(semaglutide) injection
A weekly shot to lose weight
Helps you feel full faster, longer
Improves the way your body responds to sugars
Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but may be prescribed off-label if a provider deems it appropriate
Ozempic is a brand-name version of the generic medication semaglutide, which is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist. Instead of that tongue-twister of a name, we call these medications “GLP-1s” for short.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for the management of certain symptoms and risks of type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic works by slowing the digestion process, which can help you to feel full for longer. Ozempic, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, acts like a hormone your body naturally makes to regulate blood sugar and may help support weight loss.
Our partners will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only.
At this time, those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicaid or TRICARE), whether primary or secondary coverage are not eligible for the Body Program. These plans typically do not cover the type of medication the Body Program may prescribe. Unfortunately, this means that those on Medicare or eligible for Medicare cannot join the Body Program. Federal employees who receive their health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) may participate in the Body Program.
Important Safety Information: Ozempic treats type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss, if appropriate. Ozempic may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2. Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
We’re pushing every day to get medication to our patients faster. Here’s a quick rundown: It takes 4-6 weeks to start if you’re not using insurance. If your provider orders a lab test, it may extend the timeline depending on how quickly you complete the labs. If you’d like to use your insurance, it can take an additional 2-3 weeks to determine coverage. We’ll handle the paperwork and work hard to get that coverage for you.
Share your health history and weight loss goals with us online to get started. A Ro-affiliated provider will review your answers and get back to you within a few days. Depending on your health review, a provider may order a metabolic lab test before moving forward with treatment.
After reviewing your results, your provider will determine if you’re eligible for medication. If you are, they’ll tailor a program with prescription treatment best suited to your unique biology.
If you'd like to try to use insurance, our concierge partner connects with your insurance company to help get the cost of medication covered. If coverage is denied, we'll help you understand your options, including paying cash.
If you're prescribed compounded semaglutide, our partner pharmacy will ship your medication in 1-4 days. If you're prescribed a branded GLP-1 medication, you'll get your prescription from your preferred pharmacy. Medication costs are not included.
You’ll have everything you need during treatment, including on-demand provider access via video or messaging, medication management, and ongoing refill support.
“I started losing weight almost immediately. To me, truly, this has been a game-changer.”
Dr. Pepper Ro Ambassador who inspired the Body Program, after taking GLP-1 medication
“I used to constantly crave food in general. I was always hungry before starting the Body Program.”
Stacie Ro member after taking GLP-1 medication
Meet our expert
From diagnosis to delivery, our healthcare providers are with patients every step of the way.
Ro members taking branded GLP-1 medications were paid for their testimonials.
Sonia
Ro member
“I’ve had some pretty amazing success. I’m down 15 pounds and I couldn’t be happier."
James
Ro member
“It's really helping handle my cravings better, which is what I really like about this program."
Chaleeta
Ro member
“It was like a switch once I started the medication, I just wasn’t so obsessed with food.”
The cost of your Ozempic medication can range depending on your insurance coverage—and we’re here to help with that!
As your insurance concierge, our team will work with your insurance provider to determine coverage for your GLP-1 medication. Please note that this medication is paid for separately from the Body Program, which is only available by cash pay and does not accept insurance. Currently, individuals with any government healthcare coverage, including Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicaid, or TRICARE, are ineligible for the Ro Body Program as these plans typically do not cover the medications prescribed by the program. Unfortunately, this means that those who are eligible for Medicare cannot participate in the Ro Body Program.
While a Ro-affiliated provider may offer personalized guidance for each individual, in general, there are no foods to avoid while taking Ozempic. In fact, our Body Program makes a point to avoid labeling any food as “off-limits,” and instead guides you in finding an approach to food that’s both enjoyable and supports your weight loss goals.
However, if prescribed Ozempic, you might choose to avoid certain foods on days that your doses are increased. Some gastrointestinal side effects like nausea may occur when Ozempic doses are increased, so you might find that it’s best to avoid foods that make you feel gassy or bloated on days that you’re increasing your dose.
Ro and Ro-affiliated providers are taking additional steps to support new and existing patients on their weight loss journeys.
If you’re prescribed Wegovy or Saxenda:
Your pharmacy will add you to their waitlist for medication if they don’t have supply.
Your provider may also make adjustments to your treatment plan if they determine it’s clinically appropriate. These adjustments may include prescribing alternate GLP-1 medications (if appropriate), working with you to create a personalized treatment plan, or recommending adjustments to diet, lifestyle, and current fitness activities.
If you’re just getting started:
The first steps in the Body Program are unaffected by the supply shortages — including taking a metabolic lab test and connecting with a provider to review their health history. If a provider ultimately determines Wegovy or Saxenda is a good fit, the sooner you join the program, the sooner our team can send your prescription to get filled at your preferred pharmacy.
Remember that we’re also expanding our medication offerings to include Zepbound and compounded semaglutide. Contact your provider in your Ro account chat if you’re interested in either medication.
All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Ozempic’s side effects are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Stomach pains
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Acid reflux
Belching and gas
Dizziness
Headaches
Fatigue
More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:
Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a BOXED WARNING) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Rapid heartbeat
Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)
Low blood sugar
Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)
Kidney disease
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the BOXED WARNING, for complete safety information.
If your provider orders a metabolic health test, testing at any Quest location is included in the cost of the Body Program. Or you can purchase an at-home blood collection kit through Ro for $75.
If you live in a state where Quest is not available, we’ll automatically send you an at-home collection kit for no charge.
From experts at ro
Ozempic is a brand-name version of the generic medication semaglutide, which is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist. Instead of that tongue-twister of a name, we call these medications “GLP-1s” for short.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for the management of certain symptoms and risks of type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic works by slowing the digestion process, which can help you to feel full for longer. Ozempic, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, acts like a hormone your body naturally makes to regulate blood sugar and may help support weight loss.
Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Ro-affiliated healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient.
How can Ozempic help with weight loss? It acts like a natural hormone your body uses to regulate blood sugar and appetite—key steps in resetting your biological set point to help you maintain a new, lower weight.
See if Ozempic is right for you here.
Ozempic dosing starts out low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to find the schedule and dosing that’s right for you. As an example, the lowest dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg once a week and the maximum dose is 2.0 mg once a week.
Ozempic comes in a prefilled injection pen that contains multiple doses. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will select the prescribed dose, then administer the injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm once a week.
While a routine injection may sound intimidating, the Ozempic pen uses a tiny needle designed to minimize discomfort. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Ro-affiliated provider can offer additional advice.
How to get Ozempic covered by insurance—it’s a very important question! Well, you can consider us your insurance concierge.
Our partners will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only.
At this time, those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicaid or TRICARE), whether primary or secondary coverage are not eligible for the Body Program. These plans typically do not cover the type of medication the Body Program may prescribe. Unfortunately, this means that those on Medicare or eligible for Medicare cannot join the Body Program. Federal employees who receive their health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) may participate in the Body Program.
