Semaglutide for weight loss in Charlotte (Wegovy and Ozempic)
Semaglutide is the medicine in Wegovy and Ozempic. It’s a GLP-1 medicine that lowers your appetite and helps you feel full sooner. Our Charlotte providers prescribe it when it fits your health and your coverage, and see you in person through every dose step. Here’s what to know before you start.
- ✓ Wegovy: FDA-approved for weight loss, as a weekly shot or a daily pill
- ✓ Ozempic: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- ✓ Starts at a low dose that goes up every 4 weeks
- ✓ We bill your insurance for visits and help with prior approval for your medicine
- ✓ Injectable injectable pharmacy prescriptions are self-injected at home; program compounded injections are given in clinic
- ✓ Two Charlotte clinics, open 7 days
Call either clinic to arrange a visit, and a provider sees you in person and checks whether semaglutide fits your health and your coverage. No insurance? Ask about our self-pay GLP-1 program.
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
What it isWho it is forDosingResultsOther benefitsSide effectsGetting itCost and insuranceOur clinics
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide copies a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. It slows how fast your stomach empties, helps you feel full on less food, and acts on the parts of your brain that control appetite. It also lowers blood sugar if it’s high.
| Brand | Form | FDA-approved for |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy shot | Once a week | Weight loss in adults (and teens 12 and older) with obesity, or adults who are overweight with a weight-related condition. Also lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease and overweight, and noncirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring (F2–F3), under accelerated approval for Wegovy injection only. |
| Wegovy pill | Once a day | Weight loss, and lowering heart attack and stroke risk in adults with heart disease |
| Ozempic | Once-a-week shot, or a daily tablet | Type 2 diabetes and certain cardiovascular-risk indications; the kidney-risk indication applies to Ozempic injection in eligible adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Not approved for weight loss. |
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026); Ozempic important safety information, Novo Nordisk
Many people search for Ozempic for weight loss. Wegovy is the semaglutide brand approved for weight loss, and insurance plans often cover Ozempic only for diabetes. See GLP-1s compared.
Who semaglutide is for
Wegovy is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
It isn’t for you if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, if you have MEN 2, or if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide. It isn’t used during pregnancy, and the label says to stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
See do I qualify for a BMI table.
Call to start weight loss care
Wegovy dosing schedule
| Weeks | Weekly shot |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9 to 12 | 1 mg |
| 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg |
| 17 on | 2.4 mg (1.7 mg if that suits you better). A higher 7.2 mg dose is an option for some people after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg. |
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
The Wegovy pill also starts low and steps up each month. It’s taken every morning on an empty stomach with a little water, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink or take other pills.
Missed a Wegovy shot? If your next dose is more than 2 days away, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s less than 2 days away, skip it. If you’ve missed 2 or more weeks in a row, call your provider before restarting.
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
Semaglutide results
| Study | What happened |
|---|---|
| STEP 1 (68 weeks) | Average weight loss of 14.9% on Wegovy 2.4 mg, vs 2.4% on placebo. 86% lost at least 5% of their weight. |
| SELECT (about 3 years, adults with heart disease) | 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke or heart-related death, vs placebo |
| Wegovy pill study (64 weeks) | 16.6% average weight loss among people who kept taking it, vs 2.7% on placebo |
Source: Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). NEJM 2021; Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes (SELECT). NEJM 2023; Healio: FDA approves Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 to treat obesity
Results vary, and everyone in these studies also changed their diet and activity. In the STEP 1 extension, people who stopped semaglutide regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year.
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. Wegovy is also FDA-approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease in adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity, and, for Wegovy injection only, accelerated approval to treat noncirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring (F2–F3) in adults. Results vary. See what else weight loss can help with.
Source: CDC: Losing weight; Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes (SELECT). NEJM 2023; AACE: FDA approves Wegovy for certain adults with MASH (Aug 2025)
Semaglutide side effects
| Side effect (Wegovy 2.4 mg studies) | Wegovy | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% | 16% |
| Diarrhea | 30% | 16% |
| Vomiting | 24% | 6% |
| Constipation | 24% | 11% |
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
These are most common early on and when your dose goes up. See how to manage side effects.
- 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.
How to get semaglutide in Charlotte
- Call either clinic to arrange your weight loss visit.
- See a provider at Steele Creek or Plaza Midwood, who checks your health and decides with you whether semaglutide or tirzepatide fits better.
- If your plan covers it, we send your prescription to your pharmacy and help with prior approval. If not, your provider goes over your options. See insurance coverage.
- 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.
- Check in with your provider as your dose goes up.
If insurance does not cover a medicine, your provider will review your options. 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. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved; FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Dosing errors have occurred, so follow your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions carefully.
Source: FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss; FDA: Dosing errors with compounded semaglutide
Your provider chooses a medicine based on your health and coverage. Zepbound and Wegovy are approved for weight management in eligible patients; Mounjaro and Ozempic are diabetes medicines, and use specifically for weight loss is off-label. 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. Research comparing approved brand-name medicines does not establish equivalent results for compounded products.
If individually prescribed and permitted, self-pay compounded tirzepatide is $199 a month at 2.5 to 7.5 mg or $299 a month at 10 to 15 mg, plus $99 a month for visits and labs. More about tirzepatide.
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. 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.
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
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medicine that lowers appetite and helps you feel full sooner. It’s the medicine in Wegovy, approved for weight loss, and Ozempic, approved for type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide and are made by Novo Nordisk. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss and comes in higher doses. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. Insurance plans often cover Ozempic only for diabetes.
Can I get Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. For weight loss, Wegovy is the semaglutide brand that’s FDA-approved. Your provider can talk with you about which medicine fits and what your plan covers.
Where can I get semaglutide in Charlotte?
OneSpotMD providers prescribe semaglutide at our Steele Creek and Plaza Midwood clinics after an in-person visit. Call either clinic to arrange a visit.
How much weight can you lose on semaglutide?
In the STEP 1 study, adults on Wegovy 2.4 mg lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, along with diet and activity changes. Results vary.
What is the Wegovy dosing schedule?
0.25 mg a week for weeks 1 to 4, 0.5 mg for weeks 5 to 8, 1 mg for weeks 9 to 12, 1.7 mg for weeks 13 to 16, then 2.4 mg (or 1.7 mg) from week 17.
Is there a semaglutide pill for weight loss?
Yes. The Wegovy pill is a once-daily tablet approved for weight loss. It’s taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Ask your provider whether a pill or a shot fits you better.
What are the side effects of semaglutide?
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation are the most common. In Wegovy studies, 44% of people had nausea vs 16% on placebo. Call 911 for severe stomach pain that won’t go away or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What happens if I stop semaglutide?
Many people regain weight. In the STEP 1 extension, people regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year of stopping. Talk with your provider before you stop.
Is compounded semaglutide safe?
Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, and the FDA doesn’t review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality. The FDA has warned about dosing errors with compounded semaglutide. Your provider can go over your options if insurance won’t cover a brand-name medicine. 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.
Does insurance cover Wegovy?
Some plans cover Wegovy with prior approval, and some don’t cover weight loss medicine. We bill your insurance for visits and help with the paperwork your plan asks for.
Should I choose semaglutide or tirzepatide?
In a head-to-head study, tirzepatide led to more weight loss on average. But the right choice depends on your health, how you handle side effects and what your plan covers. Your provider helps you decide.
Do you offer compounded semaglutide?
Your provider can discuss the options for your individual medical needs. 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. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved. FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
FDA prescribing information: Ozempic tablets
Sources
Additional safety information: FDA: compounded GLP-1 medicines; FDA: November 2026 vision warning; Wegovy prescribing information.
- Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
- Ozempic important safety information, Novo Nordisk
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). NEJM 2021
- Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes (SELECT). NEJM 2023
- Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as compared with semaglutide for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-5). NEJM 2025
- Wilding JPH, et al. Weight regain after stopping semaglutide (STEP 1 extension). Diabetes Obes Metab 2022
- Healio: FDA approves Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 to treat obesity
- FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
- FDA: Dosing errors with compounded semaglutide
- CDC: Losing weight
- AACE: FDA approves Wegovy for certain adults with MASH (Aug 2025)
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.
More on medical weight loss
Medicines
GLP-1 medicinesTirzepatideZepboundMounjaroWegovyOzempicGLP-1s compared
Before you start
Medical weight lossGetting startedInsurance coverage
Once you start
Side effectsDiet, exercise and keeping it off
Updated
