Will My GP Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss? Your GP can prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, but you need to meet specific requirements. Ozempic was designed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss, so doctors prescribe it “off-label” when they use it to help people lose weight.
What Are the Requirements to Get Ozempic for Weight Loss?
You need a BMI of 30 or higher to qualify for Ozempic for weight loss. If your BMI sits between 27-29.9, you can still get it if you have at least one weight-related health problem.
Weight-related health problems that qualify you:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
Your doctor will calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. A person who weighs 90kg and stands 1.7m tall has a BMI of 31, which qualifies them for Ozempic.
Will My Doctor Say Yes or No?
Your doctor will say yes if you meet the BMI requirements and have tried losing weight through diet and exercise first. Most doctors want to see that you’ve attempted traditional weight loss methods for at least 3-6 months before prescribing Ozempic.
Your doctor will say no if you have:
- A history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- A family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Severe kidney disease
- Pregnancy or plans to get pregnant soon
- Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems from diabetes)
These conditions make Ozempic dangerous for you. The medication can trigger serious side effects or make existing health problems worse.
What’s the Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same drug called semaglutide, but Wegovy has official approval for weight loss while Ozempic doesn’t. Wegovy comes in higher doses designed specifically for weight loss.
Ozempic doses range from 0.25mg to 2mg per week. Wegovy doses go up to 2.4mg per week. The higher dose in Wegovy produces more weight loss, with people losing an average of 15-20% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss because Wegovy faces constant shortages and costs more. Both medications work the same way – they slow down your stomach emptying, reduce your appetite, and help you feel full longer.
How Much Does Ozempic Cost?
Ozempic costs vary wildly depending on where you live and whether you have diabetes.
Australia:
- With PBS subsidy (diabetes only): $31.60-$40 per month
- Full price (weight loss): $130-$134 per month
- Annual cost for weight loss: $1,560-$1,608 AUD
United States:
- Full price: $936-$1,405 per month (approximately $1,450-$2,180 AUD)
- Annual cost: $11,232-$16,860 USD ($17,400-$26,160 AUD)
United Kingdom:
- NHS subsidized: Varies by region
- Full price: Around $140 per month (approximately $217 AUD)
Insurance rarely covers Ozempic for weight loss because it’s an off-label use. You pay full price unless you have type 2 diabetes and meet your country’s subsidy requirements.
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How Much Weight Will You Lose on Ozempic?
You’ll lose 10-15% of your body weight on Ozempic over 6-12 months when you combine it with diet and exercise. A person weighing 100kg can expect to lose 10-15kg during this time.
Studies show people on Ozempic lose an average of 12-14kg over 68 weeks. The weight comes off gradually – you’ll lose 1-2kg per month on average. Some people lose more, some lose less, depending on their starting weight, diet, and activity level.
The medication works best when you eat fewer calories and exercise regularly. Ozempic reduces your appetite, making it easier to stick to a calorie deficit. People who rely on Ozempic alone without changing their eating habits lose less weight.
What Are the Side Effects?
Ozempic causes digestive side effects in most people, especially during the first few weeks.
Common side effects:
- Nausea (affects 20-30% of users)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Burping
- Loss of appetite
These side effects usually improve after 4-8 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Starting with a low dose and increasing slowly reduces the severity of side effects.
Serious side effects (rare):
- Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain)
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Vision changes
- Severe allergic reactions
- Thyroid tumors (seen in animal studies)
Stop taking Ozempic and call your doctor right away if you experience severe stomach pain, vision changes, or signs of an allergic reaction like swelling or difficulty breathing.
Do You Need to Take Ozempic Forever?
You need to keep taking Ozempic to maintain your weight loss. Studies show people regain 60-70% of their lost weight within one year of stopping the medication.
Ozempic changes your appetite hormones while you take it. When you stop, those hormones return to their previous levels and your appetite comes back. Your body fights to regain the lost weight because it sees the weight loss as starvation.
Some people transition off Ozempic successfully by building strong diet and exercise habits while on the medication. They use the reduced appetite period to learn portion control, meal planning, and consistent exercise routines that they maintain after stopping.
Can You Get Ozempic Online?
Yes, you can get Ozempic through online telehealth services, but you still need a doctor’s prescription. Online weight loss clinics connect you with doctors who evaluate your eligibility through video calls or questionnaires.
Online Ozempic services typically cost:
- Initial consultation: $50-$200 AUD
- Monthly subscription: $300-$500 AUD (includes medication and follow-ups)
- Total first-year cost: $3,600-$6,000 AUD
These services provide convenience but cost more than getting Ozempic through your regular GP. The online clinics mark up the medication price and charge consultation fees on top.
Be careful with online pharmacies that don’t require a prescription. Fake Ozempic pens flood the market, and these counterfeits can contain dangerous ingredients or incorrect doses.
What Questions Will Your Doctor Ask?
Your doctor will ask detailed questions to determine if Ozempic suits you.
Expect these questions:
- What’s your current weight and height?
- How long have you struggled with your weight?
- What diets have you tried?
- How much do you exercise each week?
- Do you have any medical conditions?
- What medications do you currently take?
- Do you have a family history of thyroid cancer?
- Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
- Have you had pancreatitis before?
- Do you have kidney or liver problems?
Bring a list of all your medications and supplements to your appointment. Some drugs interact badly with Ozempic, and your doctor needs to know everything you take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Ozempic if I only need to lose 10kg?
It depends on your BMI. If losing 10kg would bring your BMI below 27, most doctors won’t prescribe Ozempic. The medication is designed for people with significant weight to lose, not for minor weight loss.
Will my insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?
Probably not. Most insurance plans only cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. You’ll pay full price for weight loss use unless your insurance specifically covers weight loss medications.
How long does it take to see results?
You’ll notice reduced appetite within 1-2 weeks. Visible weight loss starts around week 4-6. Most people lose 5-7kg in the first 3 months.
Can I drink alcohol on Ozempic?
You can drink alcohol in moderation, but Ozempic increases your risk of low blood sugar when combined with alcohol. Limit yourself to 1-2 drinks and always eat food with alcohol.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip that dose and take your next scheduled dose. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Can I stop Ozempic once I reach my goal weight?
You can stop, but expect to regain most of the weight within 6-12 months. Plan a maintenance strategy with your doctor before stopping, including strict diet and exercise routines.
The Bottom Line
Your GP will prescribe Ozempic for weight loss if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27-29.9 with weight-related health problems. You need to try diet and exercise first, and you can’t have certain medical conditions that make Ozempic dangerous.
The medication costs $130-$134 per month in Australia for weight loss use, and you’ll need to take it long-term to maintain results. Most people lose 10-15% of their body weight over 6-12 months when they combine Ozempic with healthy eating and regular exercise.
