The cost of two of the most widely discussed GLP-1 medications — Wegovy and Ozempic — is about to drop significantly. Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind both drugs, announced that beginning on Monday, November 24, the cash price for each medication will fall by 30%, lowering the monthly cost from $499 to $349 for people paying out of pocket.
The new prices will take effect at 70,000 retail pharmacies across the United States, including major chains such as Walmart and Costco. These reductions apply to customers who choose to self-pay or who lack insurance coverage for GLP-1 therapies.
Dave Moore, executive vice president at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding access:
As pioneers of the GLP-1 class, we are committed to ensuring that real, FDA-approved Wegovy and Ozempic are affordable and accessible to those who need them. […] Our new savings offers provide immediate impact, bringing forward greater cost savings for those who are currently without coverage or choose to self-pay.
Moore also noted that the price reduction is part of a broader strategy that includes collaborating with telehealth providers, expanding insurance coverage options, and working with U.S. officials to improve affordability for people living with chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Notably, the previous cash price for Wegovy aligned with the cost of a full dose of Zepbound, a direct competitor from Eli Lilly. With GLP-1 demand still at an all-time high, the price shift marks a significant move in an increasingly competitive market.
High blood pressure in children has doubled
While access to GLP-1 medications is improving, new research reveals troubling trends in children’s health. A comprehensive global review published in The Lancet Childhood & Adolescent Health found that the rate of high blood pressure in children has doubled over the past two decades.
By analyzing data from 443,914 children worldwide, researchers discovered that the prevalence of pediatric hypertension rose from 3% in 2000 to 6% in 2020, now affecting an estimated 114 million children. The authors warn that this surge “should raise alarm bells,” especially given the long-term risks high blood pressure poses for cardiovascular health.
The rise in childhood hypertension parallels other concerning trends, including earlier onset of obesity and type 2 diabetes — conditions increasingly seen in adolescents.
New study shows GLP-1s outperform metformin in adolescents
Adding to the evolving conversation around youth metabolic health, a new real-world study shows that advanced GLP-1 therapies may offer major advantages for adolescents newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, compared the effectiveness of metformin, a long-standing first-line treatment, with newer GLP-1-based therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide (found in Zepbound and Mounjaro).
Key findings include: GLP-1 therapies provide similar glycemic control to metformin but deliver superior weight-loss benefits, which can be critical for managing early-onset type 2 diabetes.
What these developments could mean
Together, these updates paint a multifaceted picture. For one, lower GLP-1 prices may increase access for adults who have struggled with obesity or diabetes but lack adequate coverage. Second, rising childhood hypertension highlights the growing urgency of addressing youth metabolic health. Third, new GLP-1 research in adolescents suggests that more effective early interventions may soon be on the horizon.
We can only hope that as the cost of treatment falls and evidence for early, more comprehensive care grows stronger, the landscape of metabolic health is poised for rapid change across all ages.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “Poll: 1 in 8 Adults Say They Are Currently Taking a GLP-1 Drug for Weight Loss, Diabetes or Another Condition, Even as Half Say the Drugs Are Difficult to Afford,” KFF.com, 11/14/25
Source: “GLP-1 drugs beat metformin for weight control in teens with type 2 diabetes,” News-Medical.net, 11/10/25
Image by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels
FAQs and Media Requests: 
