How to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss: A step-by-step guide
Want an Ozempic prescription for weight loss? Our guide reveals the qualification criteria, how to talk to your doctor, telehealth options, and a key FDA-approved alternative.
Key highlights
- Ozempic (semaglutide) is a subcutaneous injection approved by the FDA for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is often used off-label for weight loss in obese and overweight individuals.
- You can obtain a prescription for Ozempic by visiting your healthcare provider in person, a weight loss clinic, or through a telehealth consultation.
- Your doctor might prescribe Wegovy instead of Ozempic as both drugs contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Health insurance providers are more likely to cover Wegovy for weight loss compared to Ozempic (off-label).
- Always consult your doctor if you want to start Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss. They will evaluate your health condition and offer the best treatment option accordingly.
According to JAMA Network, roughly 12% of adults in the United States have used a glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug, out of which 6% used drugs, such as semaglutide, including Wegovy or Ozempic. Ozempic was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for type 2 diabetes in 2017. However, patients taking the drug for blood glucose management experienced significant weight loss, and it immediately became popular among the masses. Most insurances cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, making it more affordable for patients.
The drug is often prescribed off-label for weight loss, but the best approach is to get a prescription for Wegovy for weight loss. It is another injectable GLP-1 drug by Novo Nordisk with the same active ingredient as Ozempic. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, but it can be challenging to afford, as most insurance providers do not yet cover weight loss drugs.
If you want to get Ozempic prescribed for weight loss, you’re at the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the two (label and off-label) prescription paths and the essential steps for securing the drug, including:
- The standard eligibility criteria
- How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment
- The role of telehealth in GLP-1 prescriptions
- Why your provider might recommend Wegovy instead
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to select the most suitable solution for getting Ozempic prescribed for weight loss.
Do you need a prescription for Ozempic?
Yes, Ozempic is a prescription drug, and you cannot get it over the counter by just asking the pharmacist for it. To obtain Ozempic, you must have a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. However, you need to consider the following when you want to get Ozempic prescribed for weight loss:
- Ozempic has been approved for type 2 diabetes and is more likely to be prescribed for the FDA-approved (type 2 diabetes) use instead of weight loss.
- Your doctor might prescribe the medication for an off-label use, but only if they find the medication necessary for your health condition.
You will be required to undergo a medical evaluation by a healthcare provider to get a prescription for Ozempic.
The process for getting prescribed Ozempic for weight loss
Ozempic is a prescription medication, which means that you need a doctor’s prescription to buy Ozempic from a pharmacy. Considering the indication and side effect profile of the drug, healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring that the patient needs Ozempic for their specific health needs. The process of getting Ozempic prescribed for weight loss includes three steps.
Initial medical consultation
Consultation with a healthcare provider is the first step toward obtaining a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss. It allows you to share your needs and concerns with the doctor to make the right decision for your health needs. During the initial medical consultation, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and information relating to prior attempts at weight loss before prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists. You can also take this opportunity to explain your health and weight loss goals and reasons for your inclination toward the drug.
Medical evaluation
After the initial medical consultation, your doctor might order lab tests, such as kidney and liver function tests, to determine your eligibility for Ozempic. They may also recommend further consultation with an endocrinologist to evaluate your health metrics, such as blood glucose monitoring and A1C, and determine the best course of treatment. The doctor will only prescribe Ozempic for weight loss if you meet the medical criteria.
Obtaining an Ozempic prescription for weight loss
Once your doctor prescribes Ozempic, you will receive four pre-filled injections for the first month (28 days). You can get these injections from your preferred pharmacy or get them delivered to your doorstep via NovoCare Pharmacy. The starting dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg per week, and is usually up-titrated to the next dose (0.5 mg and further) every four weeks. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, suggests rotating the site of injection every time to avoid injection site reactions.
Do you qualify for semaglutide? Understanding clinical eligibility criteria
Semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 (Class I obesity)
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥27 (overweight), along with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea
- Pediatric patients aged 12 or more with a BMI at the 95th percentile or higher for age and sex (obesity)
It is also prescribed to:
- Improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with reduced reduced-calorie diet and exercise)
- Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease
- Reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Typically, Wegovy is prescribed for weight loss, and Ozempic is prescribed for blood glucose management. Your doctor might prescribe any of these medications with the same active ingredient for an unlisted off-label use, if necessary. However, you need to consult a healthcare provider to get a prescription for semaglutide for any of these conditions.
While you may meet the weight criteria (obesity or overweight with comorbid conditions), it is important to consult a licensed provider, such as a PCP or endocrinologist, for medical evaluation. The initial consultation typically includes the following.
- Your doctor will ask for your and your family’s history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2 (MEN 2). They may also check your history for pancreatitis, kidney damage, or liver disease.
- The healthcare practitioner may also conduct lab tests, such as liver function test (LFT), kidney function test (RFT), A1C, blood glucose monitoring, thyroid function, and cardiovascular risk, to evaluate your health metrics before starting GLP-1 drugs.
- You may also be asked about your previous attempts to lose weight, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. This helps the provider understand what helps you manage your body weight more efficiently, along with prescribing medication.
The telehealth gateway
If you cannot visit a doctor in person, telemedicine is an essential healthcare tool. You can consult qualified and experienced doctors online through telehealth services to get a prescription for Ozempic when you meet the criteria. Telehealth providers evaluate your medical history to determine if Ozempic is the best choice of drug for your weight loss journey.
Choosing the off-label or on-label route
Some people might need Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes, while others might want it for weight loss because they heard of it from someone. You can either get Ozempic prescribed off-label for weight loss (which your health insurance will likely not cover) or opt for Wegovy instead, which is approved by the FDA for weight loss.
Path A: The on-label (Wegovy) route
Patients often hear of Ozempic through friends and family or social media and are unaware of Wegovy. Clinical studies by Novo Nordisk show that patients taking Wegovy 2.4 mg lost 35 lbs on average or observed a 15% weight loss after 104 weeks of Wegovy treatment. Research also shows that about 1 in 3 adults achieved 20% weight loss on taking Wegovy.
This GLP-1 drug contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic and has shown better weight loss results in obese and overweight individuals. It has been approved by the FDA for weight loss, even at higher doses.
You might find it harder to get insurance coverage for Ozempic when prescribed for weight loss because insurance providers typically only offer coverage for labeled uses. You might have a better chance of insurance coverage for Wegovy for chronic weight management.
Path B: The off-label (Ozempic) route
In case your insurance does not offer coverage for Wegovy, you can ask your provider about the off-label route and the possibility of getting Ozempic for weight loss.
Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, but it is approved for type 2 diabetes, with a maximum dose of 2 mg once weekly. Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production, regulating blood sugar, slowing down digestion, and promoting the feeling of fullness.
Unlike Wegovy, you may not get commercial or government insurance coverage for Ozempic, including Medicare and Medicaid, when prescribed for weight loss. Insurance providers usually cover Ozempic for patients with diabetes. The list price of Ozempic is $997.58 for all doses. You might have to pay around $997.58 – $1,150 per month out of pocket, unless you have type 2 diabetes.
The prescription is approved at the healthcare provider’s discretion, who may or may not prescribe Ozempic for weight management.
The Tirzepatide alternative (Zepbound)
In case you cannot access Wegovy for weight loss or are looking for an alternative due to a shortage, or require additional weight loss benefits, Zepbound can be the best choice. In fact, the active ingredient in Zepbound, tirzepatide, has been seen to be more effective in weight loss, compared to semaglutide.
Research studying Tirzepatide in comparison to semaglutide for the treatment of obesity showed that patients lost 13.7% with semaglutide and 21.4% with tirzepatide. Moreover, your insurance provider might offer coverage for Zepbound for the approved use, i.e., weight loss.
What off-label really means for Ozempic
Off-label prescription refers to the practice of prescribing a medication for a use that has not been officially approved by the FDA. A doctor can only prescribe a medication for an off-label use when clinical trial data show the efficacy and safety of the drug for that particular indication. Sometimes, healthcare professionals may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss as it contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy. It is not illegal for doctors to prescribe drugs for off-label uses, but pharmaceutical companies cannot market or advertise a drug for off-label use.
It is important to understand that you cannot take drugs such as GLP-1 medications, for approved or off-label uses, without medical evaluation and a valid prescription from a doctor.
Choosing your path to a prescription
Not long ago, visiting a doctor’s office for consultation was the only way to get a prescription from a healthcare provider. Now, you can also get GLP-1 drugs prescribed by telehealth providers or weight loss clinics from the comfort of your home. We’ve explained all three options for you to choose the best option for your needs.
Path A: In-person visit with your primary care physician or obesity specialist
If you want to consult your regular healthcare provider or family physician, schedule an appointment to consult them about your weight loss goals. On the day of the appointment, share your weight history, health conditions, and steps you have taken previously to reduce weight.
Also, bring your weight history, medical records, and a list of medications to ensure that the weight loss drug is safe for you, along with the drugs you’re taking. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, comorbid conditions, family history, and may recommend lab tests, including kidney function test, liver function test, blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance. They will also explain the risks and benefits of the drug to help you make the right choice for your health goals.
Once the test results arrive, your healthcare professional may or may not prescribe you Ozempic based on their evaluation.
Pros:
- Visiting a healthcare provider in person might be comfortable if you have been visiting them previously.
- You may ask your doctor about the risks of the medication and understand the common side effects in more detail.
- You can discuss the drug’s insurance coverage and provide them with all the necessary information required for prior authorization.
Cons:
- Doctors who do not specialize in weight management may be hesitant to prescribe you Ozempic for weight loss.
- It may not be the best choice for people who find it hard to visit doctors in person because of their busy schedules.
Path B: Telehealth and weight loss clinics offering GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss
You can access a healthcare professional from the comfort of your home. Many providers, including NiceRx, offer telehealth consultations with qualified doctors. Visit the website, fill out the questionnaire, and have a video consultation with a healthcare professional. If eligible, they might also prescribe you semaglutide for weight loss. Doctors offering online consultation follow the same protocols as in-person consultation and only prescribe a GLP-1 drug when necessary for your health.
Make sure to follow the process properly when opting for telehealth services:
- Select a reputable platform for video consultation
- Make sure the provider is licensed and offers follow-up
- Complete the intake form
- Consult with the healthcare provider
- Get the prescription sent to your pharmacy (if eligible)
Pros:
- The doctors on telehealth platforms are often specialized in weight loss and may offer an in-depth understanding of the weight loss medication.
- Telehealth consultation enables you to consult a doctor from the comfort of your home.
- Follow-ups via video consultation, instead of clinic or hospital visits.
Cons:
- All the doctors affiliated with the various online platforms may not offer the same quality of service.
- Some telehealth service providers often have monthly fees, which might be costly for some people.
- Your insurance plan may not cover telehealth consultations.
Path C: Membership or weight loss clinics
When looking for a comprehensive weight loss program, including prescriptions, membership programs, and weight loss clinics can help. They offer in-person and telehealth consultations, personalized prescriptions, coaching, medication delivery, and progress monitoring and follow-up. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, comorbid conditions, BMI, and lab results (if applicable) to evaluate your need for Ozempic for weight loss.
Before selecting a membership or weight loss clinic, make sure to verify credentials to ensure that you’re consulting a qualified doctor. Some clinics and membership programs partner with a pharmacy and patients have to pay for the medication separately. Your insurance may or may not cover these medications, and you might need to pay with cash.
Pros:
- Some of these platforms facilitate insurance coverage and help locate pharmacies with drug availability.
- You can access a specialized weight loss practitioner virtually anywhere.
- Weight loss clinics and membership programs offer provider follow-ups and ongoing support.
Cons:
- Some patients might find the upfront cost a little high.
- The membership fee may not include the cost of medication.
What to ask your provider
When you want to get a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss, share your concerns with your doctor. Mention your interest in the medication and why you think it is a good choice for your health needs. Being already informed on the medication and its side effects will show that you understand the possible adverse outcomes and believe that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Here are some questions to ask your doctor:
- I have been reading about Ozempic and how it has helped obese and overweight individuals lose weight. I also want to try it after being unsuccessful with other weight loss methods. Do you think it is a good idea?
- Will this medication help improve my other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiac events, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea? Is it safe for me?
- I do understand that the medication has some side effects, but do you think it is the best choice for weight loss?
- How do other patients taking GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, respond? How is their experience?
- How will you monitor the common side effects and dose escalation? Will you suggest staying on a dose for longer if the side effects persist?
- What will my out-of-pocket cost be, and can you help with prior authorization?
Also, don’t forget to mention your weight loss struggles and any concerns you have regarding any specific active ingredient or brand-name drug.
What doctors look for before prescribing
Before prescribing semaglutide, your doctor will verify whether the medication is the best treatment plan and safe for you. Here’s what providers typically look for before prescribing Ozempic:
Current health status and history
- BMI ≥30 (Class I obesity)
- BMI ≥27 (overweight) along with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or chronic kidney disease
- Personal/ family history of Medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2)
- Pancreatitis or severe GI disorders
- Current medicine list
Medical evaluation
- A1C and fasting glucose
- Blood glucose levels
- Kidney function tests (RFT)
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
Lifestyle
- Previous lifestyle modifications for weight loss
- Current lifestyle, including diet and exercise routine
Risk vs. benefit
Your doctor will consider all the information provided by you to evaluate the risks vs benefits and will possibly prescribe you Ozempic only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Why your doctor might prescribe Wegovy instead
Sometimes, doctors might prescribe Wegovy for weight loss instead of Ozempic. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in obese and overweight patients. You may not be initially happy with it if you want a prescription for Ozempic, but this can help you in multiple ways.
- Insurance providers do not provide coverage for drugs when prescribed for off-label use. You are more likely to get coverage for Wegovy for weight loss compared to Ozempic.
- Obese and overweight individuals taking Wegovy may be eligible for the Wegovy Savings Card that provides savings to patients taking the drug for weight loss.
If your goal is weight loss, the most effective strategy is to ask your doctor about Wegovy first.
Navigating cost, insurance coverage and savings options
Ozempic is an injectable GLP-1 drug prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. When prescribed for these health conditions, your insurance provider may provide coverage for the medication. However, since Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, your insurance provider is likely to deny coverage for Ozempic. Patients often need to request their healthcare provider to submit a prior authorization and prove medical necessity.
Winning the war against insurance denials
Prior authorization (PA) is a requirement from insurance companies before they cover your medication, test, or treatment. PA constitutes paperwork submitted by your doctor showing that the medication is necessary for your medical condition. The insurance provider may deny approval without a PA, even when you have a prescription for the medication.
If your prior authorization for insurance gets denied, you can appeal the decision. The first level is the standard or internal appeal, where the provider submits a formal appeal to the health plan. Level two is the peer-to-peer (P2P) discussion where the provider can request a conversation with a plan physician or pharmacist to explain the clinical nuance of the case. External review is the third level if the plan upholds its denial. The member can appeal to an external, independent third party. Once the appeal is submitted, track everything and follow up on the process.
Cost savings for the insured
Commercially insured patients with coverage for Ozempic or Wegovy can pay as little as $0-25 per month, if eligible. However, government beneficiaries are exempt from these savings card programs.
- Ozempic Savings Card: Patients with private or commercial insurance can avail the Ozempic Savings Card to save on their prescription fill. Commercially insured patients with coverage for Ozempic may pay as little as $25. This offer is subject to a maximum savings of $100 per month and is good for up to 48 months.
- Wegovy Savings Card: The Wegovy Savings Card allows new or existing commercially covered patients to pay as little as $0 for a 1-month supply (any dose). New self-pay or uninsured patients can pay as low as $199 per month for the first two months.
Cost savings for the uninsured
Brand-name medications can be costly for patients without insurance coverage. Fortunately, there are several options to save:
- PAP (Patient Assistance Program): Novo Nordisk offers an income-based charitable program for low-income individuals without insurance, though strict eligibility rules apply. The Patient Assistance Program covers Ozempic when prescribed for FDA-approved uses, including glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (such as heart attack), and lowering the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
- NovoCare Pharmacy: Patients without insurance or those with commercial insurance that does not cover obesity medicines can get Ozempic or Wegovy for $499 per month through NovoCare Pharmacy.
- Telehealth cash-pay models: Some services offer cash-pay models for GLP-1s, bypassing insurance, but costs may still be high. Telehealth providers typically charge $60 to $150 per month on average for consultation, prescription management, and coaching. Some include the medication cost in the subscription, and others do not.
- Discount cards: Some pharmacies and providers offer discounts to provide medications to customers at the lowest possible prices. You can check discounted prices and coupons by GoodRx, SingleCare, ScriptSave WellRx, and the Costco Member Prescription Program to find your medication at the lowest price.
Alternatives if Ozempic isn’t right for you
If Ozempic is not right for you, you can talk to your doctor about other GLP-1s specifically approved for weight management. For example, your doctor can prescribe Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), or Rybelsus (semaglutide), depending on your health needs. You may also get better coverage for these alternative medications instead of type 2 diabetes drugs.
If your body does not tolerate Ozempic and you wish to stay off GLP-1 medication for some time, personalized dietitian-led, low-calorie diet programs can be helpful in weight loss. Your doctor may also recommend consultation with a bariatric specialist for efficient weight management without Ozempic.
If cost or coverage is a barrier, research trials may offer newer agents or provide medication under research protocols in exchange for participation. In case the newer agents prove to be helpful, you may observe improvement in your weight and health during and after the trial.
Pharmaceutical companies are always working on new molecules that could be more efficient and offer better safety in patients. Stay updated on recent advancements and ask your doctor if they know about any upcoming medications for weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy have the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and are manufactured by the same company. However, the FDA has approved Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy has been approved for chronic weight management. Both drugs come in pre-filled subcutaneous injection pens, but the dose strengths vary.
Can I use the Ozempic savings card for weight loss?
No, you cannot use the Ozempic savings card for weight loss. The Ozempic savings card is only applicable when your doctor prescribes Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. The Wegovy Savings Card is a better choice when you want to lower costs for semaglutide for weight loss.
What are the best telehealth services for getting a prescription?
GoodRx, Amwell, and PlushCare are good options for getting a prescription via telehealth providers. When consulting a doctor via a telehealth service, ensure that they are licensed and check the credentials of the healthcare providers.
What if I don’t meet the BMI criteria?
It is very unlikely for your healthcare provider to prescribe semaglutide if you do not meet the body mass index criteria for GLP-1 drugs. It is best to consult your doctor about other health goals and the best strategies to achieve them.
Can I get Ozempic if I don’t have diabetes?
Yes, your doctor might prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss if necessary. It is up to your doctor’s discretion to prescribe Ozempic when you do not have diabetes.
Will my insurance pay for Ozempic if I’m using it for weight loss?
Most insurances do not cover drugs when prescribed for off-label uses. You are more likely to get Ozempic coverage for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy coverage for weight loss. You may need to ask your healthcare provider to submit prior authorization to obtain insurance coverage for these drugs.
Can I get a prescription online without seeing a doctor in-person?
Yes, telemedicine has made it convenient for patients who cannot or do not want to visit a doctor in person. You can effortlessly consult a doctor via video conference, share your health goals and concerns, and they may provide you with a prescription for Ozempic if medically appropriate.
How much does it cost if I pay out of pocket?
The list price for Ozempic is $997.58 for a one-month supply without insurance. Always check the current pricing when getting your prescription filled. You might pay less with copay cards, savings programs, insurance coverage, and pharmacy discount cards.
Is it safe to buy Ozempic from an online pharmacy without a prescription?
Ozempic is a prescription drug, and pharmacies are not allowed to sell it without a prescription. The FDA also warns about counterfeit products on online pharmacies that offer GLP-1 drugs without a prescription. You must have a valid prescription for semaglutide to purchase the medication.
Conclusion: Your prescription access plan for getting semaglutide for weight loss
The FDA has approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes management, but this glucagon-like peptide-1 drug has gained popularity for its weight loss benefits. It is also widely used off-label for weight management in obese and overweight individuals. Your doctor may prescribe Ozempic for weight loss if you meet the specific criteria. They might also prescribe Wegovy, another GLP-1 drug with the same active ingredient, which is approved for chronic weight management. Your healthcare provider (in-person or telehealth provider) will prescribe you the medication after a thorough medical evaluation.
The best way to get semaglutide for weight loss is via the Wegovy (on-label) path, but the Ozempic (off-label) path remains an option for those willing to pay for the medication out-of-pocket. Opting for Wegovy instead of Ozempic makes it easier to obtain insurance coverage for weight management. Whether you get a prescription for Ozempic or Wegovy, the best results are realized when combined with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Sustainable weight loss is a journey. Taking this informed first step is a powerful move toward achieving your goals.
