Updated on March 8, 2026 by Theresa Vuskovich, DMD. 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
- Semaglutide for weight management
- Semaglutide for type 2 diabetes
- Semaglutide side effects
- How to get a semaglutide prescription online
- How to get semaglutide for weight management without insurance
- Exploring weight management options
- Related content
Key Points:
- Semaglutide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in three brand-name medications: Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®.[1-3]
- For patients with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, semaglutide may be prescribed for weight management.[1]
- For patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), semaglutide is prescribed to improve glucose control.[2,3]
- To get a semaglutide prescription, you can visit your primary care physician in person or schedule an online appointment with a healthcare professional.[1-3]
As obesity and T2D rates continue to rise, more people are seeking medication to help manage weight and related health conditions.[4,5] Growing in popularity as a medical weight loss treatment, semaglutide offers a newer option for individuals struggling with excess weight. Semaglutide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in three well-known medications: Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®.[1-3] If you are wondering how to get semaglutide for weight loss, this article explains how semaglutide works and how people may obtain a prescription.
Semaglutide for weight management
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.[1-3] GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide suppresses appetite, delays stomach emptying, and stimulates insulin secretion.[1] While semaglutide was originally developed for patients with T2D as a glucose-lowering medication, clinical trials later demonstrated significant weight loss in patients taking semaglutide.[6] Additional studies also support semaglutide’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss for non-diabetics.[1,7,8]
Wegovy® is the only semaglutide medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for weight management.[1] In the STEP 1 clinical trial, Wegovy® (2.4 mg) reduced body weight by 14.9% over 68 weeks in non-diabetic patients.[1] Wegovy® is intended to be used alongside healthy eating and exercise in adults with obesity or who are overweight.[1] Individual semaglutide weight loss results may vary depending on lifestyle habits and other health factors.
Wegovy® is indicated for patients with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.[1] Body mass index (BMI) is used to determine eligibility for Wegovy®.[1] Patients with the following BMIs may be eligible:
- BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity)
- BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as hypertension, T2D, or dyslipidemia
Semaglutide for type 2 diabetes
Ozempic® and Rybelsus® both contain semaglutide and are used to help patients with T2D manage blood sugar levels.[2,3] Ozempic® is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.[2] It is used alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, in adults with T2D and established cardiovascular disease.[2] Ozempic® is also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management.[9]
Because Ozempic® delays gastric emptying, it can affect the absorption of oral medications.[1] It is important to tell your healthcare provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements you are taking. In a 30-week clinical trial of patients with uncontrolled T2D, 70% achieved a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c or A1c) below 7% while taking 1 mg weekly injections of Ozempic®.[2]
Rybelsus® is a once-daily pill and the first oral GLP-1 semaglutide medication.[3] It is used to lower blood sugar in adults with T2D.[3] In a 26-week clinical trial of adults with uncontrolled T2D, 77% achieved an A1c below 7% while taking 14 mg of Rybelsus®.[3] Rybelsus® is used with diet and exercise and may be prescribed as a monotherapy or alongside other T2D medications.[3] It may also be prescribed off-label for weight management in some patients without diabetes.[9]
Semaglutide side effects
Regardless of brand name, semaglutide may cause several side effects.[1-3]
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
More serious risks may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Acute kidney injury
- Thyroid C-cell tumors
The safety of semaglutide in individuals with a history of pancreatitis or during pregnancy remains unclear.[1-3]
Semaglutide should not be used in:
- Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
If you are planning to become pregnant, semaglutide should be discontinued at least two months before conception.[1-3]
How to get a semaglutide prescription online
Getting a semaglutide prescription requires an evaluation by a healthcare professional. During the visit, the provider will review your health history, weight-related concerns, and goals for treatment. While it is possible to get a semaglutide prescription through a telehealth appointment, some lab tests may still need to be completed in person. If you qualify, your provider can help determine which semaglutide option may be the best fit for your needs.
Your healthcare provider may send the prescription to a local or online pharmacy. Some pharmacies also offer home delivery. Insurance coverage for semaglutide varies widely depending on your health plan, so it is a good idea to confirm coverage details directly with your insurance company.
How to get semaglutide for weight management without insurance
If you do not have insurance, some programs may help reduce the cost of semaglutide medications. Patient assistance programs (PAPs) may be available through the drug manufacturer.[10] Check the manufacturer’s website to learn more about eligibility requirements.[10] If your insurance company denies coverage, your healthcare provider may also be able to submit a coverage request letter on your behalf.[11]
Exploring weight management options
Semaglutide may be a helpful treatment option for some individuals managing obesity, overweight, or type 2 diabetes, but access, eligibility, and cost can vary. Working with a licensed healthcare provider can help determine whether semaglutide or another treatment approach may be appropriate based on your medical history and health goals.
Some individuals choose to explore telehealth weight management programs that connect patients with licensed providers who can evaluate eligibility for medications like semaglutide and help create personalized treatment plans.
Related content
How does GLP-1 work for weight loss?
References
- Wegovy® Prescribing Information. Novo-pi.com. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Ozempic® Prescribing Information. Novo-pi.com. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Rybelsus® Prescribing Information. Novo-pi.com. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Diabetes statistics. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated February 2023. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Future Surge in Diabetes Could Dramatically Impact People Under 20 in U.S. CDC. Updated December, 2022. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Rodriguez R. Compare And Contrast the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs). StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Updated March, 2023. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Gao X, Hua X, Wang X, et al. Efficacy and safety of semaglutide on weight loss in obese or overweight patients without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:935823. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.935823. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Phillips A, Clements JN. Clinical review of subcutaneous semaglutide for obesity. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2022;47(2):184-193. doi:10.1111/jcpt.13574. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Semaglutide for weight loss - what you need to know. UCLA Health. Published January, 2023. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP). Novocare.com. URL. Accessed January 24, 2024.
- Nordisk N. Coverage Request Letter. Wegovy.com. URL. Published June 2021. Accessed January 24, 2024.
Theresa Vuskovich, DMD is a dentist and public health expert with over 10 years of experience. Vuskovich has written, edited, and reviewed health content for the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA), Everly Health, and other organizations, and has a decade of experience practicing dentistry. Dr. Vuskovich is skilled in patient education, medical affairs, sleep medicine, stroke prevention, medications, and other health and wellness topics. Theresa holds a BS, MPH, and DMD, and recently returned to the University of Florida to complete her master of Pharmaceutical Sciences studies (MSPharm).
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