Sesame vs Ro: GLP-1 Programs Compared

Sesame and Ro represent two different operating models for accessing GLP-1 medications online. Sesame is a transparent cash-pay marketplace where you pay per medical visit and source your medication separately. Ro is an all-in-one subscription platform where the visit, prescription, and compounded medication arrive in one monthly package. Here is how they compare.

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Quick Verdict

	Sesame	Ro
Model	Per-visit marketplace	All-in-one monthly subscription
Visit cost	~$30–$75/visit	Included in subscription
Medication	Separate (pharmacy of your choice)	Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide included
Monthly total	Variable (~$99–$199+ depending on visit frequency)	$149/month flat
Tirzepatide	Depends on prescriber	Yes
Continuity of care	Low — different providers each visit	High — same platform throughout
Prescription management	Patient manages refills	Platform manages refills

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How Sesame Works for GLP-1

Sesame is a marketplace where you book appointments with individual providers at transparent cash prices. For GLP-1 access on Sesame:

1. Find a provider offering GLP-1 consultations (~$30–$75 for an initial visit)
2. Attend the telehealth appointment
3. Receive a prescription if you qualify
4. Fill the prescription at a pharmacy of your choice (compounding pharmacy, Cost Plus Drugs, etc.)
5. Book follow-up visits as needed (~$20–$50 each)

Total cost estimate:

• Initial visit: ~$50–$75
• Prescription: varies by pharmacy (compounded semaglutide ~$100–$150/month elsewhere)
• Follow-up visits (monthly or quarterly): ~$20–$50 each
• Estimated total: ~$150–$225/month ongoing

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How Ro Works for GLP-1

Ro's Body program is a bundled subscription:

1. Complete online intake (10–15 minutes)
2. Medical provider reviews and approves (same day to 24 hours)
3. Pay $149/month — includes medication, shipping, and provider access
4. Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide ships directly
5. Async provider access included throughout

Total cost: $149/month flat, all-in.

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Cost Comparison

Scenario	Sesame	Ro
Month 1 (initial visit + medication)	~$150–$225	$149
Ongoing months	~$120–$175	$149
Annual total (estimate)	~$1,440–$2,100	$1,788
With quarterly (not monthly) Sesame visits	~$99–$150/month	$149

The cost picture: Sesame can be cheaper than Ro if you minimize visit frequency and use a low-cost compounding pharmacy for medication. Ro is simpler and comparable in price for most patients.

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Key Trade-Offs

Sesame Advantages

• Price transparency: you see exactly what each visit costs before booking
• Provider choice: can select a provider with specific expertise or reviews
• Flexibility: pay only when you need a visit; no subscription lock-in
• Pharmacy choice: can source medication from any compounding pharmacy, potentially at lower cost

Ro Advantages

• All-in simplicity: one monthly payment covers everything
• Established GLP-1 program: Ro's titration protocols and medication sourcing are standardized
• Continuity: same platform and provider relationship throughout treatment
• Tirzepatide included: Ro has compounded tirzepatide as a clear option
• No coordination: medication ships automatically; no managing separate pharmacy relationships

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Provider Continuity: An Important Consideration

On Sesame, you may see a different provider at each visit — the marketplace model doesn't guarantee longitudinal care. For GLP-1 management, where dose titration, side effect management, and non-response decisions matter over months, consistent provider relationship is valuable.

Ro's platform maintains your medical history and medication profile, enabling better longitudinal management even if individual providers rotate. The platform infrastructure handles continuity even if the individual provider changes.

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Who Should Choose Which

Choose Sesame if:

• You want maximum cost transparency and per-visit control
• You already have a relationship with a compounding pharmacy you trust
• You prefer provider choice over platform consistency
• You need infrequent medical visits (already stable on medication, just need refills)
• You want flexibility to pause care without subscription concerns

Choose Ro if:

• You want an all-in-one solution with no coordination overhead
• Tirzepatide access matters
• You want fast start with minimal friction ($149/month, ships within a week)
• You prefer a standardized, well-tested GLP-1 program
• You want consistent medication sourcing from a 503B pharmacy

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Alternatives to Consider

Provider	Why Consider	Monthly Cost
Henry Meds	Fastest start; $129 after 6 months; tirzepatide	$149
Cost Plus Drugs	Pharmacy-only; bring your own prescription; very low cost	~$100–$150 medication only
Noom Med	CBT behavioral curriculum	$149
Found	Multi-medication options	$99–$199

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Related Resources

• Best GLP-1 Without Insurance — cash-pay options ranked
• Best GLP-1 Fast Start — fastest path to first dose
• Sesame vs Henry Meds — another Sesame comparison
• Why Is Ozempic So Expensive — pricing context