Weight Loss Medications Available Online
If you’re eligible for weight loss medication, there are a fair number of options. Your provider will go over your unique health profile and goals and recommend a prescription to meet your specific needs.
Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that contains semaglutide.
Compounded medications aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If you’re prescribed a compounded GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist), you’ll get medication compounded in FDA-regulated pharmacies that adhere to industry-leading quality standards. Ingredients are sourced from registered, reputable suppliers and compounded in the United States with precision and care.*
Ozempic® and Wegovy® (Semaglutide)
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are once-a-week injections that contain the active ingredient semaglutide.
Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Off-label use is when a medication is prescribed by a medical professional to treat something it’s not FDA-approved for — in this case, overweight or obesity.
Wegovy® is an FDA-approved medication for weight loss that can help people lose up to 20 percent of their body weight.***
Wegovy® promotes weight loss by helping to reduce your appetite, so you consume fewer calories. It also slows the speed food moves through your stomach, which keeps you feeling full longer after meals.
In Ozempic® and Wegovy® clinical trials, common side effects included:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Side effects are usually mild and go away as your body adjusts to treatment.
***Along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, 68-week clinical study of Wegovy®, about one in three adults with obesity or with overweight and weight-related medical problems achieved 20 percent weight loss. Average weight loss achieved was 15 percent. Individual results may vary. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Qualifying for Semaglutide
A healthcare provider will assess your health and medical history and let you know if semaglutide is right for you.
You may qualify if you have:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- A BMI of 27 or more with a weight-related medical condition
Weight-related medical conditions may include:
- Sleep apnea
- Prediabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels, including high cholesterol)
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use those pretax dollars to cover some of your costs. This could save you around 30 percent, but it varies. Check your plan for details.
Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®)
Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the GLP-1 medications Saxenda®, which is FDA-approved for weight loss, and Victoza®, which is FDA-approved for diabetes. There’s also a generic form available.
Liraglutide is a daily injection. It can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar (glucose) levels and people with obesity lose weight.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide triggers the release of insulin in the body to lower blood sugar levels. It also slows gastric emptying, helping you feel fuller, while targeting hunger hormones. This can help you stick to healthy portion sizes and more nutritious foods to promote weight loss.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®)
Mounjaro® is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Zepbound® is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with a weight-related health condition.
These once-weekly injections contain the active ingredient tirzepatide. Tirzepatide works similarly to GLP-1 drugs but also targets another receptor, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). It works by reducing hunger and making you feel fuller.
Oral Medication Kits for Weight Loss
Oral weight loss kits start from $69 a month with a 10-month plan paid upfront in full.**
What are the best weight loss pills? That depends. Your provider will look at your health history, goals, and preferences to determine what’ll work best for you.
If eligible, your provider will recommend a medication kit personalized for you. These medication kits may include:
- Bupropion. Bupropion is an antidepressant sometimes prescribed off-label with other ingredients for weight loss.
- Metformin. Metformin is a diabetes drug sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. It can reduce blood sugar levels and suppress appetite.
- Topiramate. Topiramate is an active ingredient in Qsymia®, an FDA-approved pill for weight loss. Topiramate can reduce hunger and alter food-related reward pathways.
- Vitamin B12. Avoid nutrient deficiencies with this essential vitamin that can further support your health goals. This supplement is available over the counter, but it can also be combined with active ingredients in compounded medications.
- Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that may help reduce cravings.
How Long Do I Need to Stay on Medication for Weight Loss?
There’s no set timeframe for how long you need to stay on a weight loss treatment plan.
Generally speaking, if it’s working and you’re tolerating the medication well, you can take it until you reach your goal weight — and possibly beyond for weight management.
You don’t have to stay on weight loss treatment long-term if you don’t want to, but it can help you maintain your weight in the long run.
1. Medical Intake
You’ll kick things off with a brief online assessment. You’ll answer a few questions about your health, weight loss goals, lifestyle, and medical history.
Don’t worry — no trick questions here. These are similar to questions you’d be asked if you had an in-person visit with a weight loss doctor to discuss treatment.
2. Provider Evaluation
A licensed healthcare provider will go over your answers to see if you’re a good candidate for weight loss medication.
This is available at no extra cost and happens 100 percent online. There’s usually no need for a phone or video call, but a few states require it.
3. Personalized Plan
If suitable, your provider will write you a prescription and you’ll get a personalized weight loss program based on your needs and goals.
Medication is shipped directly to your door — in temperature-controlled packaging when appropriate. You’ll get video guides and injection supplies, if applicable, so you can confidently start your treatment.
Shipping is included in the cost of your subscription and usually takes 2 days, although delivery times can vary.
Exercise Guidance
Movement is also key for weight loss. It can help you build and maintain muscle and improve your overall health — both mental and physical.
Mind-Body Approach
Weight loss isn’t just about food and movement. Stress, sleep, and overall wellness all play a role in weight loss and helping you to feel your best.
Lasting Weight Loss
If suitable for you, and if you like, you can safely stay on medication long-term to manage your appetite and food cravings.
You can also maintain access to healthcare provider support and tools in the app to overcome weight loss plateaus and other weight loss challenges that life might throw at you.
Takeaways: How to Get Weight Loss Medication Online
Getting weight loss medication online can help you save on the cost of medication, too.
FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about getting weight loss medication online.
Can I get prescription weight loss pills online?
Yes, you can get prescription weight loss pills online. If you have a prescription, you can order them through an online pharmacy. You can get a prescription, if eligible, and access weight loss pills through telehealth platforms.
Is there a pill form of Ozempic®?
The pill form of Ozempic® is Rybelsus®, which is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. There are also oral weight loss medications like metformin, Qsymia, and topiramate.
What is the best drug to lose weight fast?
The best drug to lose weight fast might be a GLP-1 injection. GLP-1s tend to be more effective than weight loss pills, but the best weight loss drug for you depends on your weight, goals, and overall health. Plus, healthy weight loss is slow and steady at 1 to 2 pounds a week.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Hims, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.
*Oral medication kits and compounded semaglutide are compounded products. The FDA does not approve nor review compounded products for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
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This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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