If you’ve been struggling to lose weight despite consistent diet and exercise, Ozempic® may be worth exploring. At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we offer Ozempic® as part of a physician-supervised weight loss program designed to help you reach your goals safely and sustainably.
How Does Ozempic® Work?
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Wegovy® that mimics a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate blood sugar and appetite. It signals your brain to feel full sooner and stay full longer, slows stomach emptying after meals, and stimulates insulin release when blood glucose rises. Most patients naturally eat less, experience fewer cravings, and find it easier to maintain a calorie deficit without constant hunger.
What Is Ozempic® Approved For?
Ozempic® is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes in adults, prescribed alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients with existing heart disease.
Can Ozempic® Be Used for Weight Loss?
Yes. Although Ozempic® is not itself FDA-approved specifically for weight loss — that distinction belongs to Wegovy®, which contains the same active ingredient at a higher dose — it is commonly and effectively prescribed off-label for weight management based on strong clinical evidence.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ozempic®?
Ozempic® may be a good fit if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is also frequently prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes who need help managing both blood sugar and body weight. A consultation with our team is the best way to confirm whether it’s right for your health profile.
Ozempic® is not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with a personal or family history of certain thyroid conditions (such as medullary thyroid carcinoma) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. A history of pancreatitis may also be disqualifying. Our providers will review your full medical history before prescribing.
What Does Ozempic® Treatment Involve?
Ozempic® is given as a routine injection beneath the skin. Treatment starts at a low dose that increases gradually to minimize side effects. Our team will walk you through self-administration and build a personalized plan that includes dietary guidance and regular progress check-ins.
Are There Any Side Effects to Ozempic®?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These are typically mild and improve as your body adjusts, and starting at a low dose reduces their likelihood. Rare but more serious side effects may include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, which will be discussed in full during your consultation.
When Will I See Results from Ozempic®?
Most patients notice changes in appetite within the first few weeks. Measurable weight loss typically becomes apparent within the first month and continues to build over time, particularly when combined with healthy eating and physical activity. Our team sets realistic benchmarks and monitors your progress throughout treatment.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Ozempic®?
Clinical studies show patients can lose up to 15% of their body weight within a year when combining Ozempic® with lifestyle changes, far outperforming diet and exercise alone. For patients who achieve significant weight loss, body contouring treatments such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a body lift can address stubborn fat and loose skin that don’t respond to medication.
Is Ozempic® Safe for Long-Term Use?
For many patients, Ozempic® is a long-term treatment rather than a short-term fix. Continued use under physician supervision is often appropriate, and our team monitors your progress closely to support safe, sustainable results over time.
What Happens If I Stop Taking Ozempic®?
Patients who discontinue Ozempic® typically regain a significant portion of lost weight, especially without sustained lifestyle changes. The best outcomes come from using Ozempic® alongside lasting improvements in diet and activity. Our team provides ongoing support to help you maintain results after treatment ends.
How Much Does Ozempic® Cost?
Ozempic® treatment at our Richmond practice typically has the competitive price of $500 per month. Your exact cost will be discussed during your consultation based on dosage and treatment plan. Cash pay options are available for patients without insurance coverage.
Does Insurance Cover Ozempic®?
Coverage varies by plan and employer. We accept most major medical insurance plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and TRICARE, and our team will help you explore your options. You can also review a list of employers that have offered coverage for anti-obesity medications to see if yours qualifies. To check your coverage, visit the NovoCare® website here.
Find Out If Ozempic® Is Right for You
Contact Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your health history, discuss your goals, and help you determine whether Ozempic® is the right path forward.