Semaglutide and tirzepatide have revolutionized medical weight loss — but their brand-name versions can cost well over $1,000 per month without insurance. In Orange County, Dr. Allen Jay and the team at Soboba Medical Weight Loss have made it a priority to bring these breakthrough treatments within reach for patients who are serious about lasting results.
What Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar regulation. Clinical trials have demonstrated average weight loss of 10–15% of body weight over 68 weeks.
Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — meaning it activates two hormonal pathways simultaneously. This dual mechanism has shown even more impressive results in clinical trials, with participants losing an average of 15–22% of body weight. Tirzepatide was FDA-approved for weight management under the brand name Zepbound in late 2023.
Both medications represent a genuine shift in what is medically possible for weight loss — but they require physician supervision for safe and effective use.
The Cost Problem — and How Soboba Solves It
Brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide carry retail prices that are simply out of reach for most patients:
For many Orange County patients, insurance does not cover these medications for weight loss purposes, making out-of-pocket costs prohibitive. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide were previously an accessible lower-cost alternative for many patients; however, FDA regulations governing compounding of these specific medications changed in 2025, affecting availability and eligibility.
Note on compounded GLP-1 medications: FDA policy changes in 2025 removed semaglutide and tirzepatide from the shortage-based compounding exemptions that had previously allowed broader compounding access. The availability of compounded versions continues to evolve. Please speak with your Soboba physician for the most current, accurate information on what medications are available and at what cost.
Dr. Allen Jay's approach has always been to help patients access the most clinically appropriate medication at the lowest cost consistent with current regulations. Your consultation will include a frank discussion of all available options.
Dr. Allen Jay: Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Allen Jay has built Soboba Medical Weight Loss on a foundation of clinical excellence and patient-first care. His approach to prescribing semaglutide and tirzepatide is grounded in a thorough evaluation of each patient — not a quick online questionnaire and overnight shipment. Before any medication is prescribed, Dr. Jay reviews your health history, current medications, relevant lab work, and weight loss goals.
This matters more than many patients initially realize. GLP-1 and GIP agonists are not appropriate for everyone — they have contraindications, require careful dose titration, and produce the best results when paired with nutritional guidance and behavioral support. Dr. Jay's team provides all of this as part of your Soboba program.
Ongoing monitoring is also included. Regular check-ins track your progress, assess tolerability, and allow for dose adjustments as your body responds. This is the level of care that produces lasting results — not a subscription box sent to your door without a physician ever meeting you.
What to Expect from Your Program
When you start a semaglutide or tirzepatide program at Soboba, you can expect:
A free initial physician consultation — no charge for your first visit
Comprehensive health evaluation including relevant labs and medical history
A customized dosing protocol with a gradual titration schedule
Discussion of all available medication options and current pricing at your consultation
Included nutrition counseling to support your results
Regular follow-up visits at no additional charge
No contracts — you can stop at any time
Affordable Does Not Mean Cutting Corners
It is important to understand the difference between affordable and cheap. Soboba's goal is to remove the financial barrier to evidence-based treatment — not to offer a watered-down version of what these medications can do. Every patient receives the same level of physician oversight and personalized attention, regardless of which pricing option they choose.
If you have been curious about semaglutide or tirzepatide but were deterred by cost, a conversation with Dr. Jay's team is worth having. Soboba serves Orange County from three locations: Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, and Rancho Santa Margarita. Call today for your free consultation.
Sources
- Wilding JPH, et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002. nejm.org
- Jastreboff AM, et al. "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1)." N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205–216. nejm.org
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management." November 2023. fda.gov