Walgreens announced last week it would be entering the self-pay GLP-1 space, going head-to-head with telehealth subscription offerings, with its launch of a digital weight management service to access personalized, clinician-guided support for weight loss.
The new service will expand Walgreens' preexisting virtual healthcare platform and provide patients with access to licensed doctors and nurse practitioners, FDA-approved medication options and ongoing virtual support, according to a press release shared by Walgreens.
The new weight management program offers $49 virtual visits, with no subscription required, in 28 states for adults aged 18–64 who plan to pay for GLP-1 medication themselves. During online visits, providers review patients' health and weight goals and can prescribe FDA-approved medications. Follow-up support for dosage adjustments and side effects is available daily via chat or video.
"Expanding our virtual healthcare platform to include weight management is part of our ongoing commitment to listening to patients and the services they want from their local pharmacy," said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens. "By combining trusted clinical expertise with the reach of our digital pharmacy network, we're helping eligible patients take meaningful steps toward better health, on their own terms."
The program will offer Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) at significantly reduced out-of-pocket prices, through Walgreens' Rx Savings Finder tool. The medication will be available in 1.5-mg or 4-mg tablets starting at $149 per month and $199 for injectables.
The program launch comes as demand for weight loss drugs continues to rapidly grow. According to a 2025 survey from KFF on employer health benefits, only about 20% of large firms offering health benefits say they covered costly GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy for weight loss in 2025. In that same survey, nearly 60% of employers said they did not cover similar drugs for weight loss. However, among the biggest firms, now, 43% say they cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in their largest plan, up 28% from 2024.
With its new service, Walgreens is positioning itself to meet growing patient demand for accessible weight-loss treatments, offering a low-cost, flexible alternative for those seeking GLP-1 medications outside of traditional insurance coverage. Analysts say the move reflects the broader trend of pharmacies and telehealth providers expanding into self-pay digital health services.
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