How to Get a Prescription for GLP-1: Ozempic and Mounjaro

Eligibility: Who Qualifies for GLP-1 therapy

Getting a prescription for Ozempic or Mounjaro starts with confirming that you meet medical eligibility criteria. These medications are not cosmetic treatments, they’re intended for people whose metabolic health is compromised by excess weight or insulin resistance. In most countries, doctors follow the same baseline rule: a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 and above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnea.

Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg) is officially approved for type 2 diabetes, not obesity, but many clinicians prescribe it off-label for weight management when Wegovy (the higher-dose, obesity-specific formulation) isn’t available or covered by insurance. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is currently approved for diabetes in most regions, though regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Europe are reviewing its dedicated weight-loss indication. In clinical practice, it’s already used under specialist supervision for patients with both elevated BMI and insulin resistance.

Certain conditions make GLP-1 therapy unsafe. Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, severe gastrointestinal disease, or prior pancreatitis should avoid these drugs. They’re also contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Since eligibility depends on multiple factors, including weight history, lab results, and other medications, only a licensed clinician can decide if a GLP-1 is appropriate. A medical assessment is therefore the first mandatory step before any legitimate prescription can be issued.

Explore Rybelsus (Semaglutide) vs. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for information about alternatives

Preparing for Your Appointment: What to Bring and Expect

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the criteria for GLP-1 therapy, the next step is preparing for your consultation, whether it’s in-person or via telemedicine. Coming well-prepared helps your doctor make a faster and more accurate decision about prescribing Ozempic or Mounjaro.

Start by gathering your medical history: a record of your weight over time, any chronic conditions, and prior attempts at weight loss. If you’ve tried other medications or structured programs, note their duration and results, since insurers often require this evidence.

Bring a complete list of current medications and supplements, because some combinations (for example, GLP-1s plus sulfonylureas or insulin) can increase the risk of low blood sugar. It’s also useful to track blood pressure and glucose readings if available.

Your clinician will likely order baseline laboratory tests: fasting glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney panels, lipid profile, and sometimes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These results help confirm eligibility and rule out contraindications.

If you’re seeing a provider for the first time, prepare a few specific questions:

• How long should I stay on this medication?
• What side effects should I expect early on?
• How is the dose increased over time?
• What support will I have if I experience nausea or fatigue?

Digital health tools can help. A weight-tracking app or photo food diary demonstrates commitment and can be uploaded to your patient portal before the appointment.

Most first consultations last 15–30 minutes. The clinician will assess risks, explain how GLP-1 injections work, and, if appropriate, begin with a starter dose. From there, your journey becomes a partnership focused on safe, sustainable metabolic change.

Coverage, Prior Authorization & Cost

For many patients, the most challenging part of starting a GLP-1 drug is not the injection itself, but navigating the insurance maze. If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic and Mounjaro are typically covered as glucose-lowering therapies.

Coverage for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro varies widely depending on diagnosis, insurer, and region. However, when prescribed specifically for weight loss, Ozempic is considered “off-label,” which often means you’ll need to pay out of pocket. Wegovy, the higher-dose semaglutide approved for obesity, has broader coverage for people meeting strict BMI criteria, but nearly always requires prior authorization.

Insurers usually ask for documentation: proof of BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with comorbidities), evidence of failed lifestyle interventions, and copies of recent lab results. Some plans also demand that a nutrition or exercise program be attempted first. Because of these administrative barriers, doctors often prepare a “weight-management packet” containing your visit notes, lab results, and a summary of past attempts.

In the U.S., monthly costs without coverage can range from $900 to $1,300. In Europe, where public systems cover fewer obesity drugs, patients may pay several hundred euros per month, though access is expanding as cost-effectiveness data accumulate. Manufacturers offer savings cards or patient assistance programs that can lower the price for eligible users, particularly those with diabetes.

It’s important to avoid online sellers advertising “no-prescription” or “compounded” semaglutide and tirzepatide. These products are unregulated, sometimes mislabeled, and have caused reported overdoses. Always ensure your prescription is filled through a licensed pharmacy that sources directly from Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.

If your insurance denies coverage, appeal decisions in writing with supporting documentation from your physician. Many successful appeals hinge on medical necessity, for example, evidence of prediabetes or uncontrolled metabolic syndrome. The process takes effort, but legitimate access protects you from counterfeit risks and ensures ongoing medical supervision.

Telehealth Options: Getting a GLP-1 Prescription Online

Telemedicine has made it easier than ever to start GLP-1 therapy safely from home, provided you choose legitimate, licensed platforms. Telemedicine has made it easier than ever to start GLP-1 therapy safely from home, provided you choose legitimate, licensed platforms.

Services such as Ro, Sesame Care, PlushCare, Hims/Hers, and in Europe, Zava, Kry, Doctolib, connect patients with certified clinicians who can prescribe medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro after an online evaluation.

The process typically unfolds in a few simple steps:

1. Create an account and complete a medical questionnaire. You’ll provide details about your weight history, prior diets, and health conditions.
2. Submit recent lab results or use an at-home testing kit offered by the platform. Results are uploaded directly to your electronic file.
3. Attend a short virtual consultation via video or secure chat, during which the clinician confirms eligibility, explains dosing, and answers safety questions.
4. If approved, you’ll receive an e-prescription sent directly to a registered pharmacy. You then pick up the medication locally or have it delivered by a verified courier service.

These platforms are especially useful for patients in remote areas or for those seeking discreet access to obesity care. However, they must meet the same legal and ethical standards as in-person clinics. Always verify that the service lists its physicians’ credentials, uses encrypted data transfer (HIPAA or GDPR compliant), and never ships drugs directly from unknown third-party vendors.

Costs vary. Some telehealth clinics charge a flat consultation fee ($50–$150), while others offer monthly memberships that include follow-up visits. A legitimate provider will also schedule ongoing monitoring, at least every three months, to adjust dosage and check tolerance.

Red flags include sites that promise “instant prescriptions,” do not require lab results, or sell semaglutide vials labeled as “research peptides.” These are illegal and potentially unsafe.

Telemedicine can be a practical, efficient way to start GLP-1 therapy, but it should mirror traditional medical care: a qualified clinician, proper documentation, and direct pharmacy dispensing. When done right, it’s one of the safest pathways to obtain Ozempic or Mounjaro without leaving home.

If GLP-1 Is Not Indicated: Evidence-Based Alternatives

Not everyone qualifies for a GLP-1 prescription, and that’s perfectly fine. Several other safe and effective approaches exist for managing weight and metabolic health. Doctors reserve semaglutide and tirzepatide for people with significant obesity or high cardiometabolic risk. If your BMI is below 27 or you have contraindications, your clinician may suggest a different pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic plan.

Among approved drug alternatives, orlistat remains a reliable first-line option. It blocks fat absorption in the gut and has an established safety record, though it can cause digestive side effects. Another choice is naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave or Mysimba), which acts on the brain’s appetite-regulation centers. Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) can also promote weight loss by reducing hunger and improving satiety, but requires careful cardiovascular monitoring.

For patients with insulin resistance or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metformin is sometimes used off-label to improve metabolism and reduce cravings. While none of these alternatives match the magnitude of GLP-1 results, they can still produce 5–10% body-weight reductions when combined with diet and exercise.

Lifestyle-based therapy remains the foundation of any weight-management plan. Evidence strongly supports high-protein Mediterranean-style diets, regular strength training, and cognitive-behavioral techniques that address emotional eating and motivation. Many clinics now offer hybrid programs integrating digital tracking apps, nutrition coaching, and behavioral counseling.

If cost or medical exclusion prevents GLP-1 use, these alternatives allow steady progress under safe, professional guidance. And because metabolic status can change over time, clinicians often revisit eligibility after several months. Improved blood markers or weight stability may open the door to new treatment options later. The goal is always the same: sustainable improvement in metabolic health, achieved through individualized, evidence-based care.

When to See a Doctor

Even though telemedicine has made GLP-1 prescriptions more accessible, these drugs must never be started without professional evaluation. Schedule a medical consultation if you have type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, or unexplained weight gain, and your lifestyle efforts haven’t yielded results. A clinician will assess your metabolic profile, kidney and liver function, and any contraindications before prescribing.

During treatment, seek immediate care if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, jaundice, vision changes, or swelling in the neck. These may indicate pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or thyroid complications.

People with a history of thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal disorders require close monitoring or alternative therapy. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should not use GLP-1 drugs unless specifically authorized by their doctor.

Regular follow-ups (every 3 to 6 months) are essential to review labs, dosage, and progress, ensuring that treatment remains both safe and effective.

Safe Alternatives

If GLP-1 therapy isn’t indicated or financially feasible, several medically proven alternatives can still support metabolic improvement:

• Metformin, a long-established insulin-sensitizing drug for prediabetes or PCOS.
• Other pharmacologic options, such as Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) or Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), when clinically appropriate.
• Lifestyle interventions: Mediterranean-style or high-protein diets, structured physical activity, and sleep optimization.
• Behavioral and nutritional programs offered by licensed dietitians or physician-led telehealth services.
• Supportive therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or coaching for emotional eating often improve adherence and outcomes.

These approaches can bridge the gap while awaiting insurance approval or serve as maintenance once pharmacologic therapy is complete.

Conclusion

Getting a prescription for Ozempic or Mounjaro isn’t about finding a shortcut, it’s about entering a structured, evidence-based program to restore metabolic health. The safest path begins with medical eligibility screening, continues through supervised initiation, and involves ongoing communication with a qualified clinician.

Whether you obtain your prescription through a local doctor or a certified telehealth platform, professional oversight protects you from counterfeit drugs, dosing errors, and false promises. Insurance paperwork and lab tests may feel tedious, but they ensure safety and affordability in the long term.

If you don’t qualify for a GLP-1 drug right now, there are still effective alternatives and lifestyle approaches worth pursuing under medical guidance. With patience, documentation, and expert support, you can reach sustainable weight and health goals — legally, safely, and confidently.

Last reviewed: November 2025

References

1. Forbes. (2024). How To Get Ozempic: Eligibility Criteria, Cost And More. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/how-to-get-ozempic/
2. Verywell Health. (2025). How to Qualify for an Ozempic Prescription. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-get-ozempic-8675757
3. Ro. (2024). How to Get Tirzepatide Online and In Person. Retrieved from https://ro.co/weight-loss/how-to-get-tirzepatide/
4. American Diabetes Association. (2024). Standards of care in diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care, 47(Supplement 1), S1–S154. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-SINT