Will a doctor prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?

Asked by: Murphy Parker  |  Last update: September 26, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (70 votes)

Ozempic® (semaglutide) may be prescribed if you have type 2 diabetes. FORM physicians may also choose to prescribe Ozempic if you have a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions, and you have not been successful in losing weight or maintaining weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.

Will my doctor put me on Ozempic for weight loss?

Can Ozempic be used for weight loss in someone who doesn't have diabetes? Possibly, if a doctor recommends it. Currently, Ozempic is only approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes. However, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss.

What do I need to qualify for Ozempic?

Those who have a body mass index (or BMI) of 30 or greater are eligible along with those who have a BMI of 27 or greater who also have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol that make weight loss important.

Is Ozempic approved for weight loss without diabetes?

Ozempic isn't approved for weight loss. But because of how it works, some people taking Ozempic lose weight as a side effect. If you don't have diabetes, taking Ozempic for weight loss is considered an off-label use.

Is Ozempic bad if you aren't diabetic?

In short, there is nothing inherently dangerous about taking Ozempic if you do not have diabetes (it does not work like insulin, which can be deadly if someone without diabetes takes it), but there is no final say on whether it is safe or not.

Why Ozempic for weight loss has doctors concerned

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Can I ask my doctor for Ozempic?

Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you are a candidate for Ozempic. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, you may be eligible to take this drug. Typically, doctors prescribe Ozempic for patients who have tried medications like metformin without success.

What will insurance approve Ozempic for?

However, it may be covered as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for pre-diabetes. On a case-by-case basis, a provider may appeal an insurance company's decision and make the case that Ozempic is medically necessary and should be covered.

How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

So, on average, with the recommended starting Ozempic dose of 0.25 mg, a 500 to 1000 calorie reduced diet, and exercise 3 times a week, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds in the first month of treatment, which works out to about 3% of body weight for most overweight or obese individuals.

How quickly does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Once you begin using Ozempic, some people can find it takes several weeks to see any weight loss, yet others may see some weight loss within a week or 2.

Why is Ozempic not covered by insurance?

That said, when Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss, it is often not covered by insurance. Why? Because the Affordable Care Act doesn't mandate that health insurers cover obesity or overweight medications or surgeries.

Where is the best place to take Ozempic for weight loss?

There's no “best” place to inject Ozempic. You can choose between three injection sites — under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

Will doctors prescribe Ozempic without diabetes?

It's also approved for use in people with a BMI of 27 or greater, who have an accompanying overweight- or obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea,” Dr. Dominguez says. Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss but is mostly used to treat people with diabetes, she says.

What is an over the counter alternative to Ozempic for weight loss?

Is There a Semaglutide OTC Equivalent?
  • PhenQ – This all-natural weight loss supplement offers almost the same benefits as Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs. ...
  • Phen24 – This weight loss supplement is a 2-part weight loss system that consists of a day and night formula.

What foods should be avoided in Ozempic diet?

Here are five things to limit in your diet to lower your risk of side effects.
  • Foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in fat can worsen Ozempic side effects. ...
  • Sugary foods and drinks. ...
  • Ultra-processed carbohydrates. ...
  • Starchy vegetables. ...
  • Alcohol.

Can you lose belly fat on Ozempic?

Yes, Ozempic can be used to reduce belly fat. Studies have shown an average weight loss of 7.5% and a reduction in waist circumference by 5.09 cm.

What does Ozempic do to your face?

“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.

What happens if you eat sugar while taking Ozempic?

High fat foods or sugary foods

Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar.

Does any insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?

Many employer health plans and private health insurers, however, won't pay for drugs like Ozempic when used for weight loss. Without private or commercial insurance, they are expensive—Ozempic's list price equates to more than $11,000 a year.

How do I get semaglutide for $25 a month?

If you have private or commercial insurance, such as insurance you receive through an employer, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month prescription (maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription).

What to do if you can t afford Ozempic?

Ozempic® offers a variety of support programs to help you manage your type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Call 1-866-310-7549 or visit our Let Us Help page to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs.

What is the best injection for weight loss?

Some of the most effective prescription injectable weight loss medications available include: Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy - these are diabetes drugs originally and now used to treat obesity. Although these injectable drugs can help users lose weight there are some dangers and caveats!

Does Ozempic cause hair loss?

Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. In a clinical trial of tirzepatide for weight loss in obesity, 5.7% of patients taking the highest dose (a 15-milligram once-weekly injection) reported hair loss compared to 1% of those who got a placebo.