### **Best Option for Weight Loss and Cost-Effectiveness**

1. **Mounjaro (tirzepatide)**
   - **Effectiveness:** Up to 22.5% weight loss.
   - **Cost:** Approximately $1,000 to $1,200 per month without insurance.
   - **Insurance Coverage:** Potential for coverage, especially if prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Coverage for weight loss may require prior authorization.
   - **Why Choose Mounjaro:** It offers the best balance between significant weight loss effectiveness and cost, particularly if insurance coverage is available.

2. **Ozempic (semaglutide)**
   - **Effectiveness:** 10-15% weight loss.
   - **Cost:** Around $800 to $1,000 per month without insurance.
   - **Insurance Coverage:** Widely covered for type 2 diabetes, with potential off-label use for weight loss. Lower copays and more consistent access.
   - **Why Choose Ozempic:** The most cost-effective option with broader insurance coverage, though less effective for weight loss compared to Mounjaro and Zepbound.

3. **Wegovy (semaglutide)**
   - **Effectiveness:** Up to 17% weight loss.
   - **Cost:** Roughly $1,300 to $1,500 per month without insurance.
   - **Insurance Coverage:** Variable and often challenging to obtain for weight loss. Prior authorization may be required.
   - **Why Choose Wegovy:** Effective for weight loss but may be difficult to obtain insurance coverage and tends to be more expensive.

4. **Zepbound (retatrutide)**
   - **Effectiveness:** Up to 24% weight loss.
   - **Cost:** Estimated at $1,000 to $1,500 per month without insurance.
   - **Insurance Coverage:** Limited, as it is a newer medication. Coverage may be more challenging to secure initially.
   - **Why Choose Zepbound:** The most effective for weight loss but also the most expensive, with less established insurance coverage at this stage.

### **Conclusion:**
- **Insurance Coverage as a Priority:** **Ozempic** is likely the most accessible and cost-effective option if insurance coverage is a major concern, despite being slightly less effective for weight loss.
- **Balancing Weight Loss and Cost:** **Mounjaro** is likely the best option if you can secure insurance coverage or manage out-of-pocket costs, offering a strong balance between weight loss effectiveness and cost.
- **Maximal Weight Loss:** **Zepbound** may be worth considering if you are seeking the most significant weight loss and can afford the cost or have insurance that might cover it.