How to Get Prescribed Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic has surged in popularity over the years for its use as a weight loss drug. Although it’s not traditionally prescribed for that reason, this medication has shown that it can help you lose anywhere from 5% to 10% of your body weight. 

Because Ozempic is a prescription medication, you can’t just run out to the pharmacy and pick it up. You’ll have to visit your doctor or do a telehealth visit in order to get prescribed. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide outlining exactly what you need to do to get a prescription for Ozempic. 

Ozempic and Its Use in Weight Loss

Ozempic was originally created to help people with diabetes keep blood sugar levels where they should be and reduce their risk of heart problems. You may also hear of Ozempic referred to as Semaglutide because Semaglutide is the active drug in Ozempic—“Ozempic” is just the brand name. 

Ozempic is an injectable drug that usually has to be injected about once a week. When used, it works by binding to the GLP-1 receptors in the body which stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. This helps to lower blood sugar and A1C levels. It slows down the food that is released from your stomach which prevents blood sugar levels from spiking. 

Ozempic causes weight loss because it slows the digestive process which helps suppress appetite, causing individuals who are on it to eat less. Ideally, if you want to take Ozempic to lose weight you should also be eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly in addition to using the drug. 

Dietary changes are important when taking Ozempic. Eating too much or eating unhealthy fried and greasy foods can exacerbate side effects like stomach pain and digestive discomfort. 

Criteria Required to Qualify for Ozempic Prescription

Ozempic is technically only FDA-approved for use by people with type 2 diabetes who need help managing blood sugar levels but healthcare providers have the ability to prescribe it for weight loss if you meet certain criteria. In order to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, you will have to meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more and have difficulty losing weight. This means you’ve tried to lose weight using other methods and it didn’t work.
• Be considered overweight with a health condition related to being overweight, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. 

Although weight loss is considered an “off-label” use of Ozempic, this is still perfectly legal and okay to do. If you don't feel comfortable using Ozempic for weight loss then you may want to consider other medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, which are made specifically for weight loss and act on the body in a similar way. 

Who Can Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss?

Most people consult their primary care provider to obtain a prescription for Ozempic. You can see them in person or through telehealth. Medical providers who can prescribe Ozempic include:

• Medical Doctors (MDs)
• Physician Assistants (PAs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Getting the Ozempic Prescription

Getting prescribed Ozempic isn’t too complicated of a process. Ultimately, it will be up to your healthcare provider whether or not you are a good candidate. Below, we’ve broken down the steps needed to get a prescription for Ozempic. 

1. Schedule a Visit with a Healthcare Professional

Because Ozempic is a prescription drug, the first step to getting it is seeing a trained healthcare professional. You can make an in-person appointment with your primary care provider or have a virtual visit with a telehealth provider, something we’ll discuss more later on. 

Before your appointment, it helps to do some research of your own and jot down any questions that you have about taking Ozempic for weight loss. This way, you can make sure to cover all of the information during your visit. 

2. Review Your Weight Loss Concerns

Once it comes time to see your provider, they will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Ozempic for weight loss. This will allow you to talk to them about other steps you’ve taken to lose weight and what your weight loss goals are. Your provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your health history to find out if you are a good candidate for Ozempic or not. 

3. Find Out if Ozempic is a Good Option For You

During this initial visit, your provider should gather enough information to decide if they believe you are a good candidate for Ozempic. They will consider your current weight and BMI as well as any other health conditions you have. If your doctor decides that you should take Ozempic for weight loss, they will write a prescription for you. 

Once you have a prescription, simply take it to your local pharmacy to get your first dose. Ozempic is an injection that you will have to self-administer so make sure to talk with your doctor about this process beforehand.

How to Get Ozempic Prescription Online

It is possible to get an Ozempic prescription from the comfort of your own home. This will involve a telehealth visit with an online healthcare provider. Seeing a virtual provider for an Ozempic prescription will be similar to seeing your doctor in person; it will just be done over a video call. 

Using an online platform to get Ozempic can be beneficial since it is convenient and may offer additional services like nutrition coaching. Simply find a telehealth doctor or online platform for weight loss medications. You’ll schedule a call with the provider during which you’ll discuss your health and weight loss goals. If the provider believes you’re a good candidate for Ozempic, they’ll write a prescription for you. 

Factors That Could Affect Access to Ozempic

There have been drug shortages associated with the rising popularity of Ozempic in recent years. This means that there were times when it was difficult to get the medication because so many people were using it and the manufacturer wasn’t able to meet this demand. 

If there is a medication shortage going on during the time when you attempt to get prescribed Ozempic, your provider may not be able to prescribe it to you for weight loss alone. This is because, when there are shortages going on, the medication will be prioritized for people who have type 2 diabetes.

Medication shortages are not the only thing that can make it difficult to acquire Ozempic. The cost of Ozempic can make it difficult for most people to get their hands on it. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover any of the cost of Ozempic for weight loss alone and the average cost of one Ozempic pen is around $900—this usually accounts for one to 4 doses. 

While considering if you are a good candidate for Ozempic, you’ll need to think through if this is something that you can realistically afford. Also, Ozempic is something you’ll have to commit to taking long-term if you want the effects to last. 

Getting Ozempic Without Insurance

Even though insurance will rarely cover Ozempic for weight loss if you do not have type 2 diabetes, it is still worth it to explore the possibility. Reach out to your health insurance provider or review your coverage just to make sure you are not eligible for some amount of coverage. Certain insurance companies may offer the benefit of a copay savings card. This can allow you to get Ozempic for as little as $25 a month. This benefit is usually available through private or commercial insurance companies. 

Without insurance coverage, you can expect to pay around $900 per month to stay on Ozempic. Working with an online service like Ahara makes it easier to navigate the world of prescription weight loss medications. Although Ahara does not specifically offer Ozempic, we do offer Compounded Semaglutide which is the active ingredient in Ozempic (and another well-known name-brand weight loss drug, Wegovy) and works on the body in the same way. We also offer Compounded Tirzepatide, which is the active ingredient found in Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Talk to Your Doctor About Ozempic

When it comes time to meet with your doctor about taking Ozempic, it is important to be prepared in order to get the most out of your visit. Below, we’ve listed some tips to follow when you meet with your doctor about a potential Ozempic prescription. 

Prepare For Your Visit Ahead of Time

Before you see your doctor, take some time to research Ozempic and write down any questions you have. Look into the potential side effects and risk factors of taking it. That way if you read about anything that sounds concerning, you can have a list of questions ready to discuss with your provider so you can gain clarity on the subject. 

Make sure to bring your list of questions and concerns with you to the visit so that you remember to cover everything. It can be easy to forget to mention certain questions or concerns when you’re actually at a doctor's visit so having it all written down will make it easier for you to avoid forgetting anything. 

Ask About Side Effects

Make sure to talk with your doctor about any side effects that could happen when you take Ozempic. They should educate you clearly on any risks that come with taking the medication, but by asking your own questions too you can make sure that nothing important gets skipped over by mistake. 

Every medication comes with side effects and Ozempic is no exception. Being aware of potential side effects allows you to weigh out the risks and benefits of taking the medication. 

Be Clear About Any Health Issues You Currently Have

It is important to share with your doctor any current or past health issues you have dealt with. Ozempic is not recommended for anyone who has had certain types of cancers such as Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2).

You should also be sure to mention to your doctor if you have any drug allergies that could place you at risk of having an allergic reaction to Ozempic. Tell your doctor if you have any health issues at all, especially any issues with your pancreas or kidneys or diabetic retinopathy. 

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, make sure to mention this to your provider. It is not known if Ozempic is safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding so you will not want to take it during this time. Make sure to also mention any medications that you’re currently taking so they can determine if Ozempic will interact well with them.

Schedule Regular Checkups To Discuss Progress

If you do start taking Ozempic, you’ll need to continue seeing your doctor regularly to make sure the medication is working well for you. Your provider will offer unique recommendations on how often they need to see you but it may be monthly as you determine the best dose and then every 3 months once you have settled on a dosage. 

Make sure to continuously track symptoms (good and bad) in between your appointments so you can know if you have anything important to discuss with them when you do have your check-up visits. 

Potential Side-effects of Ozempic

Every medication comes with potential side effects—Ozempic is no exception. Side effects from Ozempic can range from mild to severe. Below we have listed some of the most ones. 

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Because of the effects that Ozempic has on your digestive tract, gastrointestinal symptoms are some of the most common side effects. GI symptoms from Ozempic typically go away after you’ve been on the medication for a little while and your body has gotten used to the effects. Common GI symptoms from Ozempic include:

• Nausea and vomiting. Nausea is the most common side effect of Ozempic. It is common when first taking the drug or when you increase your dosage and usually goes away over time. 
• Stomach pain. You may experience cramping or discomfort in your abdomen from taking Ozempic. 
• Diarrhea. You may experience diarrhea when first starting Ozempic. However, the foods you eat will likely have an influence over whether you experience this symptom.
• Constipation. Because Ozempic slows down digestion, it is possible for it to cause constipation. Take steps to prevent constipation by drinking plenty of water, exercising daily, eating fiber, and taking laxatives when needed. 
• Belching. When your digestion slows down from taking Ozempic, it can cause sulfur to build up in your gut causing you to belch more frequently. Some people refer to belching from Ozempic as “Ozempic burps.” If this happens to you, you may benefit from cutting back on certain sulfur-rich foods like cruciferous vegetables, dried fruits, and red meat. Keep in mind, sulfur is an important nutrient so you shouldn’t cut it out entirely. 

To prevent GI symptoms when taking Ozempic make sure to eat small frequent meals, drink water throughout the day, and never take Ozempic on an empty stomach. It is best to avoid sugary beverages, alcohol, caffeine, full-fat dairy products, and greasy foods while taking Ozempic to help prevent GI discomfort. 

Mild Effects of Ozempic

You may experience other mild effects of taking Ozempic that don’t involve the GI tract. These include: 

• Headache. Headaches can happen as a result of low blood sugar and dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water while taking Ozempic. 
• Fatigue. Some people report feeling more tired than usual while taking Ozempic. It isn’t entirely clear if or why Ozempic directly causes fatigue but you can take steps to prevent it by sleeping well, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet. 
• Hair loss. Some people using Ozempic have found that their hair sheds more frequently. This side effect of Ozempic hasn’t been studied directly so there is no scientific evidence that the medication itself causes hair loss. Some experts believe that hair may shed or fall out as a result of drastic weight loss or hormonal shifts associated with taking Ozempic. 
• Injection site reaction. You may experience mild pain, redness, or discomfort at the injection site of Ozempic. This irritation usually clears up on its own. 

Serious Side Effects of Ozempic

Ozempic can cause some rare and more serious side effects. These can include:

• Stomach paralysis. This uncommon side effect can cause the stomach muscles to become so weak that they can’t properly digest food. This causes food to sit in the stomach for too long and can cause a blockage in your digestive tract.
• Pancreatitis. Ozempic can sometimes cause the pancreas to become inflamed. This condition is more common in people who have had pancreatitis in the past and it can be serious. 
• Thyroid tumor and cancer. Studies with mice showed that Ozempic can cause tumors to develop on the thyroid gland which can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Make sure to mention to your provider if you or anyone in your family has a history of thyroid cancer. 

Who Should Be Cautious When Taking Ozempic?

Ozempic is not for everyone. Make sure to share your health history extensively with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to be on it. You should not take Ozempic if:

• You or anyone in your family has a history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2)
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Proceed with caution when taking Ozempic if you have past experience with pancreatitis, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease. If this is part of your medical history, Ozempic may not be the right choice for you. 

Alternatives to Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ahara offers a personalized online weight loss program with doctor-prescribed medications, including Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. With our online program, you can speak with a provider and quickly get a prescription for weight loss medications, all from the comfort of your home. We also provide nutrition coaching from registered dietitians to help you maximize your weight loss journey. Another weight loss drug on the market with effects similar to Ozempic is Wegovy.

Incorporating Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss Along With Ozempic

In order for your weight loss medications to be the most effective and with the least side effects, you’ll need to take some steps to adapt your lifestyle. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get onto a good sleep schedule. All of these steps will help you maintain adequate energy levels and feel your best. 

Working with Ahara means you will have access to regular check-ins with registered dietitians who can help guide you on your weight loss journey, providing expert recommendations for what you need to be eating each day. 

Review on Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic can be a good weight loss option for some people. There are several other weight loss medications on the market that are similar to Ozempic, all of which will require you to first meet with a health care provider in order to get prescribed.

Make sure to show up prepared for your visit with your health care provider so that you can get all of your questions answered. As with any medication, side effects are possible when taking Ozempic. It is important to carefully weigh out the risks and benefits before starting on weight loss medications.

At Ahara, we are here to support you on your weight loss journey. We strive to help individuals shift into a healthier lifestyle, shedding pounds and keeping them off. Our fully online weight loss program will provide you with the resources you need to feel your best and thrive. 

‍