LifeMD vs. Sesame: How Do They Compare?
LifeMD and Sesame are telehealth platforms that provide patients with access to weight loss medications from the comfort of their homes. Each telehealth platform has a unique approach to weight management treatment and care depending on your lifestyle, needs, and more.
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Key Similarities Between LifeMD and Sesame
LifeMD and Sesame offer access to GLP-1 medications. GLP-1s are injectable medications that mimic natural hormones in the body to regulate digestion and appetite. Both telehealth platforms offer weight loss medication that can be shipped directly to your front door.
LifeMD Weight Loss Medications
LifeMD weight loss medications
LifeMD offers access to GLP-1 medications to help qualifying patients achieve their weight loss goals. Combined with clinical oversight, metabolic testing, and ongoing support from licensed healthcare providers, GLP-1 medications can help patients lose 15-20% of their body weight.
GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. This helps you feel fuller for longer, curb cravings, and support steady weight loss. Here are some of the GLP-1s LifeMD offers:
FDA-approved for weight management
Wegovy®: With the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy is a FDA-approved weight loss medication that helps control appetite and support long-term weight management. Wegovy is available as a weekly injection (Wegovy pen) and as a daily pill (Wegovy pill).
Zepbound®: Zepbound is an FDA-approved weight loss medication that contains tirzepatide to help regulate appetite and support weight management. Zepbound is available in two forms: vials and pens. The Zepbound vial is a single-dose option for self-pay patients without insurance coverage, shipped directly to their door. The Zepbound pen contains the same medication in a prefilled, ready-to-use format. Just like the pricing model, the dosage options differ between the vial and pen, offering flexibility depending on the patient's needs.
Saxenda®: Saxenda is an FDA-approved weight loss medication that contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps control appetite and support weight management.
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
Ozempic®: Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Because excess weight is closely linked to insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation, weight loss can play a meaningful role in managing and improving type 2 diabetes outcomes. Ozempic may be prescribed off-label to support weight loss as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Mounjaro®: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved medication to treat type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity and help patients better manage their blood sugar levels. Mounjaro may be prescribed off-label to support weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
These medications are designed for individuals with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. While all are effective, the best choice for you may depend on factors like potential side effects, cost, and accessibility. A licensed healthcare provider can help determine which option is right for your needs.
Alternative options
As part of the LifeMD Weight Management Program, LifeMD offers an all-inclusive Triple Therapy plan. It combines three effective oral medications – metformin, bupropion, and topiramate – to support weight loss through multiple pathways.
Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar, which may reduce fat storage and appetite.
Bupropion influences neurotransmitters that control cravings, energy levels, and mood, helping people stay motivated and make healthier choices.
Topiramate further suppresses appetite, enhances satiety, and can even reduce cravings for high-calorie foods.
Together, these medications create a comprehensive approach designed to support long-term weight management. It should be noted that these medications cannot be prescribed or used in combination with any GLP-1 medications.
Sesame Weight Loss Medications
Medications from Sesame are pre-measured syringes for weight loss injections. After meeting with a Sesame-affiliated healthcare provider, they assess your health and weight loss goals before prescribing one of the following medications:
Zepbound pen (tirzepatide)
Zepbound vial (tirzepatide)
Wegovy pill (semaglutide)
Wegovy pen (semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Generic liraglutide
Victoza (liraglutide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Byetta (exenatide)
LifeMD Weight Loss Process
When you sign up for the LifeMD Weight Management Program, the first step is filling out the LifeMD medical intake form. This form helps LifeMD-affiliated healthcare providers know more about your weight loss goals and what medications may work the best for you. The form will also ask about your medical background and current health conditions.
You will also be asked for a valid form of photo identification and provide insurance details (if applicable) before receiving a prescription. After filling out the form, you can virtually meet with a LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider. From there, a licensed healthcare provider will assess the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
The LifeMD care team will also run a benefits check to determine if your insurance will cover all or part of the cost of the medication. If the medication isn’t covered, they can present alternative options such as cash-pay branded GLP-1 medication, a compounded formulation, or a non-GLP-1 option.
Other factors, like BMI, may also play a role in whether a healthcare provider recommends lab testing. Keep in mind that BMI is not always the most accurate metric for what a healthy weight may look like. A healthy weight is also dependent on your body type. A LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can further assess what obesity looks like for you through additional tests and metrics, in addition to BMI.
Body mass index (BMI) ranges between 27-30 are more likely to require lab work. Fortunately, Quest or Labcorp-provided lab work is included in the cost of the program. You can also purchase an at-home kit within the app to complete testing.
If a patient opts for the Triple Therapy Program instead, lab work will always be required before receiving the second round of treatment. While results may vary, LifeMD patients can expect to lose up to 20% of their body weight with GLP-1 treatment. Health experts at LifeMD can also help with following a reduced calorie diet and increase physical activity while taking GLP-1s to maintain weight loss results.
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Sesame Weight Loss Process
Sesame commits to providing accessible weight loss medication to those who are uninsured or have high-deductible plans. To get started with Sesame, patients are first required to answer a questionnaire to help experts learn more about a patient’s weight loss goals, medical history, and more.
The next steps include having a video call with a Sesame healthcare provider to discuss more about a treatment plan for you and order lab tests if needed. Qualifying patients can then receive medications directly to their doorstep or at a preferred pharmacy.
Sesame tracks progress on a 3-month cycle. Patients are expected to lose around 5% of their weight every three months. However, results may vary for each patient. With Sesame, the goal is to stay consistent with the same healthcare provider throughout treatment.
LifeMD Weight Management Program Costs
The price of GLP-1 medications is separate from the cost of the LifeMD Weight Management Program at LifeMD. The program starts at $75 a month (plus the cost of medication) when you sign up for the annual plan. LifeMD offers the flexibility to cancel at any time.
The Triple Therapy subscription is priced at $129 a month. This includes the cost of medication, required lab work at Quest or Labcorp, shipping and fulfillment costs, and ongoing access to the clinical team (including medical providers and support staff) to ensure optimal results.
If applicable, LifeMD works with health insurance providers to help patients manage costs for patient care. Costs for brand name GLP-1 medications vary depending on your insurer, but LifeMD accepts insurance in a growing number of states. Still, LifeMD will work with you to help you understand prescription coverage, benefits, and prior authorization requirements.
Refund policy
Patients who submit a request for cancellation of the weight management program before the first appointment with a provider within the first 30 days can receive a refund of the membership fees minus the program's cost. This includes medical consultation, insurance and benefits verification, prior authorization management, and lab work (if applicable). Patients can also receive a refund for medication costs if a healthcare provider determines they are not eligible.
Sesame Program Costs
Sesame offers two separate programs based on whether or not a patient has health insurance. Sesame intends to offer upfront costs without additional out-of-pocket or hidden fees. This program costs $249 monthly. The cost of the medication is not included.
Refund policy
Patients can receive a refund if it is requested at least 3 hours before the first visit with a healthcare provider. However, a full refund will not be issued for the first month after you have had a visit with a healthcare provider. You can still be refunded the price of the medication if a healthcare provider determines you are not eligible.
LifeMD Weight Loss App
The LifeMD app is a great place that gives you full access to LifeMD tools and resources. The LifeMD app is a virtual platform providing patients with expert guidance on their weight loss journey.
Within the app, you have full access to LifeMD-affiliated providers who can help you stay consistent with your goals and understand how to see long-term results. The LifeMD app tailors content according to your weight loss goals and treatment plan for a personalized experience that works for you.
LifeMD offers the following features in the app:
Access to purchasing at-home lab kits
Ability to purchase digital tools for tracking goals
AI-powered tracking tools to monitor weight loss progress
Educational resources about weight loss, eating healthy, sleeping well, and more
Support for understanding health insurance coverage
Messaging access to communicate with licensed healthcare providers
Sesame Weight Loss App
The Sesame app provides a one-stop place for access to GLP-1 medications. Within the app, patients can engage with the following features depending on which Sesame program they choose:
24/7 access to healthcare providers for follow-up visits and questions
Access to prescriptions and discounts for medications
Manage doctor visits and lab results
The opportunity to choose a healthcare provider
Assistance with understanding insurance coverage
Where Can I Learn More About Losing Weight?
If you’d like to learn more about weight loss through programs like the LifeMD Weight Management Program, don’t hesitate to explore our site to learn more about committing to your weight loss journey. LifeMD can offer you even more guidance on how the program works, how to get started, the benefits of the program, and how to see results.
Just answer a few questions about your weight loss goals and medical history to determine eligibility. Once you begin the process, you’ll be able to set up a virtual appointment with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home.
