Obesity affects more than 100 million American adults and nearly 15 million children, putting them at risk for more serious health problems. For many, successfully losing weight is more complicated than just “less food” and “more exercise.”
You’ve probably heard mention in the media of Semaglutide, the active ingredient in most modern FDA-approved Rx weight loss shots including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
In this article, we’ll explore how Ozempic works and review the best online platforms to get it (despite a nationwide shortage).
Semaglutide Prescription Online
Pros + Cons
Pros
Convenience: Easier provider availability, more accessibility, less waiting time, doorstep delivery, and treatment from home are just some of the reasons why getting an Ozempic prescription online is easier than in-person.
Specialized weight management doctors: Online platforms allow you to speak to a trusted, board-certified doctor to discuss your health concerns and determine whether Ozempic is right for you.
Responsible prescribing practices: Your online doctor will evaluate your medical history and current medications and order baseline tests to determine if you qualify for an Ozempic prescription.
Continued care: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider help monitor your progress to ensure the medication works as intended or if dosage adjustments are needed.
Sustainable weight loss: Access to health coaches, registered dietitians, and educational material ensure that you maintain weight loss long-term after your prescription period.
Cons
Most providers don’t accept insurance: Depending on the platform, you might need to pay out of pocket for medication as some of them are not in-network with insurers. However, they do provide insurance coverage support.
Cost: Most of these platforms have a monthly membership fee in addition to your medication and lab test costs, which aren’t cheap to begin with.
Where to get Ozempic online
Where to Get GLP-1s for Weight Loss | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Membership Price | $297/mo | $99 for the first month, then $135/mo | $89-$149/mo | $138/mo | $149-$159/mo | $199/mo | $49 for limited time and $135/ month thereafter |
Semaglutide included in membership? | ✅ | ❌ $949/mo without insurance | 🟡 Depends on insurance coverage | 🟡 Depends on insurance coverage | ❌ $340/mo without insurance | 🟡 Depends on insurance coverage | 🟡 Depends on insurance coverage for as little as $130/month |
Medication delivery time? | <48 hours | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | Delivered every month or quarter |
Lab test included in price? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | 🟡 Depends on insurance coverage |
Eligibility | Determined through medical evaluation | BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with 1+ weight related condition | Determined through medical evaluation | BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with 1+ weight related condition | BMI ≥25 | BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with 1+ weight related condition | Determined through medical evaluation |
Healthcare provider access? | ✅ Unlimited messaging | ✅ Unlimited messaging, up to 24 live video calls/year | ✅ Unlimited messaging | ✅ Unlimited messaging | ✅ Unlimited messaging | ✅ Unlimited messaging, monthly video calls | ✅ Unlimited messaging, video calls, and on-demand urgent care |
Access to registered dietitian? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Locations available | 31 US states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI, WY | All 50 US states | 41 US states: AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY | All 50 US states | 7 US states: TX, CA, WA, NY, IL, AZ, NC | 14 US states: TX, FL, CA, NY, IL, MA, AZ, PA, WA, GA, CN, AL, SC, NV | 10 US states: FL, TX, NJ, GA, CA, OR, IN, IL, WI, OH |
Website |
How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) medications that both contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide was first approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Since then, semaglutide has been used to treat weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. Ozempic, on the other hand, remains available for diabetics, but it’s increasingly being prescribed off-label for weight management.
Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy act like the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone by controlling your hunger and slowing down the emptying of your stomach to help you feel fuller for longer. Mainly administered via weekly injections, semaglutide is long-lasting and can improve weight management and control blood sugar levels for lower risks of major cardiovascular complications.
Let’s go into a bit more detail and look at the science of Semaglutide and GLP-1 agonists and how they help with weight loss:
Decrease food intake: GLP-1 agonists stimulate the release of hormones that regulate hunger. You’ll want to eat less, automatically reducing your calorie consumption.
Increase satiety: GLP-1 agonists increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction after eating, helping you to stop eating sooner, further contributing to weight loss.
Improve insulin sensitivity: Insulin resistance results in high blood sugar and cholesterol. GLP-1 agonists can improve insulin sensitivity, improving blood sugar control and reducing fat storage.
Improve gut health: GLP-1 agonists can positively impact gut health, improving nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation.
Keep in mind that Ozempic is currently FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes only, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for treating chronic weight management in those with high BMIs, even without coexisting type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: What’s the Difference?
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which activates the GLP-1 hormone receptor, which regulates appetite and food intake. But there are a few key differences.
Ozempic vs Wegovy | Ozempic | Wegovy |
---|---|---|
Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
FDA-approval | Treating type 2 diabetes Often prescribed off-label by healthcare professionals for treating weight loss. | Weight loss in adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with ≥1 weight-related condition |
Dosage | Lower; available in 0.25-1.0mg pens | Higher; available in 0.25-2.4mg pens |
Effectiveness | Studies have shown that lower dosage availability resulted in less significant weight loss. | Studies have shown that higher dosage availability resulted in more significant weight loss. |
Side effects | Lower dosage can mean less potential for side effects | Higher dosage can mean a greater likelihood of side effects for some |
Cost without insurance (varies with insurance) | ~$1,000/mo | ~$1,500+/mo |
Dosage: One of the biggest differences between Ozempic and Wegovy is the dosing. Ozempic is available in 0.25-1.0mg pens, while Wegovy is available in 0.25-2.4mg pens, meaning Wegovy can be taken at a slightly higher dose (increased slowly over time). Your doctor can help you choose the right dosage and schedule for you.
Effectiveness: In a clinical trial that compared weekly use of semaglutide 1 mg (the typical dose of Ozempic) and 2.4 mg (the max dose of Wegovy), semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) resulted in more significant weight loss than semaglutide 1 mg (Ozempic).
Over the 68-week treatment period, trial participants who reached a weekly dose of 2.4 mg of semaglutide lost an average of 10.6% of their body weight. Those who reached a weekly dose of 1 mg still lost an average of 7.0%.
Side effects: Because both contain semaglutide, the most common side effects are the same, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Depending on your dosage, side effects may be more likely with Wegovy because of its higher dosage.
If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, your provider will likely want to prescribe Wegovy first. They may decide to prescribe Ozempic if you have trouble getting insurance coverage for Wegovy. Anyone suffering from diabetes as well as weight management issues may find it easier to get insurance coverage for Ozempic.
How to Get Prescribed Ozempic for Weight Loss
Online prescriptions are just as safe but much more convenient than their in-person counterparts. Ozempic can be prescribed off-label to people who don’t have diabetes to help with weight loss, and Wegovy has been FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Both can be prescribed virtually to patients with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with at least one other weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you have type 2 diabetes or can’t manage your weight with diet and exercise alone, you may be eligible for Ozempic, Wegovy, or a custom compounded GLP-1.
Modern telemedicine platforms (like the ones we review in-depth below) offer convenient access to weight loss prescriptions through board-certified doctors . They sometimes also offer additional support such as coaching, ongoing care, and even dietitian visits to help you reach your goals.
The entire process is convenient for patients without cutting corners on safety, allowing you access to GLP-1 medications without leaving your home.
You’ll start by completing a free online evaluation to share your health history, current medications, and weight loss goals. If deemed a fit, your doctor may also order baseline tests to determine your full eligibility before prescribing Semaglutide.
The Verdict: Where Should You Get Weight Loss Meds Online?
A semaglutide prescription can support your weight loss journey, especially if combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Should you qualify, finding a prescription online can be much easier and more convenient than going to an in-person doctor or weight loss clinic, without cutting corners on patient care or safety.
So, which weight loss telemedicine platform is best for you? Here are our conclusions after many hours of research.
ReflexMD is our #1 pick overall
ReflexMD has grown popular because of its ability to deliver high-quality GLP-1 meds without delay. While most other providers are experiencing a shortage and likely can’t ship meds for weeks, but ReflexMD can deliver GLP-1s within just a couple days.
ReflexMD custom compounds their medications, rather than selling name-brand GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. This not only allows them to ship their meds faster, but also allows for a more personalized approach to each patient, as well.
With glowing reviews on Trustpilot mentioning their customer support and overall quality of service, not to mention an affordable price, ReflexMD is currently our #1 choice for weight loss Rx online.
Ro is the most affordable, but you may have to wait.
Ro’s Body Program offers some of the most straightforward pricing and medication coverage for GLP-1s, Ozempic, and Wegovy. It includes a personalized treatment plan, metabolic test (the only program to include a test in the price), up to 24 live video sessions/year with your healthcare provider, 1:1 messaging support, coaching, curriculum, and insurance coverage support for the cost of medication.
Calibrate offers the best 1:1 coaching team
Calibrate offers a wide range of support options depending on your needs, with many services included. Calibrate’s holistic curriculum is focused on food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health, and they offer the most seamless app experience, including tracking tools and helpful tips.
Should you find yourself at the end of the program and you haven’t lost 10% of your body fat, you’re elibigle for a refund – that’s how confident they are in their program.
Found offers the best money back guarantee
Found delivers your weight loss medication prescription directly to your door, offering a broad range of medications beyond injections and GLP-1s. Your doctor will work with you to determine which is best for you. It’s discreet and convenient, but Found can be a bit confusing starting off – pricing isn’t super transparent – but we love their generous 90 day money back guarantee.
Fella offers the best community for men
Fella is excellent for any man (or person) looking to start their weight loss program with the support of a community of like-minded people. Fella patients rave about the support they receive – some even had 1:1 convos with the CEO. They are only currently available in 7 states (TX, CA, WA, NY, IL, AZ, & NC) but continue expanding. If you’re located in one of those areas, Fella is a fantastic, supportive program that you should consider for an Ozempic prescription.
Ro Weight Loss review - Is it Legit for Ozempic Online?
Ro’s online Body Program starts off with a quick quiz about your health history and weight loss goals before a lab test and virtual consult. Insurance coverage can take a few weeks to get started, and then you can start your weight loss journey.
Membership starts at $99 for the first month and is $135/mo thereafter, which includes:
- Access to Wegovy® or Ozempic®
- Insurance coverage support
- Dedicated health coach
- Metabolic test
- Smart scale
- Ongoing provider care
- Weekly curriculum email
Why choose Ro Body Program?
Ro offers a metabolic test included with the cost of membership, which gives you a comprehensive evaluation of your health, metabolism, any underlying medical conditions that could affect your weight loss efforts, and more. They are transparent with their pricing and prescriptions available and provide 1:1 support from a dedicated health coach. They’re also the only program to provide a smart scale as part of the program.
Read more about Ro’s Body Program in our Ro Weight Loss Review.
I wish I had known several things before starting everything. The first would be to confirm with your insurance company what is covered under what conditions. This will help you tell your provider what prescription to get... The next is to keep following up with Ro, your insurance, and your pharmacy. I was able to contact my pharmacy. I know that they would be able to get the Wegovy quickly.
I took my last shot last night I just feel like I’m not hungry at all. I am confident that Ro will do a good job following up with me and keeping my monthly prescription.”
I am not hungry. I haven’t been snacking, and I’ve been careful in making smart decisions on what I eat at each meal. I also exercise 3-4 times a week on the Peloton tread, bike, and strength training. I am down 6 pounds so far. It is not significant but I am very happy with it and hope it stays consistent as I transition to the .5 in 1.5 weeks. I am not starving myself but am making healthier choices, and Wegovy is genuinely supporting the cravings and giving in to bad nutritional temptations.
Again- I am VERY happy with RO at this point and hope to continue to have a good experience throughout this journey.”
Calibrate Review - Does it Work?
Find a prescription through Calibrate, you’ll start with a two-minute quiz. This is followed by an online doctor’s appointment and lab work review to assess whether you’re a good candidate for this medication.
Subscriptions start from $138 per month or $1,649 upfront and include:
- A 30-minute video doctor visit, including lab work review
- Ongoing access to your Medical and Support Teams
- Support navigating the medication insurance coverage
- 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessions
- A holistic curriculum focused on food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health
- Tracking tools and helpful tips via the Calibrate app
Why choose Calibrate?
Calibrate provides access to a dedicated coach, in fact, a whole coaching team, to make meaningful changes to your existing food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health habits. They focus on a holistic, full-body, and lifestyle approach to find lifestyle changes for sustainable weight loss. As you progress, you’ll meet with the coach on your team, who’s best equipped to guide you through the given level of the program. Plus, there’s a guarantee that you’ll lose at least 10% of your body weight—or your money back.
Read more about Calibrate’s weight loss program in our Calibrate Review.
Found Review - Is it Best for Semaglutide?
Could you go wrong with the country’s largest weight loss clinic? Here’s a closer look at Found for an online Ozempic prescription. With Found, your weight loss journey starts with an evaluation by a board-certified doctor before you receive your prescription. Added to that is comprehensive lifestyle advice and 1:1 meetings with board-certified clinicians specializing in weight loss over a 7+ month program.
Found’s website mentions memberships but doesn’t list prices, as they are based on the path that you qualify for. Based on our research, programs can be anywhere from $89-149+/mo.
Why choose Found?
One of the main benefits of Found is that your Ozempic medication is delivered straight to your door. The Found team also focuses on getting you beyond the scale to a place where you feel good physically, emotionally, and even mentally for the long term. Your biology is only the beginning. They also look at all the factors that go into lasting weight care and build a personalized, medically guided path just for you.
Read more about Found’s Weight Loss Program in our Found Weight Loss Review.
[My coach] is responsive, has sent me good feedback and tips, and has just been very encouraging and understanding about everything. My meds have been good but I've had some annoying side effects with them; My doc was super responsive when I reported the issues and he was quick to help me find an alternative that would still help me. I am loving this entire program so far. The holistic approach has been helping me learn to love myself more and to be kinder to myself.”
Fella Review - Is it Best for Men?
You may have guessed it from the name – Fella is aimed squarely at men (but anybody can use the platform). The system promises not only weight loss, but a more comprehensive health repair. But is it legit for an Ozempic prescription online?
Starting with the in-depth assessment with a certified clinician, the goal is to design a plan that works with your biology. Step two involves personal coaching every two weeks, while step three is your weight loss medication.
Plans start from $149 per month, including:
- Weight loss medication prescription
- Personal health coaching
- Board-certified clinicians
- Access to the Fella mobile app
These plans are based on a 6-month commitment, paid monthly with affirm. You can also choose to make payments every three or every six months.
Why choose Fella?
Fella’s program has a community of male users that can support you along your path to weight loss. They get to know you inside and out before your first consultation – from your blood work to your family history and more. Then, you’ll have a 30-minute face-to-face consultation with a dedicated clinician who tailors treatment to you, followed by regular 1:1 video chat sessions with your personal health coach and a six-month money-back guarantee if you don’t see results.
Read more about Fella’s program in our Fella Weight Loss Review.
I am currently about halfway through my program with Fella. I've lost several pant sizes so far, have cut way back on my alcohol consumption (which was primarily stress-related), and am eating better than at any other point in my 73 years of life… Fella's healthcare model is the future. I highly recommend it.”
I will be using the service again in the future for sure, and have full confidence in the program.
Just want to thank the entire team at Fella for all you do and for putting the consumer 1st! I recommend this company to anyone committed to a better way of losing weight they stand behind their product which means you can use them with 100% peace of mind and satisfaction guaranteed!
Good luck in your weight loss journey, and if you are considering Fella; you’re in safe, and professional hands, look no further!”
Form Health Review - Is it Worth It?
Form Health is one of the leading platforms offering Ozempic if you qualify. Your assessment starts with a quiz, followed by doctor and dietician consultations. The platform emphasizes a holistic approach, including exercise and dietary changes, and is one of the only programs that can be covered by insurance (including Medicare).
Without insurance, Form Health offers a self-pay plan for $199/mo that includes:
- Regular doctor visits
- Appointments with your Registered Dietitian
- Personalized weight loss plan
- Unlimited messaging and access to the Form platform
- Access to FDA-approved weight loss medication
Why choose Form Health?
With Form Health, you’ll have an expert clinical team in your corner, including a board-certified doctor and a registered dietitian, who’ll develop a weight loss plan just for you. This combined team can’t be found on other platforms, as Form is the only one that offers access to dietitians. Care is provided through telehealth with regular video visits and unlimited messaging, and you’ll meet 1-2x/mo with your doctor and dietitian and can message your care team between visits.
Form Health focuses much more on combining lifestyle changes such as nutrition, physical activity, and mindset shifts with medication for sustainable weight loss. A healthy diet is still essential for successful weight loss. In addition, following a balanced diet can help manage blood sugar levels, which can be affected by the medication. Therefore, following a healthy eating plan and consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian while taking Ozempic is important.
Read more about Form Health’s weight loss program in our Form Health Review.
ReflexMD Review - Is it Legit for Weight Loss?
ReflexMD offers a quick virtual consultation before prescribing semaglutide to (eligible) high BMI individuals. If you’re looking weight loss meds ONLY, their platform makes it convenient and relatively affordable to access quality meds within just a few days.
As a custom compounding pharmacy, their meds are not only more personalized to your individual needs, but also ship much sooner than Ro, Calibrate, or Found who are more hamstrung by the nationwide Ozempic and Wegovy shortages.
ReflexMD costs $297 per month (for the first month, $397 thereafter), which includes all doctor consults, lab work, and Rx medication. While that may sound pricey on the surface, note that it’s all-inclusive, unlike other providers that charge a membership fee in addition to the cost of semaglutide.
Why choose ReflexMD?
If you’re eager to start taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and are looking for medication0n-only at an affordable price, ReflexMD is ideal. While they don’t offer the same kind of holistic “program” for weight loss management (i.e. no access to a nutritionist or robust online patient community), they can ship Rx weight loss meds in <48 hours.
Zealthy Weight Loss Review - Is it Worth it for Semaglutide?
Zealthy provides an affordable and accessible way to obtain GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and their generic counterpart, semaglutide. Their service also includes a comprehensive online coaching program to support weight loss goals. Additionally, Zealthy simplifies the process of insurance coverage for these medications, potentially reducing costs to as low as $0, depending on the insurance plan.
In cases where insurance coverage is not an option, Zealthy offers a practical alternative by directly shipping semaglutide, the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy at a competitive price starting from $130 per month (including shipping).
Zealthy weight loss program membership costs $135/month and includes:
- 1:1 coaching through unlimited messaging
- Access to insurance coordinator
- Ongoing prescription care and progress tracking by clinicians
Why choose Zealthy?
Zealthy stands out for its exceptional convenience, offering same-day appointments available seven days a week. This ensures that individuals seeking guidance and support for their health and weight loss goals can access professional help promptly and efficiently, aligning with their busy schedules and immediate needs.
Read more about Zealth weight loss program in our Zealthy Weight Loss Review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Your blood sugar levels will sink during the first week of Ozempic treatment, but full results (such as significant weight loss) may take as long as 8 weeks to become apparent.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
Typical side effects of Ozempic are mild, especially at low doses. Patients will sometimes experience upset stomachs or diarrhea within their first few weeks of treatment, but they usually subside as their body begins to adapt. If you’re experiencing more severe side effects, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Who should not take Ozempic?
Ozempic is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 or anyone experiencing severe side effects.
Should you get Ozempic online?
The Primary reason to get an Ozempic prescription online include:
Ongoing care: This can include virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. It’s an excellent way to ensure you’re using your medication safely and effectively, your dosage schedule works for you, and any potential side effects are promptly addressed.
Supplemental resources: Some online pharmacies and healthcare providers offer educational resources to help support you in your journey. Those can include diet plans and exercise recommendations, which can help you achieve better results and develop healthy habits for sustainable long-term weight loss.
Dedicated coaches: Some platforms may also offer dedicated health coaches to guide and support you throughout your weight loss journey. Health coaches can help you set goals, track progress, and make lifestyle changes that last.
Medication management: Ozempic comes in various doses, which would be impossible to determine on your own. Your provider will typically start you at the lowest dose and slowly ramp up your dose based on how you’re responding to the drug. Online prescriptions include assistance with dosage and medication management to ensure that you’re taking the appropriate dosage at the right time and have access to timely refills.
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