As the same drug formulation, they are equally effective for PCOS. “Other drugs like metformin, which is typically prescribed to patients with PCOS, assist with insulin resistance and could be used in conjunction with Wegovy [or] Ozempic for even better results,” Dr. Rowland said.
Medications effective for weight loss (in addition to lifestyle modifications) that have been specifically studied in women with PCOS include metformin, acarbose, sibutramine, and orlistat (Xenical). Metformin is probably the first-line medication for obesity or weight reduction in patients with PCOS.
Ozempic for Weight Loss. Studies comparing Wegovy and Ozempic show both drugs are effective at helping patients diagnosed with obesity or overweight reduce their body weight, but Wegovy reduces weight more effectively than Ozempic does.
Will insurance cover Ozempic for PCOS? No, insurance will not cover Ozempic for treatment of PCOS. Most insurance plans will only cover Ozempic if it's being prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes and PCOS, your insurance may cover the costs.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide have emerged as novel therapeutic prospects for PCOS, owing to their distinct advantages in treating metabolic disorders.
As the same drug formulation, they are equally effective for PCOS. “Other drugs like metformin, which is typically prescribed to patients with PCOS, assist with insulin resistance and could be used in conjunction with Wegovy [or] Ozempic for even better results,” Dr. Rowland said.
Metformin. Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can cause excess androgen production, irregular periods, obesity, and diabetes. Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication prescribed to treat people with these problems.
Wegovy is the only semaglutide that is FDA approved for treating overweight and obesity, and it may be covered by insurance for individuals with PCOS who meet eligibility requirements, says Dr. Sood. That being said, many insurance plans will not cover weight loss medications, even if you qualify.
Metformin is often the first-line treatment because it is known to be highly effective. However, Ozempic is an option if you cannot tolerate metformin or if metformin is not working well. It increases pregnancy rates, including for people receiving IVF.
If the weight gain is due to hormonal issues like low testosterone, estrogen imbalances, or thyroid dysfunction, simply using Ozempic may act as a short-term fix, without tackling the underlying issue.
If you are currently taking Ozempic or have previously taken Ozempic for weight loss, then follow the below guidance: If you are currently taking Ozempic, you can switch to the same strength of Wegovy or the next higher dose. For example, if you are currently on 1.0mg Ozempic, you can go up to 1.7mg Wegovy.
Regular Exercise and Fitness Routines
In addition to her dietary changes, Kelly incorporated regular exercise into her daily routine. Her workout regimen included a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, each of which contributed to her overall fitness and weight loss success.
While the $25 Wegovy savings offer is no longer available, there is still a Wegovy Savings Program. However, the details have changed as of January 2025. Depending on your insurance provider and coverage, you may pay as little as $0 per month for Wegovy, up to a maximum of $650 per month.
You can lose weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, (at least 5 portions a day), whole foods (such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and brown rice), lean meats, fish and chicken.
Ozempic face is a colloquial term, not a medically recognized condition. It describes the facial changes that can accompany rapid weight loss when using medications like Ozempic or another version of the same drug (generic name semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight-loss treatment.
The difference is that Wegovy is approved to manage weight in adults and kids 12 and up who have obesity. Ozempic is approved to lower blood sugar when you have type 2 diabetes. You can also use it to lower your risks of a heart attack or stroke if you have diabetes and heart disease.
It is feasible that the additional insulin resistance affecting women with obesity, on top of the insulin resistance that is a fundamental part of the pathophysiology of PCOS, may be too much for metformin (recognized as an insulin sensitizer of only moderate potency compared to, say, the glitazones) to overcome.
Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro work effectively to increase insulin sensitivity and production, and can be an excellent tool for those with PCOS.
Orlistat is as effective as metformin in reducing weight and achieves similar ovulation rates in obese PCOS patients. However, orlistat has minimal side-effects and is better tolerated compared with metformin.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual agonist. As well as being a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it also mimics a second hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). This is thought to further enhance the effects of GLP-1. Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Can you take supplements, protein shakes or energy drinks with Wegovy? Most supplements are generally safe, but some, like inositol and berberine, can affect insulin regulation and increase the concentration of other medications in the blood.
It can be hard to lose weight with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for reasons such as excessive insulin production, excessive hunger, and high blood sugar levels. Researchers estimate anywhere from 38% to 88% of the people with PCOS are overweight or obese.