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Ozempic is a medication approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. It’s sometimes used off-label to support weight loss. The only way to get it is through a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes.
When used alongside a well-balanced diet and exercise routine, Ozempic
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic. It’s classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means it works by activating receptors for GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite.
Ozempic is a weekly injection that works by increasing the production of insulin, a blood sugar-lowering hormone, slowing digestion, and decreasing the production of glucose by the liver. All of this helps lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Ozempic slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness, which may help encourage weight loss.
Learn more about how Ozempic works and its potential side effects in this related article.
When combined with diet and exercise, Ozempic has been shown to be effective for weight loss.
A
Just keep in mind that once you stop taking Ozempic, there’s
Ozempic is currently only FDA approved for people with type 2 diabetes who need help managing their blood sugar levels.
Ozempic isn’t approved for use as a weight loss drug. However, some healthcare professionals may prescribe it to individuals with obesity — defined by the
Some healthcare professionals may also prescribe Ozempic to people with overweight if they have weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Who should not take Ozempic
Some people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or overweight may not qualify for Ozempic because it’s not safe or indicated for everyone.
For example, Ozempic may not be appropriate for people who:
- have a personal or family history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma
- are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
- have a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- have diabetic retinopathy
- have health conditions affecting the pancreas or gallbladder
Finally, keep in mind that Ozempic may interact with certain prescription medications. Before taking Ozempic, talk with a trusted healthcare professional about any other medications you’re already taking.
An expert’s take on Ozempic for weight loss
When asked about what people should be aware of with off-label use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Janelle Duah, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine explained, “If [it’s] being prescribed by a physician, then there is no medical issue with taking Ozempic for weight loss, as it is the same [active ingredient] as Wegovy: semaglutide.”
Still, Duah cautioned: “One, however, may wonder about the ethics of using it off-label given medication shortages and reducing the supply available to people who need it for diabetes management.
“As well, people should be very careful about purchasing Ozempic from medi-spas and compounding pharmacies, as it is hard to verify that you are receiving the true medication.”
- At the doctor’s office
- Ro Body for Ozempic: support via medication management and health coaching | Learn more
- PlushCare: doctor-led weight loss, in network with many insurance providers | Learn more
- Noom Med: psychology-based weight loss strategies paired with weight loss medications | Learn more
- Sesame Care: telehealth platform offering virtual and in-office visits | Learn more
A note on getting Ozempic
Ozempic is FDA approved only for people with type 2 diabetes, though doctors sometimes prescribe the medication off-label for weight loss. It’s ultimately up to a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether Ozempic is right for you.
Due to occasional supply chain issues, Ozempic may be difficult to get, and your healthcare professional may recommend an alternative.
Finally, because of
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to make sure that you’re receiving non-compounded, FDA-approved GLP-1 medications.
To get Ozempic, you must make an appointment with a licensed healthcare professional, either online or in person, to get a prescription.
Whether your medical appointment is in person or online, a healthcare professional will evaluate your medical history and ask questions to determine whether Ozempic or another medication or intervention is the right choice for you.
If a healthcare professional prescribes Ozempic, you can fill your prescription at your local pharmacy or a reputable online pharmacy.
What to expect at your initial appointment
According to Duah, “A comprehensive initial evaluation should include getting details about the person’s weight history, including different diets or medications tried, highest weight as an adult, lowest weight as an adult, current weight, and weight loss goals.”
Duah also notes that you’ll likely be asked about your:
- typical diet
- exercise regimen and physical activity level
- stress level
- sleep
With a personalized, in-person health screening
An in-person consultation with a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or nurse practitioner, is the best way to assess your health needs and determine whether Ozempic is right for you.
If you have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe Ozempic to help manage your blood sugar levels.
If you don’t have diabetes but are interested in taking Ozempic for weight loss, you may be able to get an off-label prescription for Ozempic from a healthcare professional if they determine it’s safe and appropriate for your health needs.
Alternatively, your healthcare professional may prescribe an alternative GLP-1 medication that has been approved for weight loss, like Wegovy.
Through telehealth services from companies or programs
Several telehealth platforms and online weight loss programs offer virtual medical evaluations for Ozempic treatment from U.S.-licensed healthcare professionals. However, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable platform.
Here are four online options that passed our rigorous vetting process:
Getting a prescription online
Looking for more options? We rounded up the most reputable places you might consider getting Ozempic online.
When you first start taking Ozempic, your doctor will likely prescribe you a low dose and slowly increase the dosage over time until you reach a dose that effectively manages your blood sugar levels.
This slow ramp-up process allows your doctor to see how you respond to the medication and to determine the smallest dose needed to have the intended effect.
Ozempic dosages usually start at 0.25 mg once per week for 4 weeks and max out at 2 mg once per week.
Ozempic is administered by injecting the medication under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It should be injected on the same day each week.
The current list price for one Ozempic pen is $968.52. Each pen holds 1 month’s worth of medication.
However, your out-of-pocket monthly cost for Ozempic depends on your treatment plan, pharmacy, and insurance plan.
Does insurance cover it?
If you’re prescribed Ozempic for managing diabetes, then your insurance will likely cover the cost in full, depending on your plan.
However, if a healthcare professional prescribes Ozempic off-label for weight loss, insurance coverage is not guaranteed.
Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss, so it’s typically not covered by health insurance when used for that purpose. You’ll likely have to pay out of pocket if you’re using Ozempic to lose weight.
While you may be able to get some of the cost of Ozempic covered by submitting a request for coverage to your health insurance provider, most insurance companies do not cover off-label drugs.
In this case, it might be worth talking with your doctor about Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but is approved for weight loss.
Discounts may be available
Certain websites and medical practices offer discounted rates for Ozempic and special packages that allow you to prepay for several months’ worth of Ozempic injections at a heavily discounted rate.
The main side effects of Ozempic tend to be gastrointestinal.
They may include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- upset stomach
- constipation
- vomiting
In rare cases, more serious side effects have been reported, including low blood sugar levels, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder.
Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about side effects while taking Ozempic.
Only licensed healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, endocrinologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, can prescribe Ozempic. You can’t buy Ozempic without a prescription.
The FDA has approved Ozempic only for managing type 2 diabetes.
However, some healthcare professionals prescribe Ozempic off-label to people without diabetes if they have obesity or overweight and the healthcare professional believes the prescription is appropriate and safe for them.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) is not available as an over-the-counter medication. You must get a prescription for Ozempic from a licensed healthcare professional.
The manufacturer of Ozempic offers a savings card for people who have insurance coverage and are using Ozempic for diabetes treatment. Coupons aren’t currently available to people who are using Ozempic only for weight loss.
However, medical practices and online services that prescribe Ozempic for weight loss often offer special discounts to customers who purchase treatment plans that include Ozempic injections.
Research has shown that many people gain weight after stopping GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic. This effect is commonly referred to as Ozempic rebound.
While some weight regain may inevitable, staying physically active, maintaining a nutritious diet, and meeting regularly with a dietitian or other health coach may help you keep the weight off.
Ozempic is an injectable medication that requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Currently, Ozempic is only FDA approved to treat diabetes, but some healthcare professionals prescribe it off-label for people without diabetes who have obesity or overweight and meet certain qualifications.
If you’re interested in using Ozempic for weight loss but don’t have diabetes, talk with a healthcare professional. If they believe that Ozempic may be safe and appropriate for your health needs, they may prescribe it to help with your weight loss efforts. They can also recommend an alternative weight loss medication if needed.
