How to get weight loss injections

If you’ve been trying to lose weight, but diet and exercise alone don’t work for you, your healthcare provider may recommend weight loss injections, such as Wegovy, Zepbound, or Saxenda. We spoke with Dr. Felix Gussone, MD about how to get weight loss injections.

When we talk about weight loss injections, we’re usually talking about medications like semaglutide (brand name Ozempic or Wegovy) or tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro or Zepbound). All FDA-approved weight loss injections currently available are prescription medications, so you’ll need to meet with a licensed healthcare professional, either online or in person, to get a prescription. 

To get weight loss injections, make an appointment with your primary care physician or opt for an online telehealth provider like Ro. Your healthcare provider will first ask about your medical history, as well as whether or not you’ve tried to lose weight in the past. They will also ask about your family medical history and about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. This helps them determine if weight loss injections are safe for you. Your healthcare provider may also order tests (like blood tests) before prescribing any weight loss injection. 

Your healthcare provider will then recommend and prescribe a medication for you based on your results. The last step is making sure your insurance helps with the cost of your weight loss injection because these drugs can be expensive. Once you have your prescription, you can fill it at your local pharmacy or through an online pharmacy. 

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Current version

November 21, 2023

Written by

Felix Gussone, MD

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.