $146/mo
Best multi-month plans. Sema from $146/mo on 6-month plans.
Compare →Paid link · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved
This matrix will be updated quarterly as new medications, programs, and pricing changes emerge. Bookmark it and come back.
Compare All 26 Providers
Side-by-side pricing, formats, and what's included.
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