Can I ask my doctor for weight loss injections?

Asked by: Osbaldo Kris Sr.  |  Last update: December 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (51 votes)

It is only available through specialist weight management clinics. Your GP can refer you to a clinic to see if Wegovy could be suitable for you. Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injector pen. You can use it to inject yourself weekly, under the skin in the upper arms, stomach, thighs or buttocks.

How do you qualify for weight loss injections?

The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria:
  1. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
  2. Have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater.

Can doctors prescribe weight loss injections?

Some weight loss injections are available on the NHS, but your GP cannot prescribe them. Instead, you'll need to be referred to a specialist weight management clinician who can assess your eligibility and prescribe a suitable medication to you.

How to ask for weight loss injections?

Begin by expressing your concerns about your weight and its impact on your overall health. Be honest about your diet and exercise efforts, and why you believe medication might be necessary. It is also helpful to come prepared with a record of your weight loss journey, including any methods you have tried in the past.

How to convince your doctor to give you Ozempic?

Tell your provider why you're interested in Ozempic — a good doctor won't judge you or your desire to use a weight loss medication. They'll likely ask about your medical history, go over your eligibility, and consider anything that might make you a bad candidate for Ozempic.

Doctors explain how Wegovy and Ozempic work | 60 Minutes

29 related questions found

What qualifies you to take Ozempic?

Candidates for Ozempic treatment for weight loss include individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher and those with a BMI of 27 or higher as well as at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not the right weight loss approach for everyone.

Why won't my doctor prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?

This is because Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss drug by the FDA. The drug is currently FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce specific cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes.

Does insurance cover weight loss injections?

While some providers may prescribe them off-label for other conditions like obesity, they usually aren't covered by insurance unless a person has a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight?

Kelly Clarkson's weight loss was motivated by health concerns, including autoimmune and thyroid conditions. She combined diet changes, such as adopting a lectin-free diet, with regular exercise like walking. Clarkson's journey included using weight loss medication, although she emphasized a holistic approach.

What to tell your doctor to get weight loss medication?

Try to be as specific as possible when talking about your challenges with losing weight. Keep a record of the efforts you've made in the past, such as changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall lifestyle. Note any results from these changes, including weight loss achieved and difficulties you may have had.

Am I entitled to the weight loss injection?

You'll only be prescribed semaglutide if you have health problems due to your weight and you have a BMI of either: 35 or more, or 32.5 or more if you're of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin.

What is the cheapest weight loss injection?

The cheapest weight loss injection without insurance is typically compounded semaglutide, which starts at $249 through Ro. In the table below, we've shared the average prices for a one-month supply of popular medications used for weight loss.

How to lose weight fast in 2 weeks?

Below are a few common tips to lose maximum weight within two weeks.
  1. Eat lots of green vegetables or take a fiber supplement. ...
  2. Say no to alcohol or sugary drinks. ...
  3. Try to avoid wheat products, such as bread or pasta. ...
  4. Reducing carbohydrate intake helps weight loss.

Can you really get Wegovy for $25?

Yes, you can really get Wegovy for $25 if you meet certain criteria. Offered by Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy Savings Card awards qualified individuals the opportunity to get the medication for $25 per month (i.e. 28-day supply).

How fast can I lose 20 lbs on semaglutide?

How fast you can lose 20 lbs on semaglutide (Wegovy) depends on your starting weight and other factors. If you weigh 232 lbs at the start of Wegovy treatment, you can expect to lose 20 lbs in around 16-20 weeks (4-5 months).

What is the Ozempic face?

“Ozempic face” is a nonmedical term that refers to the gaunt appearance in the face that can happen when someone loses weight quickly, specifically while taking a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic. The rapid loss of fat from the face is the cause of the hollowed cheeks and looser skin.

How did Adele lose weight?

Adele's routine involved daily workouts, including weight training and cardio. She worked with a trainer to create a balanced plan that fit her lifestyle. This consistent exercise helped her build strength and boost her fitness level.

How did Melissa McCarthy lose weight?

Melissa told People magazine that after she landed her role on Gilmore Girls, she attempted a doctor-supervised all-liquid diet, which led her to lose 70 pounds in four months.

What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

Some of the strongest weight loss pills available today include: Naltrexone/bupropion (brand name Contrave) Phentermine/topiramate (brand name Qsymia) Orlistat (brand names Xenical, Alli)

How do I get Ozempic for $25 a month?

With the Ozempic® Savings Card, you may PAY AS LITTLE AS $25b for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply for up to 48 months. To receive offer, prescription must be for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month supply. Savings card offer applies to eligible commercially insured patients with coverage for Ozempic®.

What doctor do I go to for weight loss shots?

“Many general practitioners don't feel comfortable prescribing obesity medication,” she says. She recommends people see an endocrinologist or a physician specializing in obesity who can determine if there is an underlying condition that's contributing to your difficulties losing weight.

How much is Wegovy without insurance?

The cost of Wegovy depends on your insurance coverage and pharmacy. A package of Wegovy contains four pens, each pre-filled with a single dose of Wegovy. Without insurance, the cost of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month or 28-day package, which breaks down to $337.25 per week or $16,188.24 per year.

How much weight can you lose on Ozempic in 3 months?

After taking Ozempic® for three months

In a study of 175 people with a mean BMI of 41.3, the average weight loss in people who didn't have type 2 diabetes was 6.3% body weight after taking semaglutide for 12 weeks.

What BMI is needed for Wegovy?

Patients are eligible for treatment within a specialist weight management service if they have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease, and either a BMI of at least 35 or a BMI of 30 to 34.9, provided they meet the criteria for referral to specialist weight management ...

What happens if you eat sugar while taking Ozempic?

Jared Braunstein, DO, an internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder, says he advises patients not to eat high-sugar foods and drinks while taking Ozempic for two reasons: It can cause nausea and vomiting, and it can also contribute to weight gain, which can lead to diabetes complications ...