Written by: Rocky Health editorial team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. George Mankaryous, M.D., CCFP
If you’re struggling to lose weight solely through diet and exercise, you’re not alone. In fact, the latest available data from Statistics Canada indicates that 26.8% of the adult population is affected by excess weight [1]. If this resonates with you, weight loss medication may be an option worth exploring.
There are several prescription GLP‑1 medications available in Canada to support healthy weight management, particularly for individuals with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. These medications can help regulate appetite, improve metabolic health, and support long-term weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. However, it’s important to understand how these medications work, what potential risks are involved, and how to determine if you’re eligible.
This guide will walk you through how weight loss medications work, who they’re for, the potential risks, and how to speak with a healthcare provider about whether this approach is right for you.
Want to find out if you’re eligible for weight loss medication in Canada without leaving home? Start your online assessment to get connected with a licensed healthcare practitioner today.
How to Qualify for GLP-1 Medications in Canada
To qualify for GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic® in Canada, you need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional who will assess the following:
- Overall health
- Medical history
- Existing conditions
GLP-1 receptor agonists are designed to help adults regulate blood sugar levels and support sustainable weight loss. These medications are not suitable for everyone, and determining eligibility requires a thorough medical assessment.
Your healthcare practitioner will also review possible side effects and check for interactions with other medications you may be taking. This individualized assessment is essential, as GLP-1 therapies should only be prescribed when the potential benefits outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning this type of treatment.
Note: It’s recommended to ask your healthcare professional about any questions and/or concerns you may have so you can make an informed decision about this type of treatment.
Criteria for GLP-1 Medication
Eligibility for weight loss medications typically starts with Body Mass Index (BMI). Most prescriptions are recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have weight-related health conditions.
Beyond BMI, the decision should be personalized. Patients and healthcare providers should review current health conditions, medications, and family medical history. Cost and potential side effects are also important factors in determining whether a particular medication is right.
How Do You Get a Prescription for GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication in Canada?
To obtain a weight loss medication prescription in Canada, you’ll need to consult a licensed healthcare provider who will assess whether it’s suitable for you. This can be done in person with your primary care provider or virtually through a Telehealth service like Rocky Health.
Here’s a breakdown of what this process is like with Rocky Health’s Telehealth service:
1. Start with an Online Questionnaire
You’ll begin by answering a series of questions about your health history, current medications, weight-related goals, height, and weight, which helps calculate your BMI and screen your eligibility.
2. Pay a One-Time Initial Consultation Fee ($99)
After completing the intake process, you’ll pay a one-time consultation fee and then meet virtually with a licensed healthcare provider via chat, phone, or video. The goal of this meeting is to review your profile and determine if GLP‑1 medication is appropriate for you.
3. Undergo Personalized Lab Testing
If you’re a suitable candidate, your clinician will provide a requisition for lab tests to assess metabolic health, hormones, and other indicators, which helps guide treatment decisions.
4. Prescribed Weight Loss Medication by a Healthcare Provider
Based on your profile and lab results, your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable medication (such as Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Wegovy®), prescribe it, and personalize your treatment plan.
5. Obtain Your Medication Via Discreet Delivery
Your medication will be dispatched via Rocky’s certified pharmacy and typically arrives within 1–3 business days.
6. Receive Ongoing Support & Follow‑Up Appointments As Needed
Rocky provides continued care through messaging or video check-ins with clinicians and pharmacist support. Adjustments to dosages, refills, and guidance are all managed through the secure portal.
Ready to explore whether weight loss medications are right for you? Start your online assessment with a licensed healthcare practitioner at Rocky Health today.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Options in Canada
There are several GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss in Canada, including Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). Other medications, such as Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are approved for Type 2 diabetes management, but not specifically for weight loss, although this is often an added benefit.
While some medications like Ozempic® are not officially approved for weight loss, they may be prescribed off-label by a healthcare professional in certain cases. Speak to your healthcare practitioner to determine if a GLP-1 medication is right for you.
Ozempic® (semaglutide)
Originally approved for: Per Health Canada, Type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels.
How it works: Mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. This often also leads to weight loss.
Typical use: Once-weekly subcutaneous (meaning “under the skin”) injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Dosage: 0.2 mg or 0.5 mg to 1 mg, or 2 mg.
Weight loss benefit: Per weight loss studies, many patients lose 15% or more of their body weight [2].
Risks: Ozempic® can cause side effects including, but not limited to, low blood sugar, vision changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation [3].
Important Safety Information: Do not share your Ozempic® pen, even if the needle has been changed, as this can lead to serious infections.
Note: Ozempic® (semaglutide) is approved in Canada for Type 2 diabetes, but many doctors also prescribe it off-label for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one related health condition, like hypertension.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Originally approved for: Chronic weight management aid for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes.
How it works: Mimics the effects of a natural gut hormone called GLP-1, which plays a role in regulating appetite, digestion, and blood sugar.
Typical use: Once-weekly subcutaneous (meaning “under the skin”) injection.
Dosage: 0.25 mg with a gradual increase of up to 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg.
Weight loss benefit: Average weight loss around 10% in clinical studies. [4]
Risks: Side effects can include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Important Safety Information: Do not share your Wegovy® pen even if the needle has been changed, as this can lead to serious infections.
Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
Originally approved for: Per Health Canada, Type 2 diabetes in adults, alongside diet and exercise.
How it works: Oral form of semaglutide that mimics GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller after you eat.
Typical use: Daily oral tablet taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
Dosage: 3 mg, 7 mg, or 14 mg.
Weight loss benefit: Produces modest weight loss, less than injectable forms [5].
Risks: Possible side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
Important Safety Information: Follow dosing instructions carefully to avoid reduced effectiveness; do not share medication.
Note: In Canada, Rybelsus® (semaglutide) can be used for weight loss, although it is primarily prescribed for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Originally approved for: Per Health Canada, for the treatment of adult patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control.
How it works: Is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, so it mimics the actions of both hormones in the body. The drug increases insulin release and lowers the amount of glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to produce sugar, which helps control post-meal sugar spikes.
Typical use: Once-weekly subcutaneous (meaning “under the skin”) injection.
Dosage: Starts at 2.5 mg, increases and can gradually go up to 15 mg.
Weight loss benefit: Clinical trials show greater weight loss compared to other GLP-1 medications, with some patients losing over 20% of body weight [6].
Risks: Common side effects include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and injection site reactions.
Important Safety Information: Do not share your Mounjaro® pen, even if the needle has been changed, as this can lead to serious infections.
Note: In Canada, Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) can be used for weight loss, although it is primarily prescribed for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
Originally approved for: Per Health Canada, for the treatment of adult patients who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
How it works: Dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, mimicking the actions of both hormones in the body. It increases insulin release and lowers glucagon levels, helping to control post-meal blood sugar spikes and reduce appetite.
Typical use: Once-weekly subcutaneous (“under the skin”) injection.
Dosage: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.
Weight loss benefit: In clinical trials, patients lost an average of 20% at the highest dose.
Risks: Common side effects include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and injection site reactions.
Important Safety Information: Zepbound is not recommended for patients with end-stage renal impairment due to limited clinical experience in this population.
Saxenda™ (liraglutide)
Originally approved for: Health Canada approves Saxenda for adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition.
How it works: GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, and helps control appetite.
Dosage: Once-daily subcutaneous (“under the skin”) injection; typically titrated up to 3 mg.
Weight loss benefit: Clinical trials show patients lose an average of 5–10% of body weight over 1 year.
Risks: Side effects may include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache; risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.
Important Safety Information: Not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
| Medication | Drug Type | Administration | Dosage range | Approved Use in Canada | Weight Loss Benefits | Common Side Effects |
| Ozempic® (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly injection | 0.2 mg or 0.5 mg to 1 mg, or 2 mg | Type 2 diabetes | 15% average weight loss | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low blood sugar |
| Mounjaro® and Zepbound®(tirzepatide) | Dual GIP & GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly injection | 2.5 mg up to 15 mg | Type 2 diabetes; weight management | Around 20% in some trials | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, injection site reactions |
| Wegovy®(semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly injection | Up to 2.4 mg | Chronic weight management | Around 10% average weight loss | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain |
| Rybelsus®(oral semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Daily oral tablet | 3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg | Type 2 diabetes | Modest weight loss | Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite |
| Saxenda™ (liraglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | One daily injection | 3 mg | Chronic weight management | 5–10% average weight loss | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache; risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder disease |
If you’re considering GLP-1 medications for weight management, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your individual health profile and needs.
Resources
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- “Management and Impact of Obesity in Canada: A Real-World Survey.” System, Elsevier, 2025, Accessed 16 Aug. 2025.
- Bergmann, N. C., et al. “Semaglutide for the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity: A Review.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, vol. 25, no. 1, Jan. 2023, pp. 18–35. PubMed Central, PMC10092086
- “Ozempic® (semaglutide) Injection: What Is Ozempic®?” Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, Accessed 16 Aug. 2025.
- Ryan, Donna H., et al. “Long-Term Weight-Loss Effects of Semaglutide in Obesity without Diabetes in the SELECT Trial.” Nature Medicine, vol. 30, 2024, pp. 2049–2057.
- Novo Nordisk. RYBELSUS® Results. 2025, Accessed 16 Aug. 2025
- Allan, G. Michael, and Ricky D. Turgeon. Mission Slimpossible, Part 3: Tirzepatide for Weight Loss (Tools for Practice no. 392). CFPCLearn, 24 June 2025,. Accessed 16 Aug. 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment, including dosage, risks, benefits, and other considerations.
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