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Prices start as low as $25 a month, with insurance

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Amazon has launched a nationwide GLP-1 weight-management program through its One Medical and pharmacy platforms, integrating prescriptions, primary care, and virtual services.

• The program aims to simplify obesity treatment by combining medication access, clinical oversight, and home delivery in one system.

• Pricing starts as low as about $25 per month with insurance, with higher cash-pay options for patients without coverage.

Amazon is expanding deeper into healthcare with the launch of a new GLP-1 management program designed to streamline access to popular weight-loss medications while providing ongoing medical supervision

The initiative, rolled out through Amazon One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy, combines primary care, prescription services, and virtual care into a single platform aimed at patients using GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound.

The company said the program is intended to address gaps in obesity care by pairing medication with continuous clinical oversight, including consultations, lab work, and follow-up monitoringfeatures that distinguish it from standalone telehealth weight-loss offerings.

Patients can access both in-person and virtual care through One Medical, while prescriptions are fulfilled through Amazon Pharmacy, often with home delivery. The service also supports telehealth check-ins and prescription renewals, allowing clinicians to adjust treatments as needed.

Insurance coverage is a key factor

Pricing varies depending on insurance coverage. Amazon said some insured patients may pay as little as $25 per month for medications, while cash-pay options start around $149 per month for oral treatments and about $299 for injectables.

The program is available across more than 200 One Medical locations in over 20 U.S. markets, with plans for further expansion.

Amazons move comes amid surging demand for GLP-1 drugs, which have reshaped the weight-loss and diabetes markets but also exposed challenges around access, affordability, and continuity of care. By integrating treatment into primary care, Amazon is betting it can improve long-term outcomes and differentiate itself from competitors.

The launch also intensifies competition among retailers and healthcare platforms racing to capture a share of the fast-growing market, with companies like Walmart and telehealth providers rolling out similar offerings.

Industry reaction was swift: shares of major drugmakers tied to GLP-1 medications fell following the announcement, reflecting expectations that Amazons scale and pricing transparency could disrupt the sector.

Ticket prices may be higher, too

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about 20% of the worlds oil, so disruptions there quickly choke off fuel supplies worldwide.

• Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in recent months, forcing airlines to cut flights and raise fares.

• Some regions face only weeks of jet fuel reserves, increasing the risk of cancellations during peak travel season.

The war involving Iran and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to ripple through the global aviation industry, with airlines reducing flights amid a tightening supply of jet fuel.

At the center of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In normal times, roughly one-fifth of the worlds oil passes through the strait. But since fighting escalated earlier this year, shipping traffic has been sharply curtailed, cutting off a key artery for global energy supplies.

Because jet fuel is refined from crude oil, any disruption to oil flows quickly affects aviation. But jet fuel is different from standard diesel fuel that powers trucks. Even though it comes from the same slice of the barrel, jet fuel has much tighter specifications than typical distillates. It must:

• Remain stable at very low temperatures (planes fly at 40F or colder)

• Burn cleanly without forming deposits in engines

• Have controlled volatility for safety at altitude

• Meet strict international standards (ASTM, DEF STAN, etc.)

Additives are also blended in to prevent icing, corrosion, and static buildup. And the final complication a large portion of the worlds jet fuel is produced in Gulf states and must pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts say the reduced tanker traffic through Hormuz has already had an outsize impact on jet fuel availability, with prices doubling in some markets.

Supply and demand

The result is a classic supply shock: less fuel available, at higher prices.

Airlines, which typically spend 25% to 35% of their operating budgets on fuel, are particularly exposed. As costs rise and supplies tighten, carriers are responding by cutting capacity. Major airlines in the United States, Europe, and Asia have begun canceling flights, scaling back routes, and grounding aircraft that are no longer economical to operate.

In Europe, the situation is especially acute. The region imports a significant portion of its jet fuel from the Middle East, and officials warn reserves could fall dangerously low if shipments do not resume soon. Some estimates suggest Europe has only about six weeks of jet fuel supply remaining.

Expect a reduced number of flights

That looming shortage is already influencing airline schedules. Lufthansa alone has announced tens of thousands of flight cancellations through the fall, while other carriers are trimming less profitable routes and focusing on core services.

Even where fuel is still available, its rising cost is forcing difficult decisions. Airlines may choose to reduce the number of flights rather than operate at a loss, particularly on long-haul routes that consume more fuel. At the same time, higher prices are being passed on to consumers through increased fares and new surcharges.

Industry analysts warn that the situation could worsen if the conflict continues or if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. A prolonged disruption would not only keep fuel prices elevated but could also lead to physical shortages at airports, further constraining flight schedules.

For travelers, the impact is already becoming visible: fewer available flights, higher ticket prices, and greater uncertainty about summer travel plans.

In short, the connection is straightforward but powerful. War disrupts oil shipments. Reduced oil supply limits jet fuel production. And without sufficient jet fuel, airlines simply cannot maintain normal flight schedules, leading to fewer flights in the skies worldwide.

Let this list help you decide where to shop

• Retailers like Costco and Nordstrom stand out for their flexible, low-risk return policies that give shoppers more confidence when buying.

• A strong return policy means more time to decide, easier refunds, and less risk of being stuck with items or forced into store credit you may not use.

• Stores like Target, Kohls, and Walmart combine convenience and flexibility, making returns faster, simpler, and less stressful.

Most people think saving money is all about finding the lowest price.

But experienced shoppers know something else matters just as much: the return policy.

A flexible return policy gives you plenty of time to change your mind, or fix a bad purchase, or test something out without much risk. A bad one can cost you money and lock you into items you dont want. Or even force you into taking store credit that you might forget to use.

Heres a breakdown of the current five best brick andmortar return policies.

1. Costco (best overall)

Costcos return policy is famously generous. Its designed to build long-term trust with members, even if that means it can (and does) get abused by some shoppers.

Here are the details:

• There is no time limit on returns for most items.
• Expect to get a full refundwith noquestions asked.
• Electronics have a 90-day return window.
• No receipt is needed for returns.
• Only things that cant be returned: alcohol, gift cards, cigarettes, airline tickets, and concert tickets.

Why it stands out:

Costco removes urgency as youre not forced to decide within 30 days whether something works. You can actually live with the product and see how it performs over time.

Thats especially valuable for:

• Appliances
• Mattresses
• Bulk purchases

Pro tip: Use Costco for purchases where performance matters in the long-term. Think of it this way, if something fails after a few months, youre still protected. That effectively lowers the risk of trying and testing out those higher priced items.

2. Nordstrom (most flexible)

Nordstrom takes a completely different approach to their return policy. They actually have a case-by-case policy where they use their judgment instead of strict rules.

This translates to the following:

• Amazingly, they dont have a formal return window.
• Returns are often accepted without receipts.
• Even worn items are often accepted.

Why it stands out:

Its built around customer loyalty with the ultimate goal of making their customers happy. This means theyll take back pretty much anything as long as they dont feel youre abusing the policy with an excessive number of returns.

That flexibility is very rare, especially in apparel, as most stores look for reasons to deny your return.

Pro tip: If youre unsure about sizing, fit, or quality, Nordstrom is one of the safest places to shop, as it reduces the risk of buying clothing online or trying new brands.

3. Target (best structured flexibility)

Target offers one of the most practical policies for everyday shoppers, especially when it comes to their own in-house brands.

Here are the keys to know:

• 90-day return window + an extra 30 days with the Target Circle Card.
• One-year returns for their store-brand items.
• Electronics are limited to a 30-day return window,and Apple products have a 14-day return window.
• They always extend their return policy until late January for things bought after October 1.

Why it stands out:

Target strikes a strong balance between clear rules and real flexibility. In other words, they give you more time and options than most retailers without being overly complicated.

Pro tip: Prioritize Targets one-year return policy on their private-label brands (Cat & Jack, Good & Gather, Threshold, etc.). The extended return window gives you far more time to evaluate whether something is worth keeping. Just dont abuse it or its bound to get stricter in the future.

4. Kohls (also very flexible)

Kohls quietly offers one of the better standard return policies in retail:

• 90 day returnson most items (120 days with your Kohls card).
• Baby registry items get a whopping 365 days.
• No receipt required. (They can use your credit card or order number.)
• They also offer a holiday return policy. Items bought in October can be returned all the way up until January 31.

Why it stands out:

If you make a purchase using Kohls Cash, and you return the item, youll get the Kohls Cash back as long as it hasnt expired. If it has expired, theyll actually give you new Kohls Cash for the same amount.

5. Walmart (most practical)

Walmart doesnt have the longest return window on my list, but their return policy is definitely one of the easiest to use.

Here are the details:

• 90-day returns for most items.
• Often flexible with or without receipts.
• Their large number of store locationsmakes returning anywhere fairly easy.
• Theyextend holiday returns until January 31 for anything bought in early October.

Why it stands out:

They make returns very convenient, as you can return to any store, via the mail, and now they even allow you to schedule an InHome return pickup.

The bottom-line is if youre prone to losing receipts or making quick purchases, Walmarts flexibility makes it a safer everyday option for consumers.

New data shows Americans are cutting back elsewhere, not on wellness and what that shift means for your routine (and your wallet)

• Self-care isnt optional anymore: Many Americans are prioritizing beauty and wellness routines even if it means cutting back on essentials like groceries or delaying other expenses.

• Spending habits are shifting, not disappearing: Instead of giving up treatments, consumers are spacing out appointments, choosing more affordable options, and turning to DIY alternatives.

• Its about more than looks: For a growing number of people, beauty and wellness are tied to stress relief, confidence, and overall well-being making them feel worth the cost, even in a tight economy.

For many Americans, beauty and wellness routines are no longer a nice-to-have theyre part of how people cope, stay confident, and manage everyday stress. Even as costs rise and financial pressure builds, consumers arent walking away from self-care. Instead, theyre reshuffling their budgets to make it work.

New data from Zenoti reveals just how far people are willing to go: some are cutting back on groceries, delaying vacations, or even taking on debt to keep up with their routines.

But the bigger trend isnt about overspending its about adaptation. From spacing out appointments to opting for DIY treatments at home, consumers are finding ways to maintain their routines without completely breaking the bank.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Sudheer Koneru, CEO and Co-founder, at Zenoti to learn more about how this trend is reshaping not just how people spend, but how the entire beauty and wellness industry operates signaling a future where flexibility, affordability, and personalization matter more than ever.

Making sacrifices for a beauty routine

Koneru broke down some of the biggest data points that surprised even the research team. Heres a look at where consumers are making sacrifices for their beauty routines:

• 22% of respondents scaled back on groceries

• 21% delayed medical or dental care

• 28% said theyd cut beauty spending before making major life expenses like home repairs, skipping savings contributions, and putting off vehicle maintenance for the same reason.

That's not reckless behavior, Koneru said. That's a signal. When people protect something this fiercely, it means it's doing something essential for them managing stress, restoring confidence, maintaining a sense of self during uncertain times.

Beauty and wellness have always been about feeling good. Our data just confirms that people know it, even when their budgets don't make it easy.

Impacting credit

Koneru also explained that these trends are affecting how shoppers are using their credit.

Our research found that 41% of consumers used credit cards for beauty and wellness in the past year, and nearly half said they'd be willing to take on debt to maintain their routines if they lost their primary income, Koneru said. That's not impulse spending. That's a considered decision; the same kind people make about rent or health care, and points to a mindset shift where these services are seen as ongoing commitments vs. the occasional treat yourself splurge.

Can you save money?

The short answer: yes.

Zenotis research shows that many consumers (45%) are spacing out their appointments further in an effort to stretch their budgets. Additionally, about 33% are opting for more affordable treatments or options instead of ditching them entirely. Another option: DIY beauty treatments.

Koneru said that there are plenty of ways for consumers to maintain their beauty routines while also being cost-effective.

• Switching from impulse buying to intentional spending

• Switching to more affordable product alternatives going from premium to drugstore brands

• Subscription boxes and at-home tools

The smartest savings often come from better guidance, not just cheaper products, Koneru said. We've seen that consumers who work closely with their provider and use the right retail products to extend the benefits of their services at home actually spend less over time. They stop cycling through products that don't work and start investing in what does. That's a conversation providers should be having at every appointment.

Feeling good isnt a luxury

Koneru says that these findings express something deeper about human perception: feeling good isn't a luxury.

More than three in five people told us that cutting back on beauty and wellness would make them more stressed, less confident, or worse off emotionally, Koneru said. That's not a small thing; it's infrastructure for daily life.

Consumers are now behaving more like long-term planners, adjusting their frequency and spending, but staying committed to maintaining these routines. The broader takeaway for me is that in uncertain times, people don't give up the things that make them feel like themselves. They find creative ways to hold onto them.