How to get Ozempic prescribed for weight loss

Ozempic is a game-changing medication for people with Type 2 diabetes that has gained widespread attention for its off-label use in weight loss. It not only lowers blood sugar but also suppresses appetite, helping people lose weight.

One in eight U.S. adults have reportedly taken a GLP-1 agonist like Ozempic, according to a survey by KFF. Its popularity has been fueled by clinical trials showing that patients taking Ozempic lost an average of 10.9% of their body weight over six months, as well as by the buzz from celebrities, influencers, and everyday conversations.

Since Ozempic is a diabetes drug prescribed off-label for weight loss, it’s important to use it safely. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Ozempic? 

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 medications mimic the activity of a hormone called GLP-1 in certain areas of the body. They were initially developed to help control blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes because they promote insulin release. 

The FDA has approved Ozempic for blood sugar management and for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke) in patients with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On Jan. 28, 2025, the FDA also approved Ozempic to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Ozempic for weight loss

When it comes to weight loss, the process is as follows: After you eat, your blood sugar levels naturally rise. In response, GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic tell the body to produce more insulin, which in turn helps lower glucose levels. This has obvious benefits for those with Type 2 diabetes, but it can also help those who struggle with insulin resistance and weight maintenance.

However, that’s not the only way that Ozempic helps patients lose weight. 

“These medicines reduce appetite by acting centrally in the brain and hence less food intake,” says bariatric specialist Noor A. Khan, MD, from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “They also reduce gastric emptying and may help patients feel full longer.”

Using Ozempic specifically for weight loss if you have no history of diabetes is considered off-label use, but some healthcare providers do prescribe it for weight-loss purposes.

“Ozempic is prescribed for weight loss when a patient also has a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes (insulin resistance),” says Vadim Sherman, MD, the medical director of the Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Center at Houston Methodist Department of Surgery in Houston. “In this situation, the medication can be helpful in treating both conditions at the same time.”

Do you need a prescription for Ozempic? 

A prescription from a healthcare provider is required to receive Ozempic. 

Who can get Ozempic prescribed for weight loss? 

Healthcare providers use some important criteria to ensure medications like Ozempic are safe and beneficial for each individual. Let’s explore some of these in more detail. 

Eligibility

It’s important to ensure that Ozempic will be beneficial for you before you start treatment. The medication has been studied most prominently for managing blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes, meaning some providers may only prescribe it for people with diabetes. 

However, semaglutide has also been associated with lower rates of heart attack and stroke among patients with obesity or overweight. In some people, clinically significant weight loss also provides benefits like improved mobility and less joint pain.

In general, weight-loss medications are only recommended for patients with a baseline body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or higher (overweight) AND at least one of the following weight-related conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Regardless of whether a weight loss medication is recommended, a balanced diet and adequate exercise are generally recommended in conjunction with Ozempic. Establishing and maintaining healthy habits is crucial for long-term weight management. 

Who should not take Ozempic? 

Telling your healthcare providers about your medical history and the other medications you are taking is vital when considering any new medication. This is crucial with weight-loss medications because there are some important precautions to bear in mind for Ozempic. 

Research on the potential for Ozempic to increase the risk of thyroid cancer is ongoing. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Ozempic.

People who are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredient in Ozempic should not take this medicine.

Ozempic may increase the risk of pancreatitis. If you have a history of pancreatitis, tell your healthcare providers before considering Ozempic. 

Ozempic slows stomach emptying, which may account for its most common side effects, like nausea. Some people already experience delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis, and Ozempic may increase the risk of gastroparesis symptoms or make them worse. 

For people managing diabetes, taking Ozempic along with medications like insulin or sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide or glimepiride) may increase the risk of unsafe drops in blood sugar levels. 

Who can prescribe Ozempic for weight loss? 

Ozempic is available only by prescription, so an appointment with a healthcare provider is needed. There are several options to access care. 

Any licensed healthcare provider

You do not need to see a specialist to get an Ozempic prescription. Any licensed healthcare provider, including primary care physicians, general practitioners, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, can prescribe medications like Ozempic for weight loss. 

Before starting these medications, your provider will likely ask about your lifestyle, diet, medical history, and past weight loss efforts. The healthcare provider may order blood tests to check for any underlying health concerns. 

Weight loss specialists

Not all healthcare providers are comfortable prescribing Ozempic for weight loss because it’s approved for managing Type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. 

In that case, receiving a referral to a reputable weight loss clinic that provides routine follow-ups will be beneficial. It is also important to work with a healthcare provider who provides continued monitoring and support. 

Online telehealth services

Online telehealth services have become increasingly popular, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These are a helpful way to gain access to healthcare, but it’s important to ensure you use them appropriately. 

Many online services have partnered with compounding pharmacies to source the medications they prescribe. Medications like Ozempic can be legally compounded during official shortages. However, the continuous legality of this is tricky because the status of official shortages of GLP-1 medications changes periodically. The FDA also recommends exercising caution related to compounded versions, particularly those obtained online, as their contents are not regulated or verified. 

It’s important to only purchase GLP-1s like Ozempic from state-licensed pharmacies.

RELATED: Is compounded semaglutide safe?

Does insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss? 

Health insurance plans often do not cover medication for off-label uses. Because Ozempic is not approved by the FDA for weight loss, weight management is considered an off-label use of Ozempic.

“Insurance plans generally cover Ozempic only when a patient has diabetes or prediabetes/insulin resistance,” Dr. Sherman says. “If a patient does not have diabetes, then the insurance plan will not allow the Ozempic to be prescribed for weight loss alone.” 

If you have questions about whether your insurance carrier will cover semaglutide for weight loss, contact the company directly. When you speak with your healthcare provider, you can discuss any required documentation together and determine whether you meet the conditions for coverage. 

RELATED: How to get insurance to cover Ozempic for weight loss

How much does Ozempic cost? 

Ozempic is expensive, especially for those without insurance or whose plans cover only a small portion of the price. The average cost of Ozempic without insurance is about $1,150 for each 3 mL pen (a one-month supply), according to SingleCare prescription data. However, the exact price depends on the pharmacy where you fill your prescription as well as the quantity and strength of Ozempic you’re prescribed.

While this number may cause sticker shock, there are a few other methods to save money on an Ozempic prescription.

How to save on Ozempic for weight loss

The cost of Ozempic can be a challenge for those without insurance coverage, for those with insurance plans that decline to cover the weight-loss drug, or even for those whose plans don’t adequately cover it. 

Prescription discount cards can help. With a SingleCare discount card, you can save up to 80% on the cost of an Ozempic pen. These discount cards also provide price transparency, allowing you to compare prices between multiple local pharmacies. 

With SingleCare, your Ozempic prescription could cost as little as $755 for each pen, a savings of $445 per pen. To learn more about how SingleCare prescription discount cards work or to get your own free card, read more here.

Another path is asking your healthcare provider whether Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), or a similar weight loss drug that is typically covered by insurance companies would be a suitable part of a treatment plan. These interventions are similar but can vary in dosing, notes Dr. Khan: “Ozempic is available in a highest dose of 2 mg weekly, and Wegovy is available in a highest dose of 2.4 mg weekly.” 

Where to get Ozempic for weight loss

If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic, there are two main ways to fill your prescription: at local pharmacies or through online pharmacies. Each option has pros and cons, and it’s important to choose the one that works best for you while ensuring safety and quality.

Local pharmacies

Ozempic is available at most local pharmacies, but availability can vary due to high demand or supply chain issues. To avoid unnecessary trips, call ahead to confirm that your pharmacy has it in stock. 

Once you start taking Ozempic, call in your refill a few days before you need it in case the pharmacy has to order it or any other delay, to avoid an interruption in your treatment.

Online pharmacies

Online pharmacies offer a convenient way to purchase Ozempic, but it’s essential to verify that the pharmacy is legitimate and licensed. Look for online pharmacies that:

• Require a valid prescription
• Display a U.S. physical address and phone number
• Are licensed by their state’s Board of Pharmacy
• Have a licensed pharmacist who is available for consultation

Tools like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) database can help confirm an online pharmacy’s legitimacy.

Be cautious of websites advertising compounded versions of Ozempic. The FDA has warned against unapproved compounded GLP-1 drugs, highlighting risks like dosing errors and contamination. To ensure safety, avoid suspicious or unauthorized websites that may sell counterfeit or unsafe products. Sticking to FDA-approved, brand-name Ozempic ensures you receive a product that meets strict safety and quality standards. 

Ozempic alternatives for weight loss

There are many alternatives to Ozempic, depending on your individual goals and health history. 

Some medications share the same active ingredient but are approved and marketed for different purposes. 

Brand name	Active ingredient	Max dose	FDA-approved indication
Ozempic	Semaglutide	2 mg	Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, CKD risk reduction
Wegovy	Semaglutide	2.4 mg	Weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	15 mg	Type 2 diabetes
Zepbound	Tirzepatide	15 mg	Weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea

Wegovy

Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as in Ozempic. It provides semaglutide at a higher maximum dose of 2.4 mg (compared with 2 mg for Ozempic) and has been approved by the FDA for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction in people with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. 

In clinical trials, the doses of semaglutide provided by Wegovy were associated with an average weight loss of 14.9% of initial body weight and losses of at least 5% in 86.4% of participants over a period of 68 weeks. These results have helped solidify Wegovy as an effective weight-loss medication.

RELATED: Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is fairly new, having been released in 2022. While Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro is classified as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, meaning it targets an additional pathway to help control blood sugar (and as a side effect, help with weight loss). Like Ozempic, it has been approved for blood sugar management in Type 2 diabetes. 

The active ingredient in Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has also been associated with significant weight loss. In a systematic review of 10 clinical studies, people using tirzepatide lost an average of 9.81 kg (or about 21.6 pounds) more body weight than those who took placebo (inactive medicine). 

RELATED: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Zepbound

Zepbound’s active ingredient is tirzepatide (the same active ingredient as in Mounjaro). Some healthcare providers and insurance companies prefer using medications like Zepbound for weight loss in patients without a history of diabetes due to their FDA approval for weight management. In December 2024, Zepbound was also approved for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. 

The bottom line: Work with your healthcare provider

Ozempic, and weight-loss medications like it, offer tremendous potential for those who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight despite lifestyle changes or a reduced-calorie diet. While the drug isn’t currently approved by the FDA for weight loss, it shows promise for improving weight maintenance for people with obesity or overweight. 

With that in mind, there still may be safe ways to get a prescription for Ozempic or a drug that works similarly to aid in weight loss. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider and your insurance company and have a medical provider monitor you for both side effects and proper dosage.