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Does K Health Prescribe Ozempic? A 2025 Guide to Their Medication Policy

3 min read

With the active ingredient semaglutide leading to an average body weight loss of nearly 15% in some trials, many are asking: Does K Health prescribe Ozempic? This guide details their approach to weight management and GLP-1 medications.

Quick Summary

K Health clinicians only prescribe Ozempic® for patients with type 2 diabetes. For weight management without diabetes, they may prescribe alternative GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® or Saxenda® as part of their comprehensive program.

Key Points

  • Ozempic for Diabetes Only: K Health clinicians prescribe Ozempic exclusively for patients with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, not for weight loss alone.

  • Alternatives Available: For weight management, K Health offers other FDA-approved GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® and Saxenda®.

  • Program Eligibility: To receive weight loss medication from K Health, patients generally need a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with a related health condition.

  • Cost: The K Health membership is $49 for the first month (then billed quarterly), which does not include the cost of medication or lab work.

  • Holistic Care: The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach, including ongoing clinician support and management of other chronic conditions.

  • Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Both are semaglutide, but Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss at a higher dose, while Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes.

In This Article

The Popularity of Ozempic for Weight Management

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication FDA-approved in 2017 to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss was a notable side effect in trials, contributing to its popularity for chronic weight management. Ozempic mimics a GLP-1 hormone, aiding blood sugar regulation, increasing fullness, and slowing digestion.

Does K Health Prescribe Ozempic?

K Health's policy is to only prescribe Ozempic® for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not FDA-approved solely for weight loss. Its approved uses are for improving glycemic control and reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.

For those without type 2 diabetes seeking weight loss, K Health clinicians may consider other FDA-approved options. K Health does not prescribe certain medications, including some controlled substances, but offers various treatments within its programs.

The K Health Medical Weight Management Program

The K Health Medical Weight Management Program combines medication with medical supervision. Eligibility for medication requires strict screening, typically a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition. The program costs $49 for the first month, then $147 quarterly or $449 annually, excluding medication and lab test costs.

What Medications Does K Health Prescribe for Weight Loss?

If Ozempic is not prescribed, K Health clinicians may offer other FDA-approved GLP-1 weight management medications:

  • Wegovy® (semaglutide): FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those overweight with a weight-related condition. It uses a higher maximum dose than Ozempic.
  • Saxenda® (liraglutide): Another GLP-1 medication approved for weight management.
  • Tirzepatide (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®): Activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
  • Other Medications: Metformin, Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), or Orlistat may also be prescribed.

Due to shortages, checking local pharmacy availability for GLP-1 medications is recommended.

Comparison of Weight Management Approaches

Feature K Health Program Other Telehealth (e.g., PlushCare, QuickMD) Traditional In-Person Doctor
Ozempic Prescription Only for patients with type 2 diabetes May prescribe for diabetes or off-label use Based on clinical judgment, often requires lab work
Alternative Medications Wegovy®, Saxenda®, Tirzepatide, Metformin Varies by platform; many offer GLP-1s Full range of prescription options available.
Support Structure Unlimited text-based visits, 24/7 urgent care Varies; may include video coaching or messaging Scheduled in-person follow-up appointments.
Cost Structure Membership model ($49/first month, then quarterly/annually) + medication cost Per-visit fees or membership models; medication cost is separate Office visit copays/fees + medication cost, often subject to insurance.
Insurance Not accepted for membership fees Some accept insurance for visits Typically accepts insurance.

Understanding Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Both contain semaglutide but differ in FDA approval and dosage.

  • Primary Use: Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is for weight management.
  • Dosage: Both are weekly injections; Wegovy reaches a higher maintenance dose (2.4 mg) than Ozempic (typically 1 mg or 2 mg).
  • Effectiveness: Higher doses in Wegovy studies showed greater weight loss than typical Ozempic doses.
  • Side Effects: Wegovy's higher dose may result in more frequent gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.

Conclusion

K Health is an option for supervised weight loss, prescribing Ozempic only for type 2 diabetes. Their program offers other FDA-approved GLP-1s like Wegovy and Saxenda with a comprehensive care plan. The best choice depends on health conditions, budget, and a diabetes diagnosis. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a safe and appropriate treatment plan. For more on GLP-1 medications, consult the FDA's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, K Health's policy is to only prescribe Ozempic to patients who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

K Health clinicians can prescribe several injectable weight loss medications, including Wegovy® (semaglutide), Saxenda® (liraglutide), and Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound® and Mounjaro®), for eligible patients.

The K Health membership costs $49 for the first month and is then billed every three months at $147. This fee covers unlimited clinician visits but does not include the cost of medications or any necessary lab work.

Both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, but they have different FDA-approved uses and dosages. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management at a higher dose (2.4 mg), while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes at lower doses (up to 2 mg).

Generally, you must have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

No, K Health does not accept insurance to pay for its membership fees. The program is a direct-to-consumer, cash-pay service.

Due to nationwide shortages of some GLP-1 medications, K Health advises that you may need to check with your local pharmacy for availability. Your clinician can send the prescription to a different pharmacy or discuss an alternative treatment plan if needed.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.