From TikTok influencers to Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick, Ozempic and its cousin Wegovy are getting plenty of attention as weight loss drugs. But these injections used to treat diabetes don’t work for everyone, and long-term use can lead to side effects like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
For most people, the best way to get started on Ozempic is by making an appointment with a healthcare professional—either in person or online.
1. Weight Management Physicians
As Ozempic’s popularity and use grows, more people will be looking to find a provider who can prescribe the injectable. That’s a good thing because the drug isn’t covered by insurance, and it’s not cheap at $1,200 a month for one pen of the medication (which holds two to four doses). It’s also not a one-and-done type of treatment, with studies showing that those who stop taking semaglutide injections within a year regain more than half of the weight they lost.
The qualifications for getting Ozempic for Weight Loss are fairly strict, with the FDA guidelines specifying that a person must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related medical condition such as heart disease or sleep apnea to be eligible. But, despite these guidelines, it can be difficult to get a prescription for the medication due to the high price, shortages and spotty insurance coverage. This may lead some to seek out so-called “diet doctors” or nail salons that offer compounded versions of the drug or other GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy, Saxenda and Zepbound.
It’s also important to note that a patient can be prescribed off-label medications such as Ozempic by their primary care physician or a nurse practitioner. Those providers can do an in-person physical health exam, discuss the patient’s existing medical conditions and make sure the medication is appropriate for them. They can also explain how the medication works and answer any questions the patient might have.
2. Weight Loss Specialists
Unlike some other weight loss medications, Ozempic cannot be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. To receive the injections, you need to visit a medical professional like your primary care physician, a physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner. A provider will be able to conduct a full physical health exam and review your existing conditions to ensure you are safe to start taking Ozempic and avoid any adverse side effects. In addition, providers can give you dietary guidelines and support you in your weight management journey.
If you have a health plan that covers these types of services, then it may be more convenient to receive the medication through a telehealth provider. Many of these digital health companies provide a full suite of services, including the ability to schedule appointments at your convenience, offer same-day appointments and allow you to pay with insurance. Some even offer additional health services, such as Weight Loss coaching and a personalized weight loss program.
You must also be at least 18 years old and not pregnant or breastfeeding to start taking Ozempic. It is not recommend to use the medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding because it can harm the baby. The drug is not recommend for people with certain medical problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease.
Despite the popularity of Ozempic, there is still plenty of misinformation about it. For example, some patients believe the medication only works with a healthy diet and exercise, but the truth is that it can work with most diets. It’s also not a quick fix, and it requires commitment to long-term weight management.
3. Weight Loss Doctors
Ozempic is one of the latest hot weight loss products to hit the headlines. Celebrities are touting it, social media influencers are talking about it and doctors are calling it a research-backed medical breakthrough. But the truth is that for the average person who wants to get the most out of this new medication, navigating the process can be challenging.
Whether you’re trying to get Ozempic in-person or through a telehealth appointment, the first step is to find a healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe it. This could be a primary care physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. They will need to review your medical history, discuss any existing conditions and determine if you’re eligible for the prescription. Once you’ve found a provider, they can help you develop a plan that includes weight loss injections.
The downside of off-label drug use is that your insurance may not cover the cost of the medications if you’re using them for weight loss. And the cost of Ozempic is pretty high at $15,000 a year.
If you’re considering getting Ozempic for weight loss, it’s important to know that it works best when used in combination with healthy eating habits and regular exercise. A reputable weight loss doctor will be able to provide you with the support and guidance that you need to make these changes and stick with them long-term.
4. Dietitians
Ozempic has taken the world by storm in recent years, with celebrities and social media influencers praising it as a life-changing weight loss medication. Ozempic and its sister medication, Wegovy(tm), are both a type of medication calle GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a hormone produce in the digestive tract to help you feel full. These medications are effective for treating both diabetes and obesity.
While Ozempic isn’t a magic bullet, it can be an effective component of your weight loss regimen when coupled with dietary changes and exercise. The prescription medication has bee shown to facilitate a healthy body weight by decreasing hunger and cravings, and increasing metabolism and fat burning.
You can get Ozempic through a variety of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians (PCPs), physician assistants and nurse practitioners. However, you may want to choose a provider who specializes in the treatment of obesity and diabetes or has experience prescribing these medications.
Ideally, you should meet with an in-person PCP who has expertise in these conditions to receive your Ozempic prescription. The provider should also perform an in-person medical exam and review your blood work to ensure the medication is safe for you. Often, PCPs are in-network with most insurance companies, making it cost-effective to see one for your Ozempic prescription.
For this reason, you’ll likely want to choose a provider who offers telehealth appointments so that you can meet with your doctor from the comfort of home. Many telehealth services also provide additional services, such as a customized weight loss program or nutritional counseling.
