By If you’re struggling to lose excess body weight quickly, you may be concerned about how to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss by a certified doctor. Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA-approved but only to treat type 2 diabetic patients, not obesity. The FDA approved Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes in 2017, but it still lacks approval. Therefore, obtaining a prescription for Ozempic to treat obesity without a diagnosis of diabetes is nearly impossible. Read this article to find Ozempic-like medications.
What is Ozempic, and Who Can Get It?
The brand name Ozempic refers to an injectable form of the drug semaglutide, which is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally produced by Novo Nordisk to treat type-2 diabetes, the medicine mimics the GLP-1 hormone that the body naturally produces in the small intestine. This hormone controls blood sugar levels and signals the brain for appetite. Ozempic suppresses appetite and slows digestion, aiding in weight loss.
The SUSTAIN FORTE trial is a study that includes participants who have type 2 diabetes with an average body weight of 99.3 kg. The study divided the participants into two groups. Group 1 received a weekly dose of 2.0 mg semaglutide, while Group 2 received 1.0 mg weekly. After 40 weeks, Group 1 achieved an average weight loss of 6.9 kg, while Group 2 managed to lose an average of 6.0 kg.
This study shows that Ozempic is helpful for diabetics as well as for individuals with obesity. This may make you think about how to get Ozempic for weight loss as a fast treatment. So, continue to read this guide, which is specially written for you.
Who Can Qualify for an Ozempic Prescription?
Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can receive an Ozempic prescription for weight loss.
- Have type 2 diabetes.
- Suffer from long-term obesity
- Try different methods for weight loss.
- Have little to no success with other techniques such as diet, yoga, or exercise.
- A woman must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
- Have no history of thyroid cancer
How to Get Prescribed Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication, and you can’t get it directly from the pharmacy. You’ll have to visit your doctor or make an appointment with an online healthcare provider to get a prescription. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to obtaining a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss:
1. Make an Appointment With Doctor
The first step is to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss. You can also make an online appointment with PlushCare and Circle Medical. If they determine you’re the perfect candidate for Ozempic medication, they will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
2. Evaluation & Discussion on Your Weight-Related Issues
The specialist will evaluate your health and weight-related issues through your medical history. It will ask you for the other methods you may have tried previously for weight loss, like exercises or diets, and their results. After this discussion, the doctor will decide whether Ozempic is or isn’t the right option for you.
3. Get Treatment Recommendations
After completing the evaluation, the doctor will develop a suitable treatment plan for you to manage your weight safely. A doctor may recommend a diet plan, exercises, fasting, lifestyle changes, or medication like Ozempic for weight loss. If your doctor suggests Ozempic, he will guide you on how to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss and you must inquire about the potential risks, benefits, and how to take this medication.
4. Fill Prescription Form to Get Ozempic
If your doctor prescribes Ozempic for weight loss, you can fill the prescription at your preferred pharmacy or online. Depending on the state you live in, it’s possible to have Ozempic delivered to your home. Only the local pharmacy will receive a prescription from an online platform.
5. Stay Connected with Your Doctor
After receiving an Ozempic prescription, maintain contact with your doctor to adjust your medication and monitor your overall health throughout the process. You must inform your doctor if you notice any side effects or want to switch to another medication.
Ozempic Alternative Options
As Ozempic is only approved for treating diabetic patients, those with no diabetic history may not get prescribed it for weight loss. In such cases, you can ask your doctor to prescribe alternative brands of this medication (semaglutide) or similar ones. Here is a list of FDA-approved medications as alternatives to Ozempic for treating obesity:
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Approved in 2021, recommended dosage (0.25 mg – 2.4 mg) per week.
- Saxenda (liraglutide): Approved in 2014, recommended dosage (0.6 mg – 3.0 mg) per day.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): Approved in 2023, recommended dosage (2.5 mg – 15 mg) per day.
Does Insurance Cover Ozempic for Weight Loss?
No, if you’re thinking about how to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss with insurance, there isn’t good news for you. Only patients with type-2 diabetes are eligible for insurance. Those looking to use Ozempic for weight loss are not eligible, and they have to pay the list price of $968.52. One Ozempic pen normally contains 4 doses (1 dose per week) for a month.
Sources:
https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/ozempic/explaining-list-price.html
