How to Get Wegovy: Prescribing & Access Guide

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is the only GLP-1 medication FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. Unlike Ozempic (which is prescribed off-label for weight loss), Wegovy has been through regulatory approval specifically as a weight loss medication.

This guide walks you through the process of obtaining a Wegovy prescription in 2026, covering eligibility, routes to prescription, insurance considerations, and cost-saving strategies.

Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Understanding the Difference

To understand how to get Wegovy versus Ozempic, you need to understand why they\'re different despite containing the same active ingredient.

The Active Ingredient is Identical

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Chemically, they\'re the same molecule. The pens look similar, and the injection frequency is identical (once weekly). The practical difference is regulatory designation and marketing.

Regulatory Differences

Ozempic: FDA-approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes. Available doses are 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, and 2.0mg. Doctors can prescribe it off-label for weight loss, which is completely legal but technically not the FDA-approved indication.

Wegovy: FDA-approved in 2021 specifically for chronic weight management. Available doses are 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.5mg, 2.0mg, and 2.4mg. The 2.4mg dose (maximum) is only available in Wegovy, not Ozempic. Prescribing Wegovy for weight loss is the approved indication.

Dose Availability Difference

The practical significance: Wegovy goes up to 2.4mg, while Ozempic typically goes to 1.0-2.0mg. Some doctors prescribe higher-dose Ozempic, but they\'re essentially prescribing it as Wegovy. If your doctor prescribes 2.4mg semaglutide for weight loss, it will be dispensed as Wegovy, not Ozempic.

Why Choose Wegovy Over Ozempic?

Pros of Wegovy:

• FDA-approved specifically for weight loss (more legitimate indication)
• Can achieve 2.4mg dose (maximum available)
• Some insurance plans specifically cover Wegovy (rare but possible)
• Extensive clinical trial data specifically for weight loss

Cons of Wegovy:

• Significantly more expensive ($800-1,200/month without insurance)
• Insurance coverage for weight loss is rare
• Ozempic often achieves similar results at lower cost

Why Choose Ozempic Instead?

Most people with budget constraints choose Ozempic because it\'s often significantly cheaper. While the marketing says Ozempic is for diabetes, it works identically to Wegovy for weight loss. Insurance companies cover Ozempic for diabetes far more readily than Wegovy for weight loss, making it a practical choice.

Many successful weight loss cases use Ozempic rather than Wegovy. The choice between them should be based on: cost, insurance coverage, your doctor\'s recommendation, and whether you can tolerate the full 2.4mg dose.

Eligibility Criteria for Wegovy

Wegovy has specific, though not rigid, eligibility criteria. Understanding these helps you know whether you\'re a candidate and how to approach your provider.

FDA-Approved Eligibility Criteria

The FDA approved Wegovy for patients with:

• BMI of 30 or higher (obese category), OR
• BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, etc.)

These are official FDA criteria, and doctors can legally prescribe Wegovy to people who meet these criteria.

BMI Requirements in Practice

While FDA criteria state BMI 27-29.9 with health conditions, in practice:

• BMI 30+: Universally eligible without need for comorbidities
• BMI 27-29.9: Eligible with documented weight-related health conditions
• BMI 25-26.9: Some providers may prescribe, others won\'t (at provider discretion)
• BMI under 25: Very few providers prescribe, generally not appropriate

Weight-Related Health Conditions

Having these conditions supports Wegovy eligibility:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes
• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol)
• Sleep apnea
• Coronary artery disease or history of MI/stroke
• Chronic kidney disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Osteoarthritis or other weight-sensitive joint disease

Contraindications: Who Shouldn\'t Take Wegovy

Certain conditions make Wegovy inappropriate:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Type 1 diabetes
• Severe kidney disease
• Pregnancy (teratogenic)
• History of pancreatitis

How to Get Wegovy: Three Routes

There are three main ways to obtain a Wegovy prescription: through your primary care physician, through a specialist, or through telehealth. Each has different advantages.

Route 1: Primary Care Physician

Advantages:

• Existing relationship and medical history
• Comprehensive evaluation
• Better insurance coverage likelihood
• Access to follow-up labs and monitoring

Disadvantages:

• Many PCPs uncomfortable prescribing weight loss medications
• Longer wait times for appointments
• May decline regardless of eligibility

Approach: Schedule an appointment specifically for weight loss discussion. Bring your weight history, BMI, and any health conditions. Ask directly about Wegovy. If your PCP declines, ask for a specialist referral.

Route 2: Weight Loss or Endocrinology Specialist

Advantages:

• Expertise in weight loss medications
• Comfortable prescribing Wegovy
• Ongoing monitoring and support
• Can manage complex cases

Disadvantages:

• Longer wait times (months often)
• Higher appointment costs
• May require referral from PCP

Access: Ask your PCP for a referral to endocrinology or bariatric medicine. Some insurance plans require referrals for specialist coverage.

Route 3: Telehealth Platforms

Advantages:

• Fast (appointments within days)
• Providers trained in weight loss medication
• Convenient (video-based)
• Lower consultation costs
• Prescription goes directly to pharmacy

Disadvantages:

• No physical examination
• Limited medical history
• Usually cash-pay (insurance rarely covers)
• Less continuity if platform closes

Recommended Telehealth Platforms for Wegovy

Several established telehealth companies offer Wegovy:

• Ro: Well-established, $199 consultation, excellent reviews
• Hims: Large network, integrated with pharmacy, competitive pricing
• Amazon Clinic: Integrated with Amazon pharmacy, convenient
• Teladoc: Large telehealth network with weight loss specialists
• Noom: Combines coaching with GLP-1 access

Check platforms for: licensed providers, clear pricing, customer reviews, and medication availability.

Insurance Coverage and Cost Strategies

Wegovy is expensive, but there are strategies to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Insurance Coverage Challenges

Most insurance plans do not cover Wegovy for weight loss. Coverage denial rates exceed 80% in many plans. Some plans may cover:

• Patients with type 2 diabetes (sometimes)
• Patients with severe obesity and multiple health conditions (rare)
• Specific state Medicaid plans (varies by state)

Before Attempting Insurance

Before your doctor submits to insurance:

• Call your insurance to ask about GLP-1 agonist coverage for weight loss
• Ask about pre-authorization requirements
• Ask about formulary restrictions
• Get a denial in writing if they deny

Many denials are based on "not medically necessary," which may be appealable with additional documentation.

Cash-Pay Wegovy Costs

Full price at pharmacy: $800-1,400 per month, depending on dose and location.

With Novo Nordisk Savings Card: Potentially $99-199 per month for eligible uninsured/underinsured patients.

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Use the Novo Nordisk Savings Program

Novo Nordisk offers savings cards reducing Wegovy copay. Uninsured patients may pay as little as $99 per month. Ask your pharmacy about this program.

2. Compare Pharmacy Prices

Wegovy prices vary by pharmacy. Use GoodRx or similar apps to compare prices at different locations. Some independent pharmacies are cheaper than chains.

3. Consider Ozempic Instead

Ozempic (0.5-1mg) often costs $150-300 per month with discount cards and produces similar weight loss. Consider whether lower-dose Ozempic might work for your goals at a fraction of Wegovy\'s cost.

4. Look Into Patient Assistance Programs

Beyond the savings card, Novo Nordisk has patient assistance programs for low-income patients. Contact Novo Nordisk directly for eligibility.

5. Explore Prescription Discount Services

Services like SingleCare or Optum Rx sometimes offer better prices than GoodRx. Always compare multiple discount services before filling.

Wegovy Supply Status in 2026

A common concern: is Wegovy still hard to get?

Historical Shortage Context

From 2022-2024, Wegovy experienced significant shortages due to manufacturing capacity constraints and overwhelming demand. Many patients faced waitlists of weeks or months.

Current Supply Status (2026)

Supply has improved dramatically. In 2026:

• Most pharmacies have Wegovy in stock
• Typical availability is 24-48 hours after prescription
• Occasional temporary shortages at individual pharmacies (rare)
• Most telehealth platforms can fill within 1 week

Novo Nordisk has expanded manufacturing capacity significantly, and demand has plateaued after the initial media-driven surge in 2023-2024. Supply is no longer a barrier to access for most people.

If You Experience a Shortage

If a pharmacy is out of stock:

• Ask when they expect stock (usually within days)
• Ask them to check other pharmacy locations
• Consider switching to Ozempic temporarily (same medication, lower dose)
• Try a different pharmacy chain

Alternatives to Wegovy

If Wegovy doesn\'t work for you (cost, supply, side effects), there are alternatives.

Ozempic (Lower-Dose Semaglutide)

Same active ingredient, lower cost. Ozempic 0.5-1.0mg produces substantial weight loss at a fraction of Wegovy\'s cost. Often the smart choice financially.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro)

Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. Zepbound (FDA-approved for weight loss) and Mounjaro (approved for diabetes) both contain tirzepatide. Some patients find tirzepatide more effective than semaglutide.

Pros: May produce greater weight loss than semaglutide in some patients. Same weekly injection format.

Cons: Potentially more gastrointestinal side effects. May be more expensive. Fewer years of long-term safety data.

Other GLP-1 Agonists

Other GLP-1 medications exist but have less weight loss data or are less convenient:

• Liraglutide (Saxenda): Daily injection, older data, less effective
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity): Weekly injection but less weight loss data for weight loss indication

Non-GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

Other weight loss medications exist but produce less dramatic results:

• Phentermine: Stimulant appetite suppressant, modest weight loss (5-8 pounds)
• Phendimetrazine: Similar to phentermine, limited duration of use
• Orlistat: Pancreatic lipase inhibitor, 5-8 pounds weight loss, GI side effects

GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Ozempic, tirzepatide) are far more effective than other options and should be first-line choices if tolerated.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Wegovy Prescription