Can you buy Ozempic for weight loss in the UK?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that was originally used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and it helps to control blood sugars and reduce cravings and appetite. As a result, many patients taking Ozempic lose a significant amount of weight. Ozempic cannot be purchased for weight loss in the UK, however Wegovy contains the same compound and is available to buy for weight loss treatment.

For those with type 2 diabetes looking to lose weight, Ozempic can be an effective treatment to help make weight loss easier than with diet and exercise alone. Injectable semaglutide (the same compound in Ozempic, which is the brand name) has been shown to lead to about 15% body weight loss at 1 year, when delivered alongside an effective behavioural treatment.[1] Ozempic can be helpful in any weight loss journey because of the physiological effects it has—namely it reduces hunger, keeps you fuller for longer, and seems to reduce the reward associated with food. Our patients tell us that semaglutide helps to reduce the "food chatter" they typically experience, especially whilst on a diet. For those who have struggled with diets, you'll know that these benefits could be significant in navigating a weight loss journey and achieving your goals. Learn more about how to take Ozempic for weight loss here.

Ozempic is an injectable medication which is taken once weekly. The tiny needle is virtually painless and the injection can be taken in the thigh, belly, or upper arm. The medication is self-administered, so it can be done from the comfort of home. It should be taken on the same day of the week, so choose a day that you'll be able to remain consistent.

GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and helps to regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin (a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy) and slowing the absorption of glucose from the stomach.

Ozempic mimics the effects of GLP-1 by binding to the GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, which triggers the pancreas to produce more insulin and slows down the absorption of glucose in the stomach. This helps to lower the levels of glucose in the blood, thus improving glucose control.

Additionally, Ozempic also suppresses appetite by binding to receptors in the brain, which can lead to weight loss as well.

It is important to note that Ozempic should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise to achieve optimal results.

While in some countries it has become common practice to prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss (as its licensed indication is for type 2 diabetes), in the UK there is a shortage of Ozempic and it is not recommended to use it for patients outside of the licensed treatment condition (ie it should only be used for patients with type 2 diabetes). However, Wegovy is licensed for weight loss and is available in the UK.

Wegovy can be used for weight loss by anyone with a BMI of 30 or over, or 27 or over with certain weight-related conditions such as PCOS or high blood pressure (apart from those listed below). It's important to complete a full medical assessment before starting any prescription treatment, and Wegovy is no exception, as there are certain people who Wegovy would not be suitable for.

The first step to getting started with Habitual is our medical consultation, which will check that you're eligible for GLP-1 treatment. After that, a UK-based prescriber will double check everything to make sure you're safe before writing your prescription.

An Ozempic prescription can vary in cost depending on where you purchase it from. Some providers only include the prescription whilst other include your medication, access to an app, and ongoing support. Whilst you may be able to purchase the medication elsewhere for slightly less, we believe strongly in the importance of a holistic approach, which is why we include support and behavioural change content alongside the medication in our GLP-1 plans.

Ozempic is not available from the NHS for patients solely looking to lose weight. Some patients with type 2 diabetes may be able to access Ozempic through their NHS doctor in the UK.

Some private doctors prescribe Ozempic or Wegovy to their patients, or you can access it via an online pharmacy which tends to be more cost effective. Ozempic is a prescription-only medication, so it should only be purchased through a regulated medical professional, whether in person or online.

Whilst some websites might claim to sell Ozempic/Wegovy without a prescription, it is worth being a bit weary of these providers, as it's impossible to guarantee the quality of the medication from an unlicensed provider—not to mention that each patient should be individually assessed for safety by an accredited prescriber.

Ozempic was available to buy online for weight loss when it was being sold off-label however, regulation changes mean that this is no longer an option.

Previously you could go via a private pharmacy who would check your eligibility and allow you to purchase an Ozempic prescription online. It is now possible to buy Wegovy online which has been officially approved for weight loss and available on both the NHS and via private health care providers.

As with most medications, there are some side effects of Ozempic that it's important to be aware of before signing up to a plan or starting to take the medication.
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The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Reflux or heartburn
- Stomach pain and bloating of the stomach

If your side effects are unmanageable, it's important to alert your prescriber and potentially stop treatment. Whilst Ozempic is generally regarded as being very safe, everyone reacts differently.

The side effects of Ozempic tend to be greater alongside dosage increases (i.e. when you take your first dose of a new concentration) and subside within a few days. If you are experiencing unexpected or unmanageable side effects, please contact your GP so that they can determine the best plan of action.

Ozempic is not suitable for:

- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those outside of the suitable BMI range
- Those on certain medications
- Those with a history of certain conditions such as pancreatitis
- Those with type 1 diabetes
- Those who have previously discontinued GLP-1 treatment due to side effects

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and each patient should be individually evaluated by a licensed prescriber. To check your eligibility for a semaglutide plan, please go ahead and complete our online consultation here.

Ozempic and Wegovy are very similar, but they are not exactly the same.

Firstly, Ozempic is licensed for blood sugar control for patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is licensed for weight loss.

‍The medication inside the pen is the same between the two medications—it's a compound called semaglutide. The only difference with what's inside the pen is that Wegovy is available in higher doses than Ozempic is.

Learn more about the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy here.

Unfortunately the research does seem to suggest that many people will regain weight if they stop taking semaglutide.[2] Obesity is increasingly accepted to be a chronic disease, and one that therefore requires long-term management. Part of this long-term plan could include medication, but the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and exercise cannot be stressed enough. It's important to note that it's not a foregone conclusion that everyone will put weight on if they come off Ozempic, but rather that it's critical to make lasting lifestyle change in order to maintain weight loss.

Ozempic is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg. Wegovy is available in the same strengths, as well as higher strength pens of 1.7mg and 2.4mg.

NHS doctors can prescribe Ozempic, however there are quite a few qualifiers which determine whether you’ll be able to get an NHS Ozempic prescription. The most important one to flag is that Ozempic is only indicated for type 2 diabetes—so only those with a diagnosis of type 2 will be able to access Ozempic via the NHS.

Wegovy is available to a limited number of patients on tertiary weight management via the NHS, however eligible patients who are unable to access Wegovy via the NHS can purchase it privately through a licensed prescriber.