Weight loss can be complex, with numerous factors affecting how we lose or maintain our weight. While we all hope that losing weight can be as easy as simply eating less and moving more, the truth is that everything from our hormones to how we process food can impact our hunger and satiety signals. Many companies and manufacturers have touted so-called “wonder weight loss medications” that help reduce appetite and increase metabolism, but few have been as successful and recognized worldwide as Ozempic. Also known by Semiglutide, Ozempic has risen in popularity over the past few years, so much so that there has been an influx of demand that even left Ozempic in short supply. If you’re wondering if it’s possible to get Ozempic for weight loss and where you can purchase it, keep reading.
What you need to know about Ozempic
Originally designed as a medication for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic actually refers to Semaglutide (the medical name). Developed in 2012 by a Danish pharma company, Novo Nordisk, Ozempic can be taken in two different ways — most commonly as an injection under the skin of your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen and orally in a pill form.
While it was originally manufactured for type 2 diabetics as a way to lower their blood sugar (alongside diet and lifestyle changes), it rose in popularity as a weight loss treatment after diabetics found a common side effect: weight loss and a suppressed appetite. Ozempic exploded in popularity after some celebrities decided to use Ozempic, which allowed them to seemingly shed pounds quickly and effectively.
We won’t go into too much detail about the science of Ozempic now, but it essentially works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it has an impact on Glucagon release (one of the hunger hormones in your body), resulting in a reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness. Basically, Ozempic decreases the need or feeling of wanting to snack, which can be beneficial for those looking to cut down calories and reduce weight.
Is Ozempic effective for weight loss?
While Ozempic is currently only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and not weight loss, the active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, has been approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. However, this doesn’t mean Ozempic isn’t effective for weight loss. Doctors constantly bring up the effects Ozempic has on appetite suppression and digestion (a longer time for food to exit the stomach), which both have a direct impact on weight loss.
Ozempic is not a miracle drug; it won’t speed up your metabolism or magically convert all fat into thin air. Instead, it helps users eat less food through several biological mechanisms. If you eat less food, there’s often a calorie deficit, and then you’ll lose weight. It’s as simple as that! However, there have been some (rare) cases where Ozempic isn’t as effective on appetite suppression in some individuals compared to others. Everyone’s body is different, and you may require some trial and error (or changing to a different weight loss medication like Wegovy) to get the desired results. Generally, it takes up to a few weeks to see weight loss results from Ozempic. While some people may see an effect on their appetite in as little as a few days, others may be bloated for the first two weeks. Health professionals stress that it’s important not to feel discouraged when weight loss is stagnant or slow initially, as this could be a sign that your body is getting used to the medication.
Where to get Ozempic online
1. Ozempic®️ on Third Avenue – Most Accessible & Editor’s Choice
Prescription needed: Yes, Third Avenue will provide an online intake form during checkout, which will be passed to a team of independent licensed healthcare providers. They will assess whether semaglutide is the best option for you before it can be shipped off.
Shipping: The product comes in discreet packaging for ultimate confidentiality — even if you’re shipping to your office! Third Avenue currently ships to most of the United States.
Extra notes: Third Avenue offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s low commitment if you’re trying it out for the first time.
It can be hard to sift through the numerous online pharmacies and companies to find the product you need, which is why Third Avenue comes in handy. Third Avenue not only provides solutions for weight loss (like their semaglutide injection) but also has options for hair loss and sexual health. With effective virtual consultations from the privacy and comfort of your own home to high-quality products that only contain FDA-approved ingredients, Third Avenue is dedicated to providing accessible and convenient treatments that cater to a wide range of health and wellness needs.
The process is simple: answer a few questions about the symptoms you’re facing and your individual health history before you get matched with a licensed provider. These providers include licensed physicians from around the United States, and all medical information and sensitive data is only kept and accessed by the provider looking at your case. After that’s all been signed off, you’ll receive your package directly to your door!
With many complicating the Ozempic and semaglutide purchasing process, Third Avenue is a breath of fresh air. You don’t need insurance to proceed at checkout, and you can get semaglutide shipped in as simple as a few clicks.
Best of all, your relationship with Third Avenue doesn’t end after you’ve hit the “purchase” button. You can always book a virtual appointment with a weight loss expert (board-certified) who provides ongoing support and guidance. Weight loss isn’t an easy fix, so having the option to reach out to a professional at any time is highly recommended.
2. Sesame - Most Prescription Options
Cost: Ranges from $50 (with Sesame Plus) to $80 (without Sesame Plus) for the initial consultation in person. Virtual calls can go as low as $19. Semaglutide cost is not included.
Prescription needed: Yes, Sesame connects you with a licensed provider so they can come up with a treatment plan and decide if Wegovy is the right option for you.
Shipping: Because Sesame doesn’t stock Semaglutide and instead uses a pharmacy pickup system, there are no shipping options. You will have to go to your local pharmacy for a same-day pickup. Extra notes: A Sesame Plus membership only costs about $8.25 per month, but provides you with discounted visits, so it’s a cost-effective option if you know you’ll be needing ongoing care and wellness support.
Sesame, also known as Sesame Care, is an online platform that offers a range of telehealth services. They connect consumers to a wide range of licensed providers, linking them (often on the same day) so they can meet virtually or in person and get the care they need. In this case, Sesame also connects individuals to doctors or healthcare providers that can prescribe Wegovy (semaglutide).
We love that there’s a large range of time options for convenience, and you can read up a short bio for each provider. Plus, there’s a range of reviews from verified patients, so you can do some comparing and find the best option for you.
Included in every prescription visit with a provider is an extensive medical history review so they can determine if you have any preexisting conditions that make it detrimental for you to take Wegovy, a brief assessment of your current lifestyle, including your exercise regime, and some prescription authorization paperwork. Overall, if you like having numerous options regarding the healthcare provider you connect with, Sesame is one of the best companies to try out online.
3. Ro - Most Focused on Sustainable Weight Loss
Cost: Ro costs $145 a month, but there’s currently a promotion for $99 for the first month. Note that this includes insurance coverage support, a dedicated health coach who can give you support and advice, ongoing care from a provider, and a weekly email — but this doesn’t include the cost of Ozempic.
Prescription needed: Yes, if you are part of the Ro Body Program, your provider will ensure you get access to the medication you need, including Ozempic.
Shipping: Because Ro doesn’t have Ozempic in stock, they will only refer you to a local pharmacy with availability. In the case that there isn’t one to fill your prescription, they will find one that can send Ozempic by mail. Extra notes: Ro also provides access to Wegovy, another semaglutide injection that has also shown to impact weight loss. They offer numerous resources around the differences between the two on their website.
Rather than focusing on just the medication, Ro helps their clients lose weight by pairing medication (like Ozempic) with ongoing coaching and support and sustainable lifestyle changes. Because of this, Ro isn’t as convenient as some of the other options, like Third Avenue, but if you want to explore the possibility of slow and controlled weight loss that remains sustainable in the long term, we recommend giving the Ro Body Program a go.
One of the best things about Ro that also sets them apart from their competitors is they ensure you get the most value for your money with their insurance concierge partner. While it can take about 2-3 weeks to get everything checked out, they aim to explore all options so you don’t have to pay full price for your Ozempic. We all know that communicating with your insurance can sometimes be a headache, so you can let the Ro team handle the paperwork and the hard discussions. In addition, if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the medication, they will research all available patient access programs to find the best deal for you. That sounds like a bonus to us! Weight loss and medication is hard enough without handling all the finer details. If you’re struggling with deciding what medication is right for you or you need professional help when finalizing your prescription, insurance, or anything in between, we recommend getting in touch with the Ro team.
4. Semaspace - Most Adaptable Semaglutide Option
Cost: $199-399 per one month supply.
Prescription needed: No. Because Semaspace is not selling Ozempic or Wegovy, a prescription is not required. They have a disclaimer stated on their website, which explains that their semaglutide is technically being sold as a peptide, which doesn't require a prescription.
Shipping: Semaspace currently ships their Semaglutide to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico. Shipping is not free, you usually have to pay USPS priority, which is an extra $30. Extra notes: Semaspace also offers a risk-free service, meaning that if you’re not satisfied with the product after one month, you can contact their team and get a refund.
Sometimes, you just want medication without the need to talk to a healthcare provider or fill out endless forms. Because Semaspace sells its own stock of semaglutide and not Ozempic or Wegovy, no prescription is required to get this medication shipped to your door. While semaglutide is technically the generic form of Ozempic, you may still be wondering if Semaspace is legitimate. Overall, many healthcare providers recommend purchasing Ozempic or semaglutide from an online pharmacy that utilizes prescriptions — this ensures you have a complete check of your medical history and any symptoms that may affect the efficacy of the product. However, for those who have already taken semaglutide before without any adverse side effects, Semaspace could be a good option. We also recommend always double-checking with your health professional for their point of view. Unlike Ozempic, which comes in an injectable pen with a clear and colorless solution, the semaglutide from Semaspace comes in a vial with powder. Additionally, you’ll need to measure out the amount of semaglutide yourself, unlike Ozempic, which comes pre-measured. Semaspace provides all the necessary equipment, including syringes, alcohol pads, and more — but if you’re worried about injecting the wrong dose, this product may not be the right one for you!
One of the reasons we like Semaspace is that it’s one of the most adaptable options available if you want to get Ozempi for weight loss (although in this case, you’ll technically be getting semaglutide). They provide you with a 2mg or 5mg vial, which allows you to set the dose that’s right for you. On their website, they also have an extensive range of resources like administration guides for every week that you can download. In addition, there are thorough explanations about how to mix their semaglutide powder with the bacteriostatic water and how to inject it.
For semaglutide beginners, this may not be the most beginner-friendly option out there, but for those used to dealing with weight loss medications, Semaspace could be a great one to try.
5. Sequence - Most Comprehensive For Weight Loss
Cost: The initial consultation is $49 and membership to the Sequence weight loss program is $99 per month. There’s currently a promotion for the first month free. Note that this doesn’t include the cost of the Ozempic.
Prescription needed: Yes, Sequence will connect you with a board-certified clinician who can help you come up with a treatment plan (which may include a prescription for Ozempic or another semaglutide).
Shipping: Sequence doesn’t stock any Semaglutide or Ozempic. Instead, they will help you get a prescription for weight loss medication if it’s needed, which can be shipped from an online pharmacy or collected in person. Extra notes: Apart from prescriptions for Ozempic, Sequence provides extremely comprehensive resources for weight loss, including clinician check-ins and a nutrition and exercise plan. Weight management isn’t as simple as getting Ozempic for weight loss. There are numerous biological factors that can affect how your weight is stored and maintained in your body, and Sequence addresses this with its program that claims to “work with your biology.” Like many of the companies listed in this article, Sequence doesn’t actually stock Ozempic and ship it out to your address. Instead, their weight loss program prescribes medication, such as Ozempic, to be used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. It may seem time-consuming to register with a program if all you want is a simple dose of Ozempic, but the truth is that weight loss should be addressed in a holistic way if you want long-term results (aka weight loss that is kept off for the rest of your life rather than gaining back the weight after you stop using Ozempic). And if we’re talking about comprehensive weight loss support alongside Ozempic prescriptions, Sequence is definitely one of our top choices. Apart from a sleek and easy-to-use app where you can request Ozempic refills and log your weight progress, the Sequence program comes with follow-up appointments, dietitian support, an insurance advocate (so you can get the best value for money), and much more.
Apart from Ozempic, Sequence can also prescribe you other types of weight loss medications, like Wegovy or Mounjaro. Your assigned clinician will take a good look at your personal biology and insurance coverage when determining the best medication for your needs.
The lowdown
You can get Ozempic and semaglutide for weight loss in several ways. One of the easiest ways is browsing an online manufacturer like Third Avenue and purchasing it directly from the website. This option is often the most convenient, as you can get semaglutide shipped directly to your door.
Other ways to get Ozempic for weight loss include getting a prescription from online providers like board-certified clinicians. Companies like Sesame connect you with different virtual and in-person health professionals, which allows you to get prescriptions when you need them. Finally, you can also get Ozempic when you join weight loss programs like the ones offered by Sequence. In addition to a diet and exercise program, Ozempic can be prescribed to enhance weight loss results.
Frequently asked questions
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
As with all medications, Ozempic does come with a range of side effects. These range from slightly unpleasant to dangerous. Apart from pain in the area of the injection (which may take some time to get used to), common side effects include:
Nausea
Stomach pain
Diarrhea and Constipation
Vomiting
Pain or irritation at the injection site (redness, itching, bleeding, which should subside after a few hours)
As you might imagine, Ozempic essentially works as an appetite suppressant, so it causes individuals to lose interest in food and decreases hunger signals. While you may be tempted to cut down your calorie intake significantly when taking Ozempic, it’s still important to maintain a healthy nutritional profile and ensure you’re not going days without eating.
During the first few months of taking Ozempic, your body may still be adjusting to the medication. If you’re not feeling like eating much food, you can supplement your diet with plenty of broths or soups, fruit, and small portions of lean protein. Going from a diet with lots of food to nothing at all can be a big shock to the system, resulting in a higher likelihood of developing stomach pain, diarrhea, and other gut issues. Other less common, but more serious, side effects can develop as a result of taking Ozempic constantly over a long period of time:
Vision changes
Allergic reactions
Kidney and Gallbladder problems
Low blood sugar
Inflammation of the pancreas
We always recommend having a discussion with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about developing these side effects. Generally, if you’re following the correct dosage and the instructions on the back of the medication, you will have less of a chance of developing adverse side effects.
How does Ozempic dosage work?
To ensure the desired effects are being experienced by the medication, Ozempic dosage is generally staggered based on the amount. If you have never taken Ozempic before, you’ll typically start with a dosage of 0.25mg once a week, which will last for the first 4 weeks. Then, you’ll progress to 0.5mg. From here, you can either stay at 0.5mg or increase the amount if it doesn’t seem to be working.
You should always start with the lowest dosage amount and then work your way up to greatly reduce the risk of developing side effects. If you have a prescription from your doctor, they will be able to better advise you on whether you need to keep the dose at 0.5mg or increase it to 1mg or even 2mg per week. The maximum dose of Ozempic you should ever take weekly is 2mg, as this is within the safe limits tested on humans.
But what happens if you miss a dose? First of all, don’t worry. If the missed dose is within 5 days of when you were supposed to take it, you can still take it. However, if it’s been more than 5 days, you should skip that week and take it the next time you are supposed to. If you find it hard to remember to take Ozempic, you can set a medication alarm on your phone or even incorporate it into your weekly routine (like every Sunday after you wash your bedsheets, for example).
How much should I expect Ozempic to cost?
Depending on whether you have insurance for Ozempic or not, Ozempic can be relatively expensive — especially if you want to take it for a substantial amount of time. However, when it comes to buying Ozempic for weight loss online, the last thing you want is a low-quality or even “imitation” product. Reputable online pharmacies and companies will only stock the real thing, so if you stumble upon a website selling Ozempic significantly cheaper than its competitors, it’s probably too good to be true!
In the US, Ozempic can cost about $1,000 a month. However, if your insurance covers the cost, you can get Ozempic for under $100 a month (even sometimes as little as $25 a month). Some companies and manufacturers also offer discounts, so if you purchase it in a subscription form, it can be more cost-effective than a one-off buy. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, also offers a great patient assistance program that allows you to receive Ozempic at no cost if you qualify for specific criteria. You can find out more about the program on their website.
Who shouldn’t take Ozempic for weight loss?
While many doctors agree that taking Ozempic for weight loss is shown to be safe for the majority of the general population, it’s important to keep any pre-existing conditions in mind when you’re trying to figure out if Ozempic is right for you. Those with the following should avoid taking Ozempic or any type of Semaglutide medication (including Wegovy):
Under 18 years of age
Those with type 1 diabetes
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Those with problems in their kidneys or pancreas
Diabetic retinopathy
Pancreatitis
Those with an endocrine system condition
If you’re unsure whether you have these conditions, it’s best to speak to your health professional before you get Ozempic for weight loss.
Medical Disclaimer:
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. You should always consult with your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider before taking any medication or making decisions regarding your health.
Prescription Medication:
Medications discussed herein are prescription medications, and it should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. You should not use prescription medications without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
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FDA Regulation (United States):
In the United States, these medications are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It should be obtained through a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacy. Any promotion or purchase of the medications should be in compliance with FDA regulations.
Accuracy and References:
We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information in our content. However, medical knowledge and guidelines may evolve over time. The information provided here is based on credible sources and reputable medical references. Please consult the latest medical literature and consult with a healthcare professional for the most current information and guidance.
Individual Results May Vary:
Please be aware that individual experiences with medications like these may vary. The effectiveness and safety of Viagra depend on various factors, including an individual's health, medical history, and adherence to prescribed dosages. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.
Ozempic:
Semaglutide is the base molecule found in the trademarked Ozempic, a product owned by Novo Nordisk. Medications sold on affiliate sites include products that are not genuine ozempic, but are compounded using semaglutide in accordance with FDA guidelines. When Ozempic is referenced, it is referring to the genuine ozempic product, and it is noted that this trademark belongs to Novo Nordisk.
