Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a go-to weight-loss solution in Florida, where obesity and overweight are increasingly common.
While Ozempic is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, when used in combination with increased exercise and diet, it can also help promote weight loss.
At NP2GO, we proudly offer Ozempic as part of our comprehensive weight loss services. With the help of our trusted, board-certified healthcare providers, we are committed to helping people in Florida lose weight and keep it off. Whether in Miami, Orlando, or beyond, we are here to help you reach your weight loss goals.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a once-weekly prescription medication used to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It’s popularly known by its generic name, semaglutide, and was approved as a diabetes medicine in 2017. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular deaths) in those with heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is the same as Wegovy, which the FDA approved as an anti-obesity drug in 2021. With increased dosages of semaglutide, Wegovy became the most effective obesity medicine, causing a 15% weight loss in a one-year randomized controlled experiment.
While using Ozempic for weight loss is regarded as “off-label,” the dosage is the only difference between the two well-known drugs.
Ozempic is considered a long-acting alternative in its class. This is because Ozempic stays in your body longer than other drugs that require daily injections, like phentermine.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 agonists reduce blood glucose levels by imitating the gut hormone GLP-1 produced after eating. They also help you feel fuller for longer by reducing the liver’s glucose production.
Ozempic treats type 2 diabetes by reducing the sugar released into your blood. It also causes your body to produce more insulin after eating and prolongs the time it takes for food to travel through your stomach, preventing a spike in blood sugar after eating.
By lowering blood sugar in these ways, Ozempic can help lower certain cardiovascular risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 also directly influences several hunger hormones and the part of the brain that controls appetite.
By imitating the effects of GLP-1, Ozempic may reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, allowing you to consume fewer calories. You may lose weight as a result of this.
How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight on Ozempic?
Weight loss may take some time, but you might notice a decrease in blood sugar levels after four to five weeks of taking the lower dosages of Ozempic.
Reaching your target Ozempic dosage may take several months. This is because the amount you inject is started at a lower dose and gradually increased over time to manage side effects. You may experience some weight loss during this period.
Your Ozempic dosage can also affect how much weight you lose. The starting Ozempic dosage for type 2 diabetes is 0.25 mg once per week for 4 weeks. This dosage has little effect on your body weight or blood sugar levels, but it is intended to help your body adjust to the drug. After 4 weeks, the dosage is increased to 0.5 mg once every week.
In clinical trials, people taking a 0.5 mg dose of Ozempic lost about 8 lbs over 30 weeks. For some people, this dosage may be insufficient to control their blood glucose levels; in this case, it may be increased to 1 mg once weekly after 4 weeks. If needed, it may be increased to 2 mg once weekly after other 4 weeks. The maximum recommended dosage for Ozempic is 2 mg once weekly.
Higher Ozempic dosages generally result in greater weight loss. In a study, the 1 mg Ozempic dose resulted in an average weight loss of 13 lbs over 40 weeks. Additionally, those who took the Ozempic dose of 2 mg lost an average of 15 lbs.
Another study found that people using semaglutide, the active component in Ozempic, reported losing 5.9% of their total body weight after three months and 10.9% after six months. The study’s main objective was to track the patients’ weight loss at that time, and they were taking doses ranging from 1.7 mg to 2.4 mg. It’s important to note that the highest dosage for Wegovy, the brand name of semaglutide approved for weight loss, is 2.4 mg.
What Is the Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy?
While Ozempic and Wegovy are medications containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they differ in FDA approvals and dosages.
The FDA primarily approves Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes. While weight loss is a secondary benefit of Ozempic, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to help manage weight. On the other hand, Wegovy is only approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and have related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Another key distinction between the two is their dosage. Ozempic’s maximum dose is 2.0 mg once weekly. Wegovy, however, is prescribed at a higher dosage of 2.4 mg once weekly. This higher dose makes Wegovy more effective for patients whose primary goal is to shed excess weight.
While both medications can support weight loss, choosing between the two depends on your specific health needs and goals. If you are managing diabetes and want to lose weight, Ozempic might be a suitable choice. For those focusing exclusively on weight loss, Wegovy could be the better option.
Ozempic Side Effects
Like any medication, Ozempic can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. When starting on Ozempic, you may experience gastrointestinal side effects, which may also be common during dosage increases but improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Common Ozempic side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
The same side effects were also reported during Wegovy’s clinical trials for weight loss. However, since Wegovy is prescribed at higher doses than Ozempic, the side effects may be more likely with Wegovy.
Less common but serious side effects
Although rare, Ozempic can cause more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Kidney problems
- Gallbladder issues
- Thyroid tumors (rare)
Who should avoid Ozempic?
Ozempic may not be suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for you if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- A known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic.
Does Insurance Cover Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Ozempic is primarily FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes, so most insurance providers are more likely to cover it. If your healthcare provider prescribes Ozempic off-label for weight loss, coverage may be limited or denied, as insurance companies often have stricter guidelines for medications not explicitly approved for certain conditions.
Contact your insurance provider to inquire about your plan’s coverage for Ozempic and whether it includes off-label uses for weight loss. You can also ask about prior authorization, meaning your doctor must provide additional information to justify the prescription.
If your insurance doesn’t cover Ozempic, other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Saxenda, specifically approved for weight loss, might be an option.
How to Get Ozempic Injections Online in Florida
Ozempic is a prescription medication that requires a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, and in Florida, NP2GO makes it easy to get it online in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Book your virtual visit
Schedule a visit with NP2GO to discuss your health goals and whether Ozempic is the right option. Our licensed providers will review your medical history, current health conditions, and weight loss goals during this consultation.
Step 2: Discuss your Ozempic prescription
Your provider will explain how Ozempic works, answer your questions, and discuss your treatment plan. In some cases, lab work may be required to ensure Ozempic is safe and suitable for your health needs. If lab tests are needed, we’ll send an order to a local lab in Florida. Once your results are available, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to review them and finalize your prescription plan.
Step 3: Pick your prescription
If prescribed, your NP2GO provider will send your Ozempic prescription to your home or preferred pharmacy. Your provider will also guide you on how to inject Ozempic, potential side effects, and what to expect during treatment.
Step 4: Ongoing support and monitoring
After starting Ozempic, routine follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress. Our team will adjust your dosage, discuss your results, and provide support for achieving your weight loss or health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Injections in Florida
How much do Ozempic injections cost in Florida?
At NP2GO, we offer Semaglutide weight loss injections with a flexible month-to-month membership pricing plan. The cost of semaglutide varies by dosage:
- Month 1: 0.25 mg for $199/month
- Month 2: 0.5 mg for $199/month
- Month 3: 1 mg for $199/month
- Month 4: 1.7 mg for $299/month
- Month 5: 2.5 mg for $299/month
This membership includes free shipping and syringes, with no insurance required. You also benefit from flexible provider check-ins, unlimited nurse support via call/text, and the freedom to cancel anytime.
Can Ozempic be combined with other weight loss treatments?
Ozempic is prescribed in combination with lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, but combining it with other medications or treatments should be done only under medical supervision. Speak with a provider at NP2GO to explore safe and effective combinations tailored to your weight loss goals.
How can I refill my Ozempic prescription?
To refill your Ozempic prescription, schedule an online appointment with one of our board-certified healthcare providers. After assessing your health, ordering necessary blood work or assessments, and analyzing your results, your doctor can send an online prescription to your local pharmacy.
Why Choose NP2GO for Weight Loss with Ozempic?
At NP2GO, we are dedicated to providing innovative weight loss solutions through cutting-edge treatments like Ozempic. We understand that every person’s weight loss journey is unique, and we are committed to offering personalized care to clients across Florida. Whether you’re looking to lose weight for overall health or manage diabetes, Ozempic can be a powerful medication.
With our flexible membership options, expert guidance, and seamless virtual consultations, NP2GO is here to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Contact us today to learn more about how Ozempic can work for you.