Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that some doctors may prescribe off-label for weight loss. The drug isn’t approved for this use, but it may be helpful for weight loss and weight management.

Ozempic comes as a solution inside an injection pen. You will receive it as an injection under your skin.

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Ozempic is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come as a generic drug.

Ozempic has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “What should I know before using Ozempic?” section.

Off-label use

Using Ozempic for weight loss is an off-label use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Ozempic is approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels, lower certain cardiovascular risks, and manage chronic kidney disease. To learn more about Ozempic and its approved uses, see this in-depth overview of Ozempic.

Ozempic is approved to:

However, doctors may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss in:

To find out whether Ozempic may be right for you, talk with your doctor.

Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drug works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone found naturally in your body.

By activating GLP-1 receptors in your brain, Ozempic stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. This lowers your blood sugar and slows the movement of food through your stomach. In turn, you may feel full for longer periods. Because of this effect, Ozempic can help reduce your appetite.

Having a reduced appetite can lower the number of calories you consume. And consuming fewer calories may lead to weight loss.

Ozempic has been shown to be helpful for weight loss in certain people when used with diet and regular exercise.

In studies, many people lost weight while using Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes or to lower certain heart-related risks. But it’s important to note that these studies did not specifically look at Ozempic as a weight-loss drug.

To learn more about weight loss reported in studies of Ozempic, see the manufacturer’s website. You can also view Ozempic’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor.

Ozempic and Wegovy are both GLP-1 injections that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Because of this, both drugs are expected to work in the same way for weight loss. They’re also expected to cause similar side effects, including low blood sugar and fatigue.

However, the price you’ll pay for Ozempic versus Wegovy may vary. This is because Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss. And insurance providers may not cover the cost of off-label medications.

In contrast, Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss in adults and certain children. If you have health insurance, Wegovy may cost less than Ozempic.

To learn more about how the two drugs compare in other ways, see this detailed comparison of Ozempic and Wegovy. You can also talk with your doctor about the differences between Ozempic and Wegovy.

Using Ozempic for weight loss may cause side effects in some people. These side effects may range from mild to serious.

The following sections list some of the side effects reported in studies of Ozempic for its approved uses. The drug’s side effects are expected to be similar when used off-label for weight loss.

If you have questions about the drug’s possible side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more from this article on Ozempic’s side effects or from Ozempic’s prescribing information.

Note: After the FDA approves a medication, it tracks and reviews side effects of the drug. If you develop a side effect while taking Ozempic and would like to inform the FDA, visit MedWatch.

What are Ozempic’s mild side effects?

Ozempic may cause mild side effects in some people. These include:

  • fatigue (low energy)
  • dizziness
  • injection site reactions, such as discomfort or skin discoloration
  • small increase in heart rate
  • changes in how things taste, such as having a bitter, metallic, or sour taste in your mouth
  • digestive problems, such as:

Often, mild side effects from the drug are temporary. Some side effects may be easy to manage, too. But if side effects last longer, or if they bother you or become severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What are Ozempic’s serious side effects?

Using Ozempic may lead to rare but serious side effects. Examples include:

Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Ozempic. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Ozempic can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help?

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep using Ozempic.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Ozempic, they may have you switch to a different weight loss treatment.

Below are common dosages of Ozempic when used off-label for weight loss. But be sure to follow the instructions and dosage your doctor has prescribed.

What is the usual dosage of Ozempic?

Your doctor will typically start you on a low dosage of Ozempic. Then, they may increase the dosage over time to reach an amount that’s right for you. Your exact dosage will depend on how well the drug is working to help you lose weight.

Note: Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss. The dosage you’re prescribed for weight loss may differ from the dosage for the drug’s approved uses. For details about Ozempic’s dosage for its approved uses, see this Ozempic dosing guide. To learn more about your exact dosage of Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor.

How do you use Ozempic?

Ozempic comes as a solution inside an injection pen. You’ll inject the drug under the skin of your abdomen or thigh. Or a caregiver can inject the drug under the skin of your upper arm.

If you have questions about how to use Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How often should I use Ozempic?

You’ll inject Ozempic once per week, usually on the same day each week. You can inject the drug at any time of day.

Before using Ozempic for weight loss, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be safe for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Based on animal studies, it’s thought that Ozempic may increase your risk of thyroid cancer.

It’s important to note that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. It isn’t known for certain whether Ozempic increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans.

Still, due to this risk, your doctor will not prescribe Ozempic if you or a family member have a kind of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). They’ll also avoid prescribing the drug if you have a genetic (inherited) condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). This is because MEN2 can lead to thyroid cancer.

While you’re using Ozempic, your doctor will monitor you for symptoms of thyroid cancer. Let them know if you notice any symptoms, such as neck pain, a lump in your throat, or a hoarse voice. If you have these symptoms, your doctor may order tests to check for thyroid cancer.

If you have questions about this warning, talk with your doctor.

What other warnings should I know about?

In addition to the boxed warning, Ozempic has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before using Ozempic.

* Mounjaro may increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration with general anesthesia or deep sedation. So it’s important that your doctors and healthcare professionals know you’re using it.

Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about using Ozempic for weight loss.

Does Ozempic have a 6-week plan for weight loss?

Not necessarily. Ozempic’s manufacturer hasn’t provided a 6-week plan for weight loss. This is because using Ozempic for weight loss is an off-label use.

If your doctor recommends Ozempic for weight loss, they may provide a 6-week weight loss plan for you.

To learn more about using Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor.

If I don’t have diabetes, can I still use Ozempic for weight loss?

Possibly, if your doctor recommends it.

Ozempic is currently approved only for use in people with type 2 diabetes. But if you don’t have diabetes, your doctor may still prescribe Ozempic for weight loss.

For details about this, you can see the “Who Ozempic is prescribed for?” section.

How quickly will Ozempic work for weight loss?

It depends. Weight loss results with Ozempic can vary. You may use the drug for several weeks before noticing any weight loss.

To learn more about what to expect when using Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor.

Do I have to keep taking Ozempic long term even if I lose weight?

Most likely. The weight you lost during your Ozempic treatment may come back after you stop using the drug. So your doctor may prescribe Ozempic long term to help you lose weight and keep it off.

To learn more about how long you may use Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor.

The price of Ozempic depends on several factors, including your treatment plan, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

To save money on your Ozempic prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.)

How to get Ozempic for weight loss

Ozempic is only available with a doctor’s prescription. If you’d like to use Ozempic off-label for weight loss, talk with your doctor. If they determine that Ozempic is right for you, they can provide a prescription.

Alternatives to avoid

Some companies and pharmacies offer uncertified, compounded drugs marketed as semaglutide. These drugs are not FDA approved or tested for safety, purity, or effectiveness.

It’s important to avoid compounded semaglutide medications and only use FDA-approved semaglutide products. This includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. In fact, the FDA has mandated that semaglutide no longer be compounded.

If you have questions or concerns about your medication, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.