Ozempic (semaglutide (injection))
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Off-label use for weight loss is widespread. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk. FDA-approved status: type-2-diabetes.
Peak weight loss
11.6%
Trial
STEP-2 (T2D)
Time to peak
68 wks
List price
$998/mo
Ozempic pricing across every channel
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated April 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic 11.6% weight loss | $63 cheapest | — | $399 | $199 | $998 | N/A |
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Ozempic cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $756 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | Not available | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | $4,788 |
| Telehealth — compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | $199 | $2,388 |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $998 | $11,976 |
Dosing
Weekly subcutaneous injection. Dose escalates from 0.25 mg → 0.5 → 1.0 → 2.0 mg.
What to expect on Ozempic
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Ozempic for 12 months, the projection is:
Expected loss at 12 mo
21.8 lbs
Final weight
198.2 lbs
Cost / lb lost
$220
Modeled from STEP-2 (T2D) phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- Often easier to get insurance coverage if you have type 2 diabetes
- Lower list price than Wegovy
- Same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Strong cardiovascular outcome data (SUSTAIN-6)
✗ Cons
- Off-label for weight loss — insurance won't cover for that purpose
- Lower max dose than Wegovy (2.0 mg vs 2.4 mg) means slightly less weight loss
- Periodic shortages
Common side effects
Most-reported in STEP-2 (T2D). Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
NauseaDiarrheaVomitingConstipationAbdominal pain
→ Full Ozempic side effects guide (timing, severity, when to call)Compare Ozempic to other GLP-1s
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.