Updated on March 8, 2026 by Gillian (Gigi) Singer, MPH. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
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Table of contents
- All About Ozempic®
- Getting Ozempic®
- Considerations Before Starting Ozempic®
- Weight Management Through Virtual Care
- Exploring Weight Management Options
As of 2022, 43% of adults are overweight and 16% are obese.[1] Excess body fat can significantly impact health and increase the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.[1]
In many cases, weight gain occurs when the number of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories burned. However, genetics, mental health, medications, and environmental factors can also contribute to weight gain.[2]
While lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition and regular exercise are important for weight loss, they may not always be enough on their own. Fortunately, several prescription medications may help support weight management, including Ozempic®. This article explores how Ozempic® works and how people may obtain it as part of a medically supervised weight management plan.
All About Ozempic®
Ozempic® is a once-weekly injectable medication originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. Although Ozempic® itself is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for weight management, a related medication called Wegovy® is. Both medications contain the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics a hormone known as GLP-1 that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.[3]
How Does Ozempic® Work?
Ozempic® supports metabolic health through several mechanisms. In addition to suppressing appetite, the medication stimulates insulin production, which helps regulate the body’s energy balance.[4]
Insulin plays an essential role in controlling blood sugar levels by helping glucose enter insulin-dependent tissues such as the liver, muscles, and fat cells. In simple terms, insulin acts as a carrier that moves sugar from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy.[4]
Ozempic® also helps reduce excess glucose production by the liver. Normally, insulin signals the liver to store extra glucose as glycogen. However, disruptions in this process can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. By helping regulate this signaling pathway, Ozempic® supports more stable glucose levels.[5]
Another key effect of Ozempic® is delayed gastric emptying. By slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach, the medication promotes longer-lasting feelings of fullness, which may help people reduce overall calorie intake.[5]
Getting Ozempic®
If you and your healthcare provider decide that Ozempic® may support your weight management goals, there are several ways the medication may be obtained.[6]
- Get a prescription from your healthcare provider – A licensed healthcare professional must evaluate your health history and determine whether Ozempic® is appropriate before writing a prescription.
- Fill the prescription at a pharmacy – Once prescribed, Ozempic® may be obtained from a local or mail-order pharmacy. The cost will vary depending on insurance coverage.
- Use a licensed telehealth provider – Some individuals choose to consult with healthcare providers through virtual care platforms that specialize in weight management.
- Explore patient assistance programs – Certain pharmaceutical manufacturers offer programs that may help eligible individuals reduce the cost of medication.
Considerations Before Starting Ozempic®
If you are considering Ozempic® for weight management, there are several important factors to keep in mind before beginning treatment.[7]
- Consult your healthcare provider – A medical professional can evaluate your overall health and determine whether Ozempic® is appropriate for you. Lifestyle changes such as nutrition and exercise may also be recommended to support weight loss.
- Check insurance coverage – Coverage for Ozempic® varies widely between insurance plans and may depend on the reason it is prescribed.
- Follow dosage instructions – Ozempic® is typically taken as a once-weekly injection, and following the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider is essential.
- Monitor blood sugar levels – If you have type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your blood sugar to ensure the medication is working safely.
It is also important to be aware of potential side effects of Ozempic®. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.[7]
Less common but more serious side effects may include[8]:
- Thyroid c-cell tumors – Though rare, symptoms such as neck lumps or difficulty swallowing should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Diabetic retinopathy complications – Individuals with diabetes may require routine eye exams to monitor for vision changes.
- Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar may cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
- Acute kidney injury
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Gallbladder disease
Weight Management Through Virtual Care
For individuals who prefer not to visit a healthcare office in person, virtual care appointments may provide another option for discussing weight management treatments such as Ozempic®.
Telehealth weight management programs typically begin with a review of your medical history. In some cases, lab tests may be ordered to evaluate whether prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate.
During follow-up appointments, healthcare providers review test results, discuss lifestyle recommendations, and determine whether medication may be part of a personalized treatment plan. Once treatment begins, regular check-ins may help monitor progress, assess medication tolerance, and adjust the plan if needed.
Exploring Weight Management Options
Prescription medications like Ozempic® may be helpful tools for some individuals managing overweight or obesity, but they are not appropriate for everyone. Speaking with a licensed healthcare provider can help determine whether medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both may be the right approach.
Some individuals explore telehealth weight management programs that connect patients with clinicians who can evaluate eligibility for medications like semaglutide and help create personalized treatment plans.
References
- Obesity and Overweight. WHO. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Obesity and Overweight. WHO. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Blundell J. Effects of once‐weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Wiley. Medical Citation URL. doi: 10.1111/dom.12932. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Rahman MS, Hossain KS, Das S, et al. Role of Insulin in Health and Disease: An Update. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6403. doi:10.3390/ijms22126403. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Serrano J. LiverTox: An online information resource and a site for case report submission on drug-induced liver injury. Clinical Liver Disease. 2018;4(1):22-25. doi:10.1002/cld.388. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Berryhill D. How to Get Ozempic. Forbes. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Indication and important safety information. Ozempic® (semaglutide) Injection 0.5 mg or 1 mg for Type 2 Diabetes. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
- Frequently asked questions about Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection. Ozempic. Medical Citation URL. Accessed March 21, 2024.
Gillian (Gigi) Singer, MPH, Sexuality Educator & Certified Sexologistis an American Board of Sexology Certified Sexologist and trained Sexuality Educator who primarily works in sexual health communications as a health writer. Gillian earned her BA in Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies and Spanish from Union College (NY), spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar, and then continued her education with Modern Sex Therapy Institutes before earning her MPH from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health with a Certificate in Sexuality, Sexual & Reproductive Health. She is the owner of The Gigi Spot, LLC, a digital sexuality education platform and brand. Gillian aims to educate and use compassion and empathy to foster positive change and development. Her professional interests include sexuality education, curriculum design and consulting, and sex technology.
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