The Rise of Telehealth and GLP-1 Medications
Telehealth platforms like Ro have made healthcare more accessible, particularly for conditions like obesity, which is recognized as a chronic disease [1.3.1]. A significant development in obesity treatment is the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medications that includes semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy [1.3.3]. These drugs, administered as weekly injections, mimic a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, often leading to significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes [1.3.4, 1.9.5].
While Ozempic has gained popularity for its weight loss effects, it is crucial to understand its approved uses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular risks in those with both type 2 diabetes and established heart disease [1.4.1]. In early 2025, its approval was expanded to include reducing the risk of kidney disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease [1.4.4, 1.4.6]. Its use for chronic weight management is considered "off-label" [1.2.1, 1.9.2].
Ro's Body Program: The Pathway to a Prescription
Ro-affiliated providers do not prescribe Ozempic to just anyone. Patients must enroll in the Ro Body Program, a comprehensive weight management system that pairs potential medication with personalized care [1.3.2].
The Process Includes:
- Online Assessment: Patients start by completing an online visit detailing their health history, goals, and lifestyle [1.3.1].
- Clinician Review & Consultation: A Ro-affiliated provider reviews the assessment to determine if the patient is a potential candidate for GLP-1 treatment. This may involve a video call, depending on state law [1.3.2, 1.8.1].
- Metabolic Lab Testing: The provider may order a metabolic lab test to get a clearer picture of the patient's metabolic health. This can be done via an at-home kit or at a Quest Diagnostics lab [1.3.4].
- Personalized Treatment Plan: If deemed medically appropriate, the provider will create a personalized plan, which may include a prescription for a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound [1.3.2].
This structured process ensures that prescriptions are based on a thorough medical evaluation, not simply a patient's request [1.3.6]. The provider has the discretion to prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss if they believe it's the appropriate course of treatment for that specific patient [1.3.4, 1.9.5].
Who Qualifies for a Prescription?
While Ro's specific internal criteria are part of the provider's assessment, general eligibility for off-label Ozempic or on-label Wegovy for weight loss typically aligns with FDA guidelines for weight management medications [1.2.6]. These often include:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater (classified as obesity) [1.2.2].
- A BMI of 27 or greater (classified as overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes [1.2.2, 1.2.6].
Contraindications are also a critical part of the evaluation. Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take semaglutide [1.5.3, 1.6.1].
Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Understanding the Difference
Although they contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, Ozempic and Wegovy are not identical. They have different FDA-approved uses, dosing schedules, and maximum doses [1.6.4, 1.6.5].
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide [1.6.6] | Semaglutide [1.6.6] |
| FDA-Approved Use | Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular & kidney risk reduction in diabetics [1.4.1, 1.4.4] | Chronic weight management in adults and children 12+ [1.6.1, 1.6.5] |
| Maximum Dose | 2.0 mg per week [1.6.5] | 2.4 mg per week [1.6.5] |
| Typical Insurance | More likely to be covered for its on-label use (diabetes) [1.2.1] | Coverage for weight loss varies widely by plan [1.6.2] |
Because Wegovy is approved at a higher dose, it tends to produce greater weight loss but also carries a higher likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [1.6.3]. A provider will consider a patient's health profile, insurance coverage, and medication availability when deciding which, if any, is appropriate [1.6.3].
Costs and Program Fees
Participating in Ro's Body Program involves several costs. The membership fee is $145 per month, though the first month is often discounted to $45 [1.3.2, 1.8.4]. This fee does not include the cost of medication [1.8.2]. Metabolic testing can also be an additional cost, with at-home kits priced at $75, though testing at a lab may be covered by insurance [1.8.1, 1.8.5]. The out-of-pocket cost for GLP-1 medications can range from $900 to over $1,600 per month, though Ro's insurance concierge service works to verify coverage and manage prior authorizations to lower this cost [1.3.2, 1.3.4].
Conclusion
Ro does not prescribe Ozempic to anyone who asks for it. Access to the medication is managed through the structured Ro Body Program, which requires a comprehensive medical evaluation by a licensed provider to establish clinical need. The decision to prescribe Ozempic off-label, or another GLP-1 like Wegovy, rests on the provider's professional judgment, taking into account the patient's BMI, health conditions, and potential contraindications. This gatekeeper approach is designed to ensure patient safety and appropriate use of these powerful medications.
