Skip to main content
Weight Loss

Weight-Loss Medications: What Does Off-Label Mean?

For example, taking Ozempic for weight loss is currently an off-label use of this medication.

Lauren Smith, MASanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on August 5, 2025
Featuring Stacia Woodcock, PharmDReviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | August 6, 2025

You may know someone who is taking Ozempic (semaglutide) to lose weight. This is considered “off-label use,” since Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss. 

In this video, find out what “off-label use” means and how it pertains to newer weight-loss medications, according to Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

References

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

Was this page helpful?

Latest articles