Semaglutide medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, along with similar options such as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), have reshaped how we approach weight management and type 2 diabetes in Canada. These treatments work with your body’s natural signals to support appetite control, blood sugar regulation, and long-term metabolic health.
It should be noted: Even with all the attention they receive, semaglutide is not the right fit for everyone.
If you have been searching for phrases such as “semaglutide eligibility Canada,” “Can I qualify for Ozempic®?”, or “What are the requirements for Wegovy®?”, you are in the right place. This guide explains semaglutide eligibility in a clear, supportive way.
You will find a practical checklist that outlines who may qualify, how the criteria differ between medications, who should avoid these treatments, and how Canadians can access care online or in person.
Important: This article is for general education only and doesn’t replace medical advice. A licensed Canadian healthcare provider must review your medical history and decide if semaglutide (or similar medications) is safe and appropriate for you.
What Is Semaglutide and How Is It Used in Canada?
Semaglutide is a medication that mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It helps:
- Regulate blood sugar.
- Slow stomach emptying.
- Reduce appetite and cravings.
In Canada, semaglutide is available in several forms:
- Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) – approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Wegovy® (semaglutide injection) – approved in Canada for chronic weight management in adults meeting specific BMI and health criteria.
- Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide) – tablet version of semaglutide used for type 2 diabetes and off label for weight loss.
Curious if you qualify for semaglutide? Take our online assessment to find out and get connected to a licensed healthcare practitioner.
Quick Semaglutide Eligibility Checklist
This semaglutide eligibility checklist can help you understand whether you might be a good candidate to talk with your healthcare provider about semaglutide treatment.
You may qualify if:
- You have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar levels are not well controlled through lifestyle changes or first-line medications such as metformin.
- You are living with obesity, which is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
- You are overweight with a BMI of 27 or higher and have at least one health condition linked to weight, such as: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
- You have already tried lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, and behaviour support, and still find it difficult to manage your weight or blood sugar levels.
It is important to know that semaglutide is not intended for short-term or cosmetic weight loss. In Canada, eligibility is based on medical need. As with any treatment, it is important to consider both the potential benefits and risks. Semaglutide is most appropriate when there is a meaningful health reason to use it and when it’s part of a broader care plan.
Eligibility by Medication: Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Rybelsus®
Understanding eligibility can feel confusing, so let’s walk through each medication one by one. This way, you can get a clear sense of which option if any may fit your health needs and goals.
1. Ozempic® (semaglutide injection)
What it’s approved for:
Ozempic® is approved by Health Canada for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar, support heart health, and can be prescribed off label for weight loss.
You may be a good fit for Ozempic® if:
- You’re an adult with type 2 diabetes, and
- Lifestyle changes (like nutrition and activity) haven’t fully managed your blood sugar, or
- You need another medication added to your existing diabetes treatment plan, or
- Your healthcare provider feels a GLP-1 medication is appropriate based on your overall health and that weight loss may help support your broader treatment goals.
2. Wegovy® (semaglutide injection)
What it’s approved for:
Wegovy® is the semaglutide option specifically approved for chronic weight management in Canada. To qualify, adults must meet one of these criteria:
- A BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obesity), or
- A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or sleep apnea.
You may be a good fit for Wegovy if:
- You’re living with obesity (BMI ≥ 30), or
- You’re overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and have a weight-related health condition, and
- You’re open to combining the medication with nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural support because Wegovy works best as part of a long-term strategy.
Note: Wegovy® is the only semaglutide product in Canada purpose-built and approved for weight loss and long-term weight management.
3. Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
What it’s approved for:
Rybelsus® is the tablet form of semaglutide, approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. It offers the same active ingredient as Ozempic®, but without injections.
You may be a good fit for Rybelsus® if:
- You have type 2 diabetes, and
- You prefer an oral medication over injections, or
- Your provider feels an oral GLP-1 fits better with your daily routine or medical needs.
Note: Rybelsus® may be used off-label for weight loss in certain cases, although its official approval in Canada is for type 2 diabetes management.
4. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® (tirzepatide injection)
While these medications aren’t semaglutide, they’re frequently discussed alongside GLP-1s because they activate similar hormone pathways that influence appetite, weight, and blood sugar.
What they’re approved for in Canada:
- Mounjaro® – approved for type 2 diabetes.
- Zepbound® – approved for chronic weight management, similar to Wegovy®.
Weight-management eligibility for Zepbound® mirrors Wegovy®:
- BMI ≥ 30, or
- BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related condition like hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.
Tirzepatide medications may offer even more robust weight-loss outcomes for some people, but they come with the same requirement: medical oversight and a clear clinical indication.
Do You Need a Doctor’s Prescription for Semaglutide in Canada?
Yes. All semaglutide-based medications (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®) and tirzepatide-based agents (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) are prescription-only in Canada.
That means you must:
- See a healthcare provider.
- Share your medical history, current medications, and goals.
- Have your provider confirm eligibility and rule out contraindications.
How Long Can You Take Semaglutide Safely?
Semaglutide can be a highly effective tool for weight loss, but it works best when it’s paired with sustainable lifestyle changes and not just used on its own.
Most people stay on treatment for several months to over a year, depending on their starting point, health goals, and how their body responds. It’s not a quick-fix medication, but it also isn’t meant to be taken indefinitely for weight loss.
Once your goal weight is achieved, a healthcare provider will often reduce the dose gradually. This weaning process helps your body adjust and supports long-term maintenance while your nutrition, daily habits, and activity level take centre stage.
Although semaglutide is considered safe for most patients, rare but serious side effects can occur, including gastroparesis or pancreatitis. These risks appear to increase the longer someone is on treatment, which is why clinicians focus on using the shortest effective duration needed to reach safe and meaningful health improvements.
Ultimately, how long you stay on treatment depends on several factors:
- Your weight, blood sugar, and metabolic response.
- How well you tolerate the medication.
- Other health considerations (kidney, liver, gallbladder, cardiovascular health).
- Your own goals and readiness for maintenance.
With proper lifestyle support, many people maintain a significant portion of their weight loss after tapering off. The key is using semaglutide as one part of a broader strategy, not the entire strategy itself.
Who Should Avoid Semaglutide?
You may not be a good candidate for semaglutide or similar medications if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2).
- A history of serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any component of the product.
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Certain severe gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., severe gastroparesis).
- Pancreatitis history or significant gallbladder disease (requires careful assessment).
You should also use extra caution and discuss thoroughly with your provider if you:
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Have advanced kidney or liver disease.
- Use multiple medications that affect blood sugar, blood pressure, or appetite.
Only a clinician who knows your full history can tell you if the benefits outweigh the risks.
How to Access Semaglutide-Based Treatment Online in Canada
Many Canadians use virtual care to explore whether semaglutide is right for them. The process is simple, secure, and guided by licensed healthcare providers to ensure safety.
- Start with a short online intake form. You’ll share your height, weight, medical history, medications, and goals so your provider can understand whether a GLP-1 medication might be appropriate.
- Meet with a licensed Canadian provider. Through video or secure chat, they’ll review your history, any available labs, and confirm whether you meet the medical criteria for treatment.
- Receive a personalized treatment plan. If you’re eligible, your plan may include Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, or Mounjaro®/Zepbound® and is always combined with lifestyle support. Your provider will also discuss how long treatment might be needed and how tapering works once you reach your goals.
- Have your prescription sent to your preferred pharmacy/home. Choose local pickup or discreet home delivery.
- Receive ongoing follow-ups and support. You’ll have continued support for dose adjustments, side-effect monitoring, and guidance on nutrition, movement, and long-term maintenance.
Curious if you qualify? Start with our quick online eligibility assessment to see whether semaglutide-based treatment may be a fit for you.
Semaglutide Eligibility in Canada: A Simple Recap
You may be a candidate for semaglutide or similar medications if:
- You have type 2 diabetes that isn’t well controlled.
- You have obesity (BMI ≥ 30), or BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related health condition.
- You’re willing to pair medication with lifestyle changes and ongoing medical follow-up.
You may not be a good fit if you have certain thyroid cancers, severe gastrointestinal disease, other significant medical conditions, or if the goal is cosmetic weight loss without underlying health concerns.
The most reliable next step is to speak with a Canadian healthcare provider who can review your history, assess your risks, and recommend the safest, most appropriate plan for your goals. You can connect with your preferred provider or get started with one online today with My Rocky.
References
- Wilding, J. P. H., et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- FDA. “Wegovy (semaglutide) Injection: FDA Approval for Chronic Weight Management.” Updated 2024.
- Davies, M.J. et al. “Semaglutide and Cardiometabolic Outcomes.” The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2023.
- American Diabetes Association. “9 Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment.” Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024.
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.
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