Imagine cutting your grocery budget in half but having to pay for it with your health. Groundbreaking weight loss drugs are now hitting Costco pharmacies nationwide, but they come with a hefty price tag and serious side effects. Novo Nordisk, the maker of popular injectable medications Ozempic and Wegovy, has announced that a four-week supply will be available for $499—down from an eye-watering $1,300 without insurance. However, while this seems like a win for consumers, it raises questions about accessibility, affordability, and health risks.

Many Americans are feeling the pressure. As of early 2025, about 15.5 million adults—roughly six percent of the U.S. population—are using these weight loss medications. The catch? They still need a doctor's prescription, and many insurance plans refuse to cover these drugs, which means that even with Costco's discount, the cost could still be a barrier for many.

What makes these drugs so sought after? Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a hormone that signals the brain to feel full. This helps users curb cravings and reduces the rate at which the stomach empties. Many people report losing around 10 percent or more of their body weight within six months, which sounds fantastic—until you hear about the disruptions that can ensue.

Users have reported side effects ranging from nausea to more severe reactions like gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach fails to empty properly, leading to severe nausea and vomiting. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it can be life-threatening. Take Jacqueline Barber, for instance. After being prescribed Ozempic, she found herself bedridden for a year, losing 140 pounds but also experiencing crumbling teeth and debilitating weakness.

Brad Roberts tells a similar story of transformation gone wrong. Though he initially celebrated his weight loss through telehealth prescriptions, he now claims that he’s living a medical nightmare after suffering severe health complications. His lawsuit against his doctor alleges that he was over-prescribed a dangerous combination of medications, leading to debilitating pain and cognitive issues.

David Moore, president of Novo Nordisk, believes that partnering with Costco is about more than just sales; it’s about making these medications more accessible and promoting 'real, authentic' treatments where people already shop. But does the goal of accessibility justify the risks associated with these drugs? It’s a conversation that more and more Americans are having, especially as they face the cost of health and the price of weight loss.