Ozempic isn't FDA-approved for weight loss because it's specifically approved for Type 2 diabetes, though it causes weight loss as a side effect; the drug for weight loss is Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but in higher doses, and its approval covers those with obesity or overweight plus weight-related conditions. Using Ozempic off-label for weight loss carries risks like severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and concerns about long-term weight regain and potential psychological impacts, notes Baptist Health and Within Health.
Some doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, though it isn't approved by the FDA for that purpose. Ozempic is designated as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, with weight loss being a possible side effect.
Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. Ozempic has a smaller dose of semaglutide than Wegovy. It's important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal.
Yes, Ozempic can be prescribed in Australia for weight loss, but it's off-label use, meaning it's not TGA-approved for that purpose; it's registered for Type 2 Diabetes, so doctors use their judgment, often leading to shortages and prioritizing diabetic patients, with the specific weight-loss drug Wegovy being the TGA-approved option.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline are associated with weight gain and potential insulin resistance, which may counteract the glucose-lowering effects of Ozempic.
Medical Contraindications for Ozempic
Please be aware that the 1.5 mL presentation of Ozempic 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pre-filled pen is being discontinued from 31 December 2025, and it will be Supply Only on the PBS until 1 June 2026. As such, you will only be able to write PBS prescriptions for the 3 mL presentation of Ozempic 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pre-filled pen.
Buy Ozempic 1.34mg/mL 3mL Pre Filled Pen 1 - Semaglutide online at Chemist Warehouse.
The BMI requirements for using Ozempic for weight loss follow general medical guidelines for anti-obesity medications. Ozempic is typically considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls into the clinical obesity category.
But about half of people with obesity on this class of medications, called glucagon-like peptide agonists or GLP-1s, stop taking it within a year. Studies suggest that most people discontinue their use due to the high cost and adverse gastrointestinal side-effects.
Ozempic is only licensed as a type 2 diabetes treatment in the UK. Another semaglutide-containing injection called Wegovy is licensed for weight loss. NHS doctors can't prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, but a private doctor may be willing to prescribe Ozempic off-label.
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history as well as your weight-related issues. They will also ask about your previous attempts to lose weight and why those did or didn't work. This discussion will help the provider know whether Ozempic may be safe and appropriate for you.
The cost of a 30-day supply of Ozempic is $997.58 without insurance. However, the amount you pay will depend on your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, and any Ozempic coupons you may be eligible for.
There is no set time frame for how long you can stay on Ozempic®. For diabetic patients, Ozempic may be a long-term solution with no end point. People taking the drug for weight loss may need to stop if they experience damaging side effects, including gastroparesis, gastroenteritis or intestinal blockage.
A month's supply of Ozempic with a private prescription generally costs between $130—$200 in Australia.
Key Takeaways
Patients typically lose around 5 pounds per month on Semaglutide (Ozempic®). Weight loss results vary based on dosage, body composition, and lifestyle. Combining the medication with diet and activity boosts success.
Still, the FDA has not yet granted full approval for tirzepatide as a weight-loss drug for non-diabetics. For now, its use in that context is considered “off-label,” meaning doctors can prescribe it based on their own clinical judgment.
While nothing is guaranteed, it is common to regain some weight after stopping Ozempic. A study found many people regain two-thirds or more of the weight they lost within a year of stopping the medication. Please remember, this isn't a failure of willpower.
In Australia, key Ozempic (semaglutide) alternatives for weight loss include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a more potent dual-hormone agonist, and Saxenda (liraglutide), though Saxenda is being phased out, with Wegovy (semaglutide), specifically approved for weight loss, also available or expected soon. Other options involve different GLP-1s like Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) or compounded versions, with doctors also prescribing medications like bupropion/naltrexone or topiramate off-label, but Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro are the leading injectables, with effectiveness varying.
The digestive effects of sugary drinks can be particularly uncomfortable: Increased nausea and vomiting - Sweet beverages can trigger or worsen the most common side effects of Ozempic. Exacerbated GI upset - Sugary drinks often intensify digestive discomfort already present from the medication.
It's best to take it before you go to bed because it can make you sleepy. If you still feel drowsy in the morning you could try taking it earlier in the evening. Amitriptyline does not usually upset your stomach.
Amitriptyline causes weight changes. Alterations in weight rank among the most common side effects for people taking this antidepressant medication. Many users experience weight gain due to Amitriptyline's ability to block histamine receptors, which links to increased appetite.
Amitriptyline is not a narcotic (opioid) drug. It works by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. This neurotransmitter, a chemical that communicates with nerve cells, plays a role in how your body responds to pain.