Genetic factors or hormonal changes can make weight loss challenging, a situation you might be familiar with. If you're among those struggling to lose excess weight, you might be considering whether the injectable medication Ozempic® is suitable for you and wondering about the process to get a prescription for it.
So, how can you obtain a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss? Although there are a few steps involved, qualifying for the medication can be relatively straightforward.
We'll provide you with all the information you need on getting Ozempic prescribed for weight loss, where to obtain it, and the cost without insurance (as many insurance plans unfortunately don't cover weight loss medications).
What Is Ozempic and How Does Ozempic Work?
Before diving into how and where to obtain this popular medication, let's first understand what it is.
Ozempic, a brand name for semaglutide, is an injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes.
Interestingly, this diabetes medication also helps reduce appetite, which is why it's sometimes used for weight loss.
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body and plays a role in regulating insulin and promoting feelings of fullness.
Drugs like Ozempic mimic GLP-1, helping to slow down the emptying of the stomach. Semaglutide also reduces cravings and increases insulin secretion by the pancreas, which lowers blood sugar levels. As a result, you feel less hungry and stay full longer.
Ozempic for Weight Loss
Besides aiding those with diabetes in managing blood sugar levels, studies indicate that individuals with type 2 diabetes taking Ozempic (alongside metformin) lost up to 15 pounds after a 2-milligram dose for 40 weeks.
Ozempic works on multiple organs, explains Veronica R. Johnson, M.D., an internal medicine physician specializing in obesity medicine at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. In the stomach, it slows gastric emptying, while in the pancreas, it stimulates insulin release. Additionally, it sends signals to the brain to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
People taking Ozempic tend to lose weight because they eat less and experience fewer distracting thoughts about food, says Dr. Johnson. However, clinical trials that demonstrated weight loss benefits also included diet and exercise. Ozempic is "most effective in combination with lifestyle interventions," she emphasizes.
Seth M. Kipnis, M.D., medical director of bariatric and robotic surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, agrees. He notes that simply taking Ozempic without dietary changes won't be very effective. Additionally, failing to reduce food intake after starting Ozempic can lead to stomach cramping and discomfort, he warns.
Do You Need a Prescription for Ozempic?
Like most medications, Ozempic isn't available for purchase directly online or over-the-counter; a prescription is required. You can obtain an Ozempic prescription either through an in-person consultation or via certain telehealth platforms.
Can You Get an Ozempic Prescription Without Having Diabetes?
Yes, Ozempic can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Off-label use refers to a healthcare provider prescribing a medication for a purpose other than its FDA-approved use—in this case, for weight loss instead of type 2 diabetes.
However, obtaining an off-label prescription can be more complex and might not always be covered by insurance.
How to Get Prescribed Ozempic for Weight Loss
You can obtain a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss from a licensed healthcare provider after a physical exam and medical evaluation. It's also possible to get an online prescription through a telehealth provider, who may ask questions or request health records to determine if the medication is suitable for you.
How to Get Ozempic In Person
Wondering who can prescribe Ozempic for weight loss? Any licensed healthcare provider, such as your primary care physician, a physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner, can prescribe it.
Getting Ozempic in person can be beneficial because your provider will conduct a thorough physical exam, discuss any existing medical conditions, and order any necessary lab tests. They can also demonstrate how to administer the weight loss injections if needed.
To get Ozempic in person, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a general practitioner and let them know you're interested in weight loss medications.
Conditions That Ozempic Is Approved to Treat
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes care guidelines, Ozempic is effective in lowering blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and promoting weight loss.
It's important to note that Ozempic is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Some doctors may prescribe Ozempic for weight management in individuals without diabetes. However, this is considered an “off-label” use, as it is not FDA-approved for weight management. Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, is the FDA-approved version for weight loss, explains Dr. Johnson.
While both Wegovy and Ozempic are pre-filled injectable pens containing semaglutide, they have different dosages. Additionally, Ozempic is approved only for adults, whereas Wegovy is approved for individuals 12 and older who meet certain body mass index (BMI) criteria. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Kipnis note that insurance coverage for these medications can vary.
Eligibility Criteria for Ozempic
Ozempic is specifically indicated for the following:
- Regulating blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise
- Lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
"The best candidate for Ozempic is a patient with type 2 diabetes," says Dr. Johnson. However, she points out that Ozempic is not always the first treatment option for someone newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. "It's important to counsel around healthy lifestyle behaviors and provide support and education regarding self-management," she says.
Metformin is usually the first-choice medication for type 2 diabetes due to its effectiveness, safety, and affordability. Dr. Johnson notes that "GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic, are great treatment options for patients with known cardiovascular disease."
While Ozempic is beneficial for diabetes and weight loss, Dr. Johnson prefers to treat patients who need both with Wegovy, as it is approved for individuals with obesity or a BMI of 30 or higher, or at least 27 with a weight-related health condition. Dr. Kipnis agrees, adding that the slightly higher dose of Wegovy can provide additional weight loss benefits.
Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?
According to the manufacturer, Ozempic may not be suitable for everyone, including individuals with pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. It may also be contraindicated for those with diabetic retinopathy or kidney problems.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss Ozempic with your doctor. Animal studies have shown risks of pregnancy loss and birth defects, so the manufacturer recommends stopping Ozempic at least two months before trying to conceive.
Avoid Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, including multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN 2).
Who Can Prescribe Ozempic?
"Ozempic can be prescribed by any licensed clinician, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants," says Dr. Johnson. She advises starting with a primary care provider (PCP), who will perform an in-person medical exam. Blood work from the past three to six months should be reviewed before starting Ozempic.
While many PCPs can prescribe medications for overweight and obesity treatment, most might not have specialized expertise, so a referral to another provider might be needed.
Can Digital Health Providers Prescribe Ozempic?
Some telehealth companies offer comprehensive care, but there are limitations to receiving an Ozempic prescription virtually. Dr. Kipnis emphasizes that starting Ozempic without a full in-person medical exam and routine blood work isn't safe. It’s essential to check for thyroid issues, pancreatitis, and underlying diabetes to ensure comprehensive medical care.
How Much Does Ozempic Cost?
The current list price for each Ozempic pen is $936. Each pen contains four doses, lasting four weeks based on typical maintenance dosing, or six weeks when first starting. The cost varies depending on your insurance, pharmacy, and whether you use coupons. If you don't have insurance, you might be eligible for Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program.
Does Insurance Cover Ozempic?
Insurance is more likely to cover Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes, according to Dr. Johnson. Some insurers may also cover Ozempic for weight-related conditions like prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. However, coverage for Wegovy is limited, and some policies, including Medicare, exclude weight loss medications altogether. If you have insurance coverage for Ozempic, Novo Nordisk offers a Savings Card that might lower out-of-pocket costs.
How to Ask a Doctor for Ozempic
If off-label drug use feels intimidating, remember that it's both legal and common. Don’t hesitate to discuss a medication that could benefit you.
Explain to your doctor why you’re interested in Ozempic. A supportive provider will not judge you for considering a weight loss medication.
Your doctor will likely review your medical history, assess your eligibility, and determine if there are any reasons Ozempic might not be suitable for you. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that may include weight loss injections.
Read more- How to Get Mounjaro for Weight Loss
Ozempic Side Effects and Considerations
Ozempic can aid in weight loss, but it comes with potential side effects. Common side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Low blood sugar (though it typically doesn’t cause hypoglycemia)
One study found that Ozempic’s gastrointestinal side effects are usually mild to moderate. If you’re unsure if Ozempic is right for you, consider alternative weight loss medications and lifestyle changes, which we will discuss below.
Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss (With or Without Ozempic)
Simple lifestyle changes can significantly impact weight loss. If you choose to use weight loss medication, combining it with diet and exercise will enhance its effectiveness.
Here are some ways to support your weight loss goals, with or without medication:
Eat a Nutritious Diet
Adjusting your diet to lose weight isn't a new idea, but it remains effective. Small changes, such as incorporating more lean protein or choosing healthier snacks, can have a substantial impact.
Get Regular Exercise
You don’t need to train for a marathon or join a spin class unless you want to. Simply moving more can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Burning about 3,500 calories is needed to lose one pound of fat, so any physical activity that burns calories will contribute to your progress.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol doesn't make you feel full, so you consume extra calories from the drinks and often additional snacks. A 2018 study found that heavy alcohol drinkers might experience suboptimal long-term weight loss. Additionally, drinking can make it harder to stick to your exercise routine.
The Verdict on Getting Ozempic Prescribed for Weight Loss
Ozempic can be prescribed for weight loss as an off-label use.
Key points to remember about obtaining Ozempic for weight loss include:
- There are no specific qualifications for prescribing Ozempic for weight loss, but many providers use BMI as a guideline. Generally, a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a related medical condition, is considered.
- Due to its popularity, there are current shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy, making it difficult to fill prescriptions quickly.
- Never try to obtain Ozempic from unverified sources or websites, as it can be dangerous, especially since it is an injectable medication.
Weight loss medications can facilitate progress, but they work best when combined with healthy lifestyle choices and a balanced diet. Weight loss is a personal journey, and the decision to use medication like semaglutide is yours to make.
For more information, our Ozempic for weight loss guide covers details about semaglutide's safety and efficacy. If Ozempic isn't right for you, consider starting a free online assessment to explore other weight loss medication options that might suit you better.
Read more- Does Farxiga Cause Weight Loss & How Rapid Is the Effect?
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