Cost Per Pound Lost

Deep dive

Cost Per Pound Lost: complete reference

Cost-per-pound is a comparative metric calculating total medication cost divided by pounds of weight lost — used to compare efficacy/value across weight-loss treatments. Calculation: (monthly cost × months of treatment) / pounds lost. Sample 2026 figures for 12-month treatment с trial-averaged weight loss: Wegovy at $1,349/month list = $16,188/year, with 14.9% loss from 220 lb baseline (~33 lb loss) = ~$490/lb; Zepbound list = ~$1,086/month × 12 = $13,032, с 22.5% loss (~49.5 lb) = ~$263/lb; Compounded semaglutide at $200/month × 12 = $2,400 с 14% loss (~31 lb) = ~$77/lb. LillyDirect Zepbound at $499/month for 22.5% loss = ~$121/lb. The metric oversimplifies — doesn't capture comorbidity benefits, CVD risk reduction, or long-term maintenance — but useful для initial cost comparison. Often referenced when patients compare bariatric surgery (~$15-25K one-time, 30% loss = $50-83/lb amortized over 5+ years) vs medication.

In practice

Wegovy at list price: ~$490 per pound lost over 1 year. Compounded semaglutide: ~$77 per pound. LillyDirect Zepbound: ~$121 per pound. These are simplified metrics ignoring health benefits.

Clinical context

Cost-per-pound is helpful comparison metric but doesn't capture full value (CVD benefit, comorbidity improvement, durable lifestyle change).