FAQ - Prescription Weight Loss Medication

Most Common Questions

Calibrate members lose on average 16% of their body weight at 12 months and 17% at 24 months, and 19% at 36 months per our clinically-reviewed Results Report. You can download the Calibrate Results Report here.

We're so confident that you'll succeed with Calibrate that we back it up with a money back promise. If you don’t lose at least of 10% your body weight after 12 consecutive months on our program, you'll be eligible for money back (see terms).

Yes - our Results Money Back Promise states if you don’t lose at least of 10% your body weight after 12 consecutive months on our Metabolic Reset, you’re eligible for money back (see terms). We back this up with real, clinically-reviewed data proving just how successful our members are. Calibrate members lose on average 16% of their body weight on average during their first year and learn how to keep it off. Read our results report here.

The medications Calibrate clinicians prescribe in our Metabolic Reset are called GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1s). Calibrate clinicians prescribe a variety of GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide, and dulaglutide. These GLP-1s are often referred to by their brand name, so you may have heard of these medications as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®, to name a few.

All GLP-1s are clinically-tested, stimulant-free, and non-habit forming. GLP-1s address the underlying biology that is most important for weight loss, and help lower your set point, or the weight your body fights to stay at. GLP-1s are powerful, naturally-occurring hormones made by your gut that send signals to your brain to decrease your appetite, improve your metabolic system, and regulate your digestion so you can feel full longer and maximize nutrient absorption.

Regardless of which medication you’re prescribed, our commitment to all of our members remains the same—10% weight loss or you're eligible for money back (see terms).

You can read more about GLP-1s here.

We navigate insurance on your behalf and are able to work with the vast majority of commercial/employer insurance plans in order to get cost effective access for your GLP-1 medication and coverage for your labs. Lab and prescription copays vary by plan and insurance provider. GLP-1s for most members with commercial insurance are typically capped at $25 per month after any deductible is met.

Labs and prescription medication fees are the responsibility of the member under their insurance plan and are not included in the cost of the program.

The cost of the Calibrate program is not covered by insurance, however it is HSA/FSA eligible.

Please note:

For employer specific insurance requirements, visit your dedicated Calibrate employer page.

If you're unsure if your employer covers Calibrate or need help finding your employer's specific page, check here.

Calibrate is available to associates and their dependents for whom the following apply:

At least 18 years of age
Are enrolled in the Company group health plan
BMI that’s greater than 30 (or greater than 27 with other metabolic conditions such as pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea or PCOS)
Not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next two years
Do not have an active substance abuse problem, diabetes, an active eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating), cancer, recent bariatric surgery (within the past 18 months), active gallbladder disease, a history of pancreatitis in the past six months, or a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MEN syndrome)
Live in the United States

We’ll never restrict your diet. Instead, we’ll help you rebalance it. Calibrate's approach to food is flexible and works with nearly all dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and lactose-free (to name just a few). We strive to help you establish a sustainable and flexible approach to nutrition that focuses on minimizing fast-digesting carbs and making healthier choices that include protein, fiber, and healthy fats—without restricting or counting calories.

Importantly, the Calibrate food program is not a diet: we do not use meal replacements or offer meal plans. We don’t try to restrict your eating: instead, we help you rebalance it. For breakfast, you might have avocado and eggs or berries and yogurt. For lunch or dinner, you could prepare a grain bowl with roasted veggies and chicken, or a slow-cooker meal. You can see Calibrate Food Expert Stephanie Middleberg, RD’s favorite recipes for inspiration here.

The food program at Calibrate creates a healthy, sustainable way of eating that promotes weight loss and sets you up for long-term health. Through our nutrition curriculum classes, the support of your accountability coaching team, and the guidance of your medical team, you’ll learn how to build healthier food habits into the life you’re already living.

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® have been periodically in shortage nationwide since 2021, making it difficult for patients to have consistent access to these medications, or to access them for the first time. We understand it can be concerning to have trouble filling a prescription from your doctor.

Calibrate is fundamentally different from prescription-only services. Medication is just one aspect of our program, and at Calibrate, we use medication as a tool—not the entire treatment. The Calibrate program is built to help your body do the same kind of work that medications like Wegovy® and Saxenda® do, so the best thing you can do if you’re affected by a shortage is to lean into the program.

Calibrate has helped tens of thousands of members navigate medication shortages, and as our members receive comprehensive support throughout their program: you make a commitment to us, and we make a commitment to supporting you in achieving your goals.

And while we can’t promise uninterrupted medication access (we’re not a manufacturer, a pharmacy, or supplier), we do promise results: 10% weight loss which we back up with a money back promise that applies whether or not our members have ongoing medication access (and we’re the only program to offer this).

If you can’t access your GLP-1 medication because of a shortage, Calibrate will work with you 1:1 to determine appropriate next steps. To ensure continuity of care, this may include changing to a dose that is currently in stock or finding an alternative GLP-1 medication that is covered by your insurance.

For more information on medication shortages—as well as helpful tips for anyone experiencing a gap in medication because of a shortage—check out our landing page here.

Designed in partnership with leading minds in obesity treatment and metabolic health, Calibrate is a holistic approach to weight loss that combines clinician-prescribed GLP-1 medication and 1:1 video coaching with lifestyle changes. The goal is to make gradual, science-backed changes to your food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health habits that ladder up to real results you can maintain—even after medication. And our members lose 19% weight loss, on average achieved over three years.

Studies show it takes a minimum of 6-months before behavior change becomes a habit. Offering the highest standard of care in obesity treatment, Calibrate’s Metabolic Reset requires a 3-month commitment to give you the opportunity to adapt to key lifestyle changes. We recommend members stay on our program beyond this period for sustainable results. After the 3-month commitment, your membership will renew 1 month at a time, but you can cancel your membership at any time.

Unlike other programs, Calibrate's approach is holistic and behavior change is a critical component to set you up for long-term success.

We’re so confident our program works that we guarantee results. Our Results Money Back Promise states if you don't lose at least 10% of your weight after your first 12 consecutive months on our program, you're eligible for a 50% refund. See terms here.

Please note:

For employer specific requirements, visit your dedicated Calibrate employer page.

If you're unsure if your employer covers Calibrate or need help finding your employer's specific page, check here.

Your initial clinical visit with your Calibrate clinician will take place via video and last 30 minutes. During this appointment, your Calibrate clinician will review your health history and lab results with you, and make recommendations for your treatment plan. If you have any questions about the medications that Calibrate clinicians prescribe, your individual health history, or what your year with Calibrate might look like, you can ask your clinician these questions during your appointment.

Calibrate is a clinician-guided metabolic reset designed and supported by the leading experts in obesity treatment. Here are just a few of the ways Calibrate is different than other weight loss programs.

Our approach has the highest standard of care in obesity treatment

Research shows that GLP-1 medication combined with lifestyle intervention is the most effective weight approach to sustained weight loss. Unlike other programs, Calibrate's approach is comprehensive, setting you up for long term success. The Calibrate program includes personalized 1:1 video coaching and and ongoing medical support to drive better results for members. In fact, Calibrate helps members achieve 19% average weight loss, achieved over three years.

Calibrate is flexible and sustainable

On Calibrate there are no sweeping restrictions or calorie counting. Together with your coach, you'll make small, gradual lifestyle changes that ladder up to big results that you can sustain long term. In fact 8 out of 10 Calibrate members agree that Calibrate is more effective than other programs they've tried.

The Calibrate team is experts at driving weight loss with GLP-1 medications

Calibrate was the first program built around GLP-1s, and we've supported tens of thousands of members on their journey. With Calibrate you'll get access to clinicians who specialize in GLP-1 care and a team of Insurance Navigation Experts who will help you access affordable GLP-1 medication.

Calibrate delivers results or your money back, with the data to back it up
We stand by our results, so much so that if you don't lose 10%+ of your body weight on Calibrate you're eligible for 50% of your money back (see terms here). We're the only program with a proven track record of results, backed by our clinically-reviewed Results Report.

Calibrate is available to associates and their dependents for whom the following apply:

At least 18 years of age
Are enrolled in the Company group health plan
BMI that’s greater than 30 (or greater than 27 with other metabolic conditions such as pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea or PCOS)
Not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next two years
Do not have an active substance abuse problem, diabetes, an active eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating), cancer, recent bariatric surgery (within the past 18 months), active gallbladder disease, a history of pancreatitis in the past six months, or a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MEN syndrome)
Live in the United States

Absolutely! We designed Calibrate to work for people with broad health histories and believe that improving your underlying metabolic health will lead to significant improvements to your overall health too. As part of your care, we will monitor your metabolic health, and we can coordinate your treatment plan with your primary care provider and/or specialists. While we are not a replacement for those providers and their treatment plans, the metabolic health changes you make through Calibrate often have far-reaching positive effects on other conditions. Calibrate commonly supports members who have the following conditions:

Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Depression
Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Hypothyroidism / Hashimoto’s disease
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Pre-diabetes
Other thyroid conditions

See if you're eligible for Calibrate at apply.joincalibrate.com/metabolicreset

Please note:

For employer specific requirements, visit your dedicated Calibrate employer page.

If you're unsure if your employer covers Calibrate or need help finding your employer's specific page, check here.

The medications Calibrate clinicians prescribe in our Metabolic Reset are called GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1s). Calibrate clinicians prescribe a variety of GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide, and dulaglutide. These GLP-1s are often referred to by their brand name, so you may have heard of these medications as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®, to name a few.

All GLP-1s are clinically-tested, stimulant-free, and non-habit forming. GLP-1s address the underlying biology that is most important for weight loss, and help lower your set point, or the weight your body fights to stay at. GLP-1s are powerful, naturally-occurring hormones made by your gut that send signals to your brain to decrease your appetite, improve your metabolic system, and regulate your digestion so you can feel full longer and maximize nutrient absorption.

Regardless of which medication you’re prescribed, our commitment to all of our members remains the same—10% weight loss or you're eligible for money back (see terms).

You can read more about GLP-1s here.

The majority of commercial insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications after any deductible is met, but each plan's coverage can be unique.

Although medication is an important aspect of our program, medical experts agree: the combination of GLP-1 medication and lifestyle changes is the most effective approach to sustainable weight loss. With this in mind, we guarantee that if you stick with Calibrate for 12 consecutive months, you will lose at least 10% of your body weight, with or without the GLP-1 medication or you'll be eligible for money back! (see terms).

Please note:

For employer specific requirements, visit your dedicated Calibrate employer page.

If you're unsure if your employer covers Calibrate or need help finding your employer's specific page, check here.

Your Calibrate clinician will review your required lab work and entire health history and can answer any questions you might have about medication interactions during your initial video clinician visit. GLP-1s (the medications that Calibrate clinicians prescribe) can be safely taken with other common prescription medications—including those for blood pressure, thyroid, and diabetes—and have no contraindications with other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Calibrate clinicians prescribe GLP-1s because research shows that they are the safest and most effective medication for sustainable weight loss, especially when combined with lifestyle changes like Calibrate supports. Many GLP-1s are taken via an injection. While an injection may sound scary, most members actually report injections being painless, quick, and easy. (It’s just under the skin—going into your fat instead of your muscle. The needle is ultra-fine, so it isn’t like a typical shot.) GLP-1s are self-administered either daily or weekly depending on the medication. Your Calibrate clinician can walk you through how this works and can also send you a short video to help. In addition, not only are injectables the medications we prescribe more effective, but they also have fewer and safer side effects than other weight loss medications.

Your Calibrate clinician will use your medical history and insurance coverage to prescribe the best GLP-1 for you and may prescribe you an oral GLP-1 option if injections are not a good fit. The Calibrate Medical Team is available to answer your questions about GLP-1s and to address other medical concerns you might have throughout your Calibrate year.

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is one of the GLP-1 medications that Calibrate doctors prescribe, along with liraglutide (Saxenda®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide), and other forms of semaglutide (Ozempic® and Rybelsus®). The primary difference between Wegovy® and other GLP-1s is that it’s a higher dose of semaglutide, a GLP-1 that is also prescribed under the brand names Ozempic® and Rybelsus®. All GLP-1s are stimulant-free, and non-habit forming, and effective. Regardless of which GLP-1 you are prescribed, our promise to you is the same: 10% weight loss or you're eligible for money back (see terms).

The FDA-approved medications that are a part of the Metabolic Reset are called GLP-1s, and are clinically-tested, stimulant-free, and non-habit forming. Side effects are extremely rare, and most individuals who take a GLP-1 do not experience any. For those who do, nausea is the most common, and this typically resolves over the first few weeks of being on the medication. If you do experience any side effects, you’ll be able to reach out to your Clinical Team directly for support.

In the most recent clinical trials, less than 5% of people discontinued GLP-1 medications because of side effects.