Medication can help you on your health journey. Form Health doctors utilize their expertise in weight management combined with a careful consideration of your health history, needs, and insurance coverage to prescribe medication, if appropriate.
Ozempic® is a once-weekly injectable medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with healthy nutrition and physical activity. It is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. Although it contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy, an FDA-approved medication for weight loss, Ozempic and Wegovy have some differences.
Ozempic is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, the class of medications that Ozempic® belongs to, have been on the market for close to 20 years. It works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 that our bodies naturally produce. GLP-1 acts on the pancreas to stimulate the release of insulin which lowers blood sugar and acts on the brain to decrease appetite and cravings. GLP-1 receptor agonists have been widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and more recently they have gained attention for their use as weight loss medications.
Ozempic (semaglutide) may be prescribed by a doctor if you have type 2 diabetes. Form Health physicians may also choose to prescribe Ozempic if you have a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions, and you have not been successful in losing weight or maintaining weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.
During a telehealth visit, your Form Health doctor will perform a thorough evaluation reviewing your medical history, medications you’re taking, and laboratory studies to determine if you qualify for FDA-approved medications like Ozempic. These medications are used as part of a personalized weight loss plan that addresses behavioral health, nutrition, and physical activity. Ozempic can be prescribed by a physician through telehealth if appropriate.
You may qualify for Ozempic® if you have type 2 diabetes.
Please note that even if you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic may still not be appropriate for you. Your medical history, current medications, and insurance benefits will be taken into consideration during a discussion with your Form Health doctor prior to receiving a prescription.
FDA-approved medications that promote weight loss but are FDA-approved for other indications (such as diabetes or migraines) may be prescribed by Form Health doctors. They can help people lose weight by decreasing appetite and cravings, and improving sensitivity to insulin.
Take the Form Health eligibility quiz
Our simple, 5 minute quiz helps determine if you meet the criteria for our medical weight loss program, and whether your insurance will cover Form program costs. Once you qualify, sign-up online on the Form site and download our app.
Complete your onboarding paperwork
Fill out an online onboarding survey that collects information on your medical history, medications, and previous weight loss attempts so your clinical team can get to know you and personalize a weight loss plan for you.
Meet with your Form Health Board Certified Doctor
You will meet your Form doctor during your virtual visit to discuss your personalized weight loss plan. Our weight loss specialist doctors may prescribe medications like Ozempic, if appropriate. Your Ozempic prescription will be sent to your preferred pharmacy, local or online.
Meet with your Form Health Registered Dietitian
If you’re eligible for Ozempic, you’d also be working with a dedicated Registered Dietitian. Together, you will set nutrition and exercise goals. Ozempic works best when paired with lifestyle changes!
The most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, and heartburn. Patients typically start on the lowest dose of the medication to allow the body to adjust, then gradually increase the dose with close monitoring for difficulty tolerating the medication. Consult your healthcare provider about combining Ozempic with other medications to minimize/avoid related side effects.
Rare but more serious potential side effects include gallbladder disease and pancreatitis. It is always important to monitor for side effects and discuss with your healthcare provider should they arise. Ozempic should not be used if you are pregnant or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2A/2B syndrome.
