Mounjaro in Charlotte: for diabetes, and for weight loss
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss on its own. If you want tirzepatide for weight loss, the approved brand is Zepbound, which is the same medicine. OneSpotMD providers in Charlotte prescribe both after an in-person visit, and help you pick the one your health and your insurance support.
- ✓ Mounjaro: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- ✓ Zepbound: the same medicine, FDA-approved for weight loss
- ✓ Both are a weekly shot, starting at 2.5 mg
- ✓ Many people with diabetes lose weight on Mounjaro too
- ✓ Insurance often covers Mounjaro only with type 2 diabetes
- ✓ We manage diabetes and weight in the same clinic
Either way, call a clinic to arrange your visit. Your provider sees you in person, checks your blood sugar, kidneys and other medicines, and chooses Mounjaro or Zepbound with you. We bill your insurance for your visits.
What happens next: 1. Call either clinic. 2. Our team helps arrange your visit. 3. See a provider in person at Steele Creek or Plaza Midwood.
Cost: no insurance? Visits and labs are $99 a month. If individually prescribed and permitted, self-pay compounded tirzepatide is $199 or $299 a month, depending on your dose. With insurance, visits and labs are billed to your plan; your cost depends on your coverage. See what you’d pay
Never tried a GLP-1? Call a clinic to book a visit, and ask whether we have a sample you can try at your first appointment, before you sign up for the full program. Call to ask about a sample
- A provider you see in person, not just an online form
- Insurance billed for your visits, with help on prior approval
- No insurance? Visits and labs for $99 a month
- Open 7 days, weekdays until 8pm
- Same-day help if side effects hit, because we’re also an urgent care
- Labs, blood pressure and diabetes care in the same clinic
On this page
Approved usesWith diabetesFor weight lossDosingOther benefitsSide effectsGetting startedCost and insuranceOur clinics
Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss?
No. Mounjaro is approved to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in some adults with type 2 diabetes. Zepbound has the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and is the version approved for weight loss and for sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
| Mounjaro | Zepbound | |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide |
| FDA-approved for | Type 2 diabetes (adults and children 10 and older) | Weight loss in adults; sleep apnea with obesity |
| How it’s taken | Weekly shot | Weekly shot (pen or vial) |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg | 2.5 mg |
| Highest dose | 15 mg | 15 mg |
Source: Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
Call to start weight loss care
If you have type 2 diabetes
Mounjaro may be a good fit, and weight loss often comes with it. Your provider looks at your A1C, kidney function, heart health and other medicines. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, those doses may need to come down, since adding tirzepatide can make blood sugar drop too low. We manage diabetes in the same clinic. See diabetes care.
Source: Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
If you want it for weight loss
Zepbound is the approved choice. It’s for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Insurance plans usually cover Mounjaro only for diabetes, so asking for Zepbound is the straighter path. See Zepbound and who qualifies.
Source: FDA: FDA approves new medication for chronic weight management (Nov 2023)
In the SURMOUNT-1 study, adults without diabetes on tirzepatide 5, 10 or 15 mg lost an average of 15.0%, 19.5% and 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks, vs 3.1% on placebo. Results vary.
Source: Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). NEJM 2022
Mounjaro dosing
Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks. Your provider can raise it by 2.5 mg after at least 4 weeks on each dose, up to 15 mg. Give it under the skin of your belly, thigh or upper arm, on the same day each week.
Source: Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
If you miss a dose, take it within 4 days. After 4 days, skip it and take the next one on your usual day.
Source: Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
What else weight loss can help with
Losing weight can also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, ease knee and joint pain, and ease PCOS symptoms. Mounjaro is FDA-approved to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Results vary. See what else weight loss can help with.
Source: CDC: Losing weight; Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
Mounjaro side effects
| Side effect | Mounjaro 5 to 15 mg | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 12% to 18% | 4% |
| Diarrhea | 12% to 17% | 9% |
| Less appetite | 5% to 11% | 1% |
| Vomiting | 5% to 9% | 2% |
| Constipation | 6% to 7% | 1% |
Source: Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
Mounjaro isn’t for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. Birth control pills can work less well for 4 weeks after you start and after each dose increase, so use a backup method. See side effects.
Source: Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
- Severe stomach pain that won’t go away, with or without vomiting. It may spread to your back.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a fast heartbeat with dizziness
- Fainting, or chest pain
- Anything that seems life-threatening
- Sudden loss of vision: seek emergency medical care immediately.
Thinking about compounded tirzepatide? Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved, and the FDA doesn’t review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Talk with your provider about your options.
Source: FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
How to get Mounjaro or Zepbound in Charlotte
- Call either clinic to arrange a visit, and tell us if you have diabetes.
- See a provider in person at Steele Creek or Plaza Midwood.
- Your provider chooses Mounjaro or Zepbound with you, based on your health and your insurance.
- We send your prescription and help with prior approval if your plan needs it.
- Injectable prescriptions sent to a pharmacy are self-injected at home as instructed. Oral medicines are taken as prescribed. Patients prescribed compounded medicine through our program receive weekly injections at the clinic. A routine provider evaluation is not required at every weekly injection; follow-up and dose changes remain directed by your provider.
Call to start weight loss care
Cost and insurance
What you pay each month
Your visits and your medicine are priced separately, so you only pay for what your insurance doesn’t cover.
| Your situation | Visits and labs | Medicine | Each month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-pay program, individually prescribed compounded dose 2.5–7.5 mg | $99 | $199 | $298 |
| Self-pay program, individually prescribed compounded dose 10–15 mg | $99 | $299 | $398 |
| Insurance covers your medicine | Your plan-dependent cost | Your plan-dependent pharmacy cost | Your plan-dependent cost |
| Insurance does not cover medicine; compounded treatment individually prescribed if appropriate | Your plan-dependent cost | $199 or $299 | Your plan-dependent visit/lab cost plus eligible prescribed medicine |
- $99 a month, no insurance needed: a visit with your provider every month and lab work every 3 months. Self-pay patients can sign up for this program.
- With insurance: we bill your plan for your visits and labs. Your cost depends on your plan, including copay, coinsurance and deductible.
- If your plan covers tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro): we send your prescription to your pharmacy, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan. Many plans need prior approval first, and we help with the paperwork.
- If prescribed for your individual medical need: compounded tirzepatide is $199 a month at 2.5, 5 or 7.5 mg, or $299 a month at 10, 12.5 or 15 mg. Compounded medicine is considered only when an individual medical need cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug and applicable requirements permit it. Cost or lack of insurance coverage alone does not determine eligibility. Your provider determines your dose and follow-up plan.
Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review compounded medicines for safety, effectiveness or quality. Your provider talks with you about whether it’s right for you. Prices as of November 2026. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Compounded medicine is considered only when an individual medical need cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug and applicable requirements permit it. Cost or lack of insurance coverage alone does not determine eligibility.
How insurance coverage for GLP-1 medicine works →
Insurance we take: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and TRICARE East, plus Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans. We don’t take HMO plans tied to one doctor or hospital system. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See all the insurance we accept.
Our weight loss clinics in Charlotte
Injectable prescriptions sent to a pharmacy are self-injected at home as instructed. Oral medicines are taken as prescribed. Patients prescribed compounded medicine through our program receive weekly injections at the clinic. A routine provider evaluation is not required at every weekly injection; follow-up and dose changes remain directed by your provider.
| Clinic | Address and phone |
|---|---|
| Steele Creek | 2114 Freeman Park Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28273. (980) 880-5588 |
| Plaza Midwood | 2017 Central Ave, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28205. (704) 731-8656 |
| Hours (both) | Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm |
Weight loss visits and in-clinic injections are available at both clinics. Close to Steele Creek, Ballantyne, Rivergate, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Uptown, Midtown and Elizabeth.
Call either clinic to discuss weight loss care and arrange your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss?
No. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound has the same medicine, tirzepatide, and is approved for weight loss.
What’s the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?
They contain the same medicine, tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly, with the same doses. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is approved for weight loss and for sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Can I get Mounjaro for weight loss if I don’t have diabetes?
Zepbound is the approved version for weight loss, and insurance plans usually cover Mounjaro only for type 2 diabetes. Your provider helps you choose the right one.
Where can I get Mounjaro in Charlotte?
OneSpotMD providers prescribe Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound for weight loss, after an in-person visit at our Steele Creek or Plaza Midwood clinic.
Will insurance cover Mounjaro?
Plans usually cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, often with prior approval. For weight loss, plans look at Zepbound instead, and some don’t cover weight loss medicine at all.
How much weight do people lose on tirzepatide?
In the SURMOUNT-1 study, adults without diabetes lost an average of 15% to 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, depending on the dose. Results vary.
What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
Nausea, diarrhea, less appetite, vomiting and constipation are the most common, usually when the dose goes up. Call 911 for severe stomach pain that won’t go away or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What is the starting dose of Mounjaro?
2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks. It can go up by 2.5 mg after at least 4 weeks on each dose, to a maximum of 15 mg.
Where do you inject Mounjaro?
Under the skin of your belly, thigh or upper arm. Use a different spot each week.
Sources
Additional safety information: FDA: compounded GLP-1 medicines; FDA: November 2026 vision warning; Wegovy prescribing information.
- Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
- Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
- FDA: FDA approves new medication for chronic weight management (Nov 2023)
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). NEJM 2022
- FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
- CDC: Losing weight
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. Your provider decides with you whether a medicine is right for you. Results vary from person to person.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. OneSpotMD is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.
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