Ozempic has quickly become a household name in Canada. Known not just as a diabetes medication but as a weight loss game-changer. From TikTok testimonials to celebrity buzz, many Canadians are now asking how to get Ozempic for weight loss.
What is Ozempic and how does it work?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. It comes as a pre-filled injectable pen that you self-administer once a week. The drug belongs to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists – medicines that were designed to control blood sugar but turned out to have a side effect: weight loss. Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone (GLP-1) that increases insulin production and slows down digestion, making you feel full sooner and longer. In diabetics, this helps lower blood sugar and people trying to lose weight, it curbs appetite and reduces cravings.
Originally, Ozempic was approved by Health Canada for adults with Type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar (alongside diet and exercise). Doctors have prescribed it since around 2018 for diabetes management. Patients typically start at a low dose (0.25 mg weekly) and ramp up to 0.5 mg or 1 mg as needed for blood sugar control.
Common side effects include nausea, stomach upset, and in rare cases more serious issues like pancreatitis. Because of how it works, many people with diabetes on Ozempic also noticed significant weight loss. This extra benefit led researchers and doctors to explore Ozempic for weight management in non-diabetics.
DISCLAIMER: Ozempic is not for cosmetic weight loss or short-term use. It is a prescription-only drug intended for patients with chronic metabolic needs under medical supervision.
Using Ozempic for weight loss (off-label)
Ozempic is now famously used for weight loss, but here’s an important fact: weight loss is an off label use of Ozempic in Canada. This means Health Canada has not officially approved ozempic specifically for treating obesity. The drug’s formal indication is for diabetes.
However, many healthcare providers have been prescribing Ozempic “off label” to patients struggling with excess weight. In clinical trials for diabetes, patients on semaglutide lost notable weight, so doctors began using it to help treat obesity even before any official weight loss version was available. In fact, some specialists in Canada have been prescribing Ozempic for weight management for years.
Until recently, there were limited medical options for obesity. Wegovy-a higher dose semaglutide injection made by the same company was approved for weight loss in late 2021, and became available in Canada in 2022. Before Wegovy came along, Ozempic was one of the few drugs causing substantial weight loss, so it filled a treatment gap. Its popularity soared as success stories spread.
If weight loss is your primary goal and you don’t have diabetes, your doctor might suggest Wegovy or another weight loss drug like Saxenda instead of Ozempic. Wegovy and Saxenda are Health Canada-approved for weight management whereas ozempic technically isn’t. The catch is that Wegovy has been in high demand (and sometimes in short supply globally), so some Canadians still end up using Ozempic for weight loss when Wegovy isn’t accessible.
Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What’s the difference?
With new medications coming into the scene, it can get confusing. Ozempic and Wegovy are all forms of semaglutide, but they have different uses:
- Ozempic: semaglutide in an injectable pen, taken once weekly. In Canada, Ozempic is officially for Type 2 diabetes. The maximum approved dose was originally 1 mg per week, the higher doses (up to 2 mg) have since been introduced for those who need extra glucose control. People seeking weight loss have used Ozempic off-label because it causes appetite suppression and steady weight reduction.
- Wegovy: semaglutide in an injectable pen, taken once weekly at higher doses than Ozempic. Wegovy is essentially the same drug as Ozempic, but delivered in doses of up to 2.4 mg weekly specifically for weight management. Health Canada approved Wegovy as an obesity treatment in 2021, calling it a “game changer” after trials showed patients lost around 15 per cent of their body weight on average. Wegovy is on-label for weight loss, meaning if you meet the criteria, a doctor can prescribe Wegovy for obesity with official approval. In practice, Wegovy and Ozempic work the same way in the body, but Wegovy higher dosing often yields greater weight loss for those who can tolerate it. Many Canadian doctors are now transitioning appropriate patients from Ozempic to Wegovy for weight management.
Ozempic and Wegovy all share the same active ingredient (semi-glutide). Ozempic is meant for diabetes while Wegovy is specifically for weight loss and injected at higher doses. They aren’t interchangeable one-to-one but their effects overlap.
If you don’t have diabetes and your goal is weight loss, Wegovy is the on-label choice in Canada. If Wegovy is unavailable or unsuitable a doctor might use Ozempic or Rybelsus as alternatives. Always consult your healthcare provider to figure out which (if any) of these medications is right for your situation.
| Feature | Wegovy | Ozempic | Saxenda |
| Used for | Weight loss | Type 2 Diabetes + Weight loss | Weight loss |
| How Often? | Weekly Injection | Weekly Injection | Daily Injection |
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
| Health Coverage | Not usually covered by OHIP | Covered for Diabetes (some plans) | Not usually covered by OHIP |
| Common side effects | Nausea, stomach upset | Nausea, constipation | Nausea, diarrhea |
| How it works | Reduces hunger, slows digestion | Controls blood sugar, reduces appetite | Reduces hunger, slows digestion |
| Ideal For | People focused on weight loss | People with Type 2 diabetes (also helps with weight) | People focused on weight loss |
Who qualifies for Ozempic in Canada?
While Ozempic’s official indication is Type 2 diabetes, the answer depends on your medical situation:
- Patients with Type 2 diabetes: If you are an adult with Type 2 diabetes struggling to meet blood sugar targets, you likely qualify for Ozempic under its approved use. Doctors may prescribe it if they believe it will improve your glucose control, especially if weight loss would benefit your diabetes management. (Ozempic is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetes in children). You must be over 18, and there are certain contraindications. For example, you should not use Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 (a rare genetic syndrome), due to a thyroid tumor risk seen in animal studies. You’ll also be screened for conditions like pancreatitis or severe kidney/liver disease, which could make Ozempic risky. Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn’t take it either.
- Patients with obesity (weight management purposes): Generally, adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition, are eligible for prescription weight-loss medications. Those weight-related conditions can include hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc. For example, Wegovy’s Health Canada approval is for BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities like these. So if your BMI and health profile meet those thresholds, a physician may consider you for Ozempic off-label to address obesity.
- Not a quick fix for minor weight issues: If you are looking to lose a small amount of weight, (around 10 to 15 lb) for cosmetic reasons, you likely would not qualify for Ozempic. Medical experts are clear that these medications are intended for chronic weight management and people with obesity.
- Other considerations: Because Ozempic can have side effects like nausea, about 5-10 per cent of patients can’t tolerate it and discontinue due to these effects. Your doctor will also consider any medication interactions and your mental health. If you have an eating disorder history, for instance, that would be handled carefully. All these factors play into whether Ozempic is appropriate for you.
How to get Ozempic in Canada (prescription required)
In Canada, Ozempic is only available by prescription, meaning you must obtain it through a licensed healthcare provider and a pharmacy. Here’s the process, step by step:
- Talk to a healthcare provider: start by discussing your weight loss goals or diabetes management with a provider. Bring up Ozempic and ask if it’s an option for you. Be prepared to cover your medical history, previous weight loss attempts, and why you’re interested in Ozempic. If your provider agrees that you’re a suitable candidate, they will write a prescription for Ozempic. Remember, the prescription is at the provider’s discretion, they will only prescribe it if deemed medically necessary.
- Fill the prescription at a pharmacy: once you have a prescription, you’ll get Ozempic from a pharmacy. Many Canadian pharmacies stock Ozempic in pen form. The drug is typically dispensed as a package containing one or more pens (each pen can deliver several doses). Ozempic is expensive, often around a few hundred dollars per month out-of-pocket. Currently fewer than 20% of private drug plans in Canada cover anti-obesity medications, and provincial healthcare plans generally do not cover Ozempic for weight loss. Check your insurance. Some plans might cover Ozempic for diabetes but not for obesity. Always use a legitimate Canadian pharmacy, do not attempt to buy Ozempic without a prescription or from unverified online sources that’s illegal and potentially dangerous.
- Follow-up and monitoring: after you start Ozempic, stay in touch with your healthcare provider. They will likely schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress, adjust the dose, and manage any side effects. You’ll also want to continue any nutrition or exercise program, because Ozempic works best combined with lifestyle changes. If you hit your weight loss goals or encounter issues, your doctor might decide to pause or stop this medication.
Online and telehealth options for Ozempic
In Canada you can also get an Ozempic prescription through online telehealth services. Telehealth platforms in Canada allow you to consult a licensed provider online about Ozempic.
If you’re eligible, the provider can send a prescription to your local pharmacy or arrange delivery. You sign up on the platform and fill out an online medical questionnaire about your health goals. Then you’ll either have a live video/chat consultation or your case will be reviewed asynchronously by a licensed Canadian healthcare practitioner.
If the practitioner finds that Ozempic is an appropriate option for you, they can write a prescription remotely. The prescription can be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup, or some services will even ship the medication to your home. This means you can access Ozempic without needing to visit a clinic in person. You still need to meet the medical criteria. You cannot legally get Ozempic in Canada without a prescription, whether online or in person.
Ozempic’s rise as a weight loss drug has been rapid. For those who meet the criteria it can be a powerful tool- helping reduce weight, improve health markers, and boost quality of life. If you’re wondering how to get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, talk to a healthcare professional. They will assess if you qualify and if Ozempic or a similar medication is appropriate for you.
CTA: Looking for guidance on weight management? Ogaei.care can connect you with licensed providers who specialize in obesity treatment, metabolic health, and long-term care planning.
Get to know Ozempic costs in Ontario
FAQs
How long does it take to work?
Most people start seeing results within a few weeks, but the full effect builds over a few months.
How are Ozempic and Wegovy taken?
Both are taken as a once-weekly injection using a prefilled pen.
Do Ozempic and Wegovy work the same way?
Yes. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists that reduce appetite, slow digestion, and help with blood sugar regulation.
Is Wegovy stronger than Ozempic?
Yes. Wegovy comes in higher doses (2.4mg) for weight loss, while Ozempic comes in 2mg for diabetes control.
Can I use Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic is not currently approved for weight loss in Canada, many doctors prescribe it off-label for that purpose.
Are Ozempic and Wegovy OHIP covered?
Ozempic is often covered for diabetes under private insurance. Wegovy is currently not covered under OHIP.
Resources
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts-recommend/2023/07
- https://jill.health/ozempic-canada/#:~:text=Type,5%20mg
- https://globalnews.ca/news/10476494/wegovy-drug-canada-weight-loss-drug/#:~:text=Elliott%20said%20he%20has%20been,new%20option%20for%20weight%20management
- https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/health-canada-approves-wegovy-tm-for-the-treatment-of-adults-with-obesity-829324682.html#:~:text=MISSISSAUGA%2C%20ON%2C%20Nov,available%20in%20Canada%20in%20the
- https://obesitycanada.ca/news/semaglutide-approved-in-canada-its-time-to-change-the-game/#:~:text=After%20a%20long%20anticipated%20wait%2C,address%20this%20complex%20chronic%20disease
- https://www.saxenda.com/
- https://www.goodrx.com/classes/glp-1-agonists/wegovy-vs-ozempic
- https://www.webmd.com/obesity/ozempic-and-pregnancy-what-to-know
- https://obesitycanada.ca/understanding-obesity/management/#:~:text=Prescription%20medications%20may%20be%20an,cravings%2C%20hunger%2C%20and%20metabolic%20factors
