Prescription weight loss medication: Who is eligible?

It's no surprise that weight loss medications are everywhere right now — from social feeds to news headlines, it seems everyone has an opinion on this 'miracle drug'. For some, these medications represent hope and a way to progress. For others, they're seen as controversial or even unnecessary.

But behind the noise, there's one thing worth focusing on: for many people, weight loss medication isn't about vanity — it's about finally getting the help their body has been asking for.

If you're considering weight loss injections, you've probably already tried the diets, exercise plans, and cutting out carbs or calories. You might have seen some progress, only to see the weight return, again and again. It's frustrating, but it's not your fault.

Science tells us that weight is shaped by far more than willpower. Genetics, hormones, and biology all play a role in how your body responds to food, exercise, and stress. In fact, around two-thirds of adults in England alone are overweight or obese [1], and many face the same uphill battle, despite doing 'everything right'.

And that's what may have led to pursuing weight loss medication. Backed by research and used under medical guidance, they offer real, personalized support, helping to quiet the internal fight your body might be putting up against weight loss.

Why diet and exercise aren't always enough

Your weight is influenced by complex biological, psychosocial and environmental factors that need to be taken into consideration — it is not simply the result of a poor lifestyle.

Did you know that up to 80% of your weight is genetic [2]? With this relatively new knowledge from Harvard Medical School, we can see that eating healthier and exercising aren’t enough to help people lose weight.

A theory, known as set point theory, helps to explain that this genetic influence is hardwired into our DNA. The theory is that some people are born with a higher set point, which is the weight your body fights to maintain.

Despite the amount of exercise you're doing or the amount you're restricting your diet, your body will work against you, stopping you from losing as much weight as you'd like. Or, if you are successful at losing weight, your body will likely trigger strong weight regain responses via its hormones, undoing your hard work.

Other factors that contribute to weight gain can include stress, mental illness, poor sleep quality, physical injuries or other health conditions.

This is where prescription medications come in for weight loss [3]. Weight loss medications treat obesity and weight issues with appetite control and are becoming commonplace for healthcare professionals to distribute to people struggling to shed kilos.

What is prescription weight loss medication, and how does it work?

Weight loss medication is designed to support people who are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, which, as we now know, is more common than not. These medications target biological factors that influence hunger, appetite, and how your body stores fat.

Most weight loss injections work by mimicking hormones that naturally occur in your gut, specifically the ones that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.

You may have heard people mention 'food noise' and how weight loss medication has helped. This is because these hormones, like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), help send signals to your brain that you're full, slow down digestion, and help to reduce food cravings.

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro tap into this system. They help you feel fuller for longer, reduce the urge to snack or overeat, and make it easier to maintain a calorie deficit — a crucial part of sustainable weight loss.

But it's not just about suppressing appetite. These medications also help your body respond better to insulin, which can reduce fat storage and improve overall metabolic health.

Ozempic: A diabetes medication known for also aiding in weight loss

There is no doubt you would have heard about Ozempic. This is the most commonly talked about weight loss medication on the market. While it is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels, it can also be used as a weight loss medication.

How does Ozempic work?

To help regulate blood sugar levels and induce satiety, our bodies release a hormone called GLP-1 when we eat. This hormone lets our brain know that we are full and it is time to stop eating.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, mimics this natural hormone, helping you to regulate your appetite and slow down your gastric mobility. As a result, the food you eat stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel fuller for longer periods.

Who is eligible for Ozempic in Canada?

In Canada, Ozempic is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved sufficient blood sugar control through diet and exercise or other medications. Eligibility typically includes being over 18 years old, having a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and may also include individuals who are overweight or have obesity. One of our certified healthcare practitioners healthcare professional will evaluate your individual health and medical history before prescribing Ozempic.

Wegovy: A clinically proven medication for weight loss

A newer option for weight loss medication is Wegovy. Backed by clinical research and now widely prescribed in Canada, Wegovy has been an exciting development for people who've struggled with long-term weight management.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication that contains semaglutide, the active ingredient also found in Ozempic, which is commonly used to stabilize blood sugar levels and aid weight loss. Used alongside a calorie deficit and exercise routine, it has been studied and trialled to be an effective weight management drug.

How does Wegovy work?

Like Ozempic, Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which stimulates insulin secretion, reduces glucagon production, slows gastric emptying, and promotes a feeling of fullness.

Who is eligible for Wegovy in Canada?

In Canada, Wegovy is licensed for weight loss and weight management.

In general, Wegovy is suitable for those who are considered to be clinically obese or significantly overweight with a weight-related health condition. Juniper, which includes Wegovy as its prescription medication, may be a good fit for you if you're aged between 18 and 75 and:

• You have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (clinically obese); or
• You have a body mass index of 27 or more (significantly overweight), and you also have a medical condition that is often caused, or made worse, by excess body weight.

Wegovy must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, and with Juniper, it forms part of a broader treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and clinical support.

Mounjaro: A new generation of weight loss medication

If you've been hearing a lot about Mounjaro lately, you're not alone. As one of the newest prescription medications for weight loss, Mounjaro has been making headlines for its results.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is delivered by subcutaneous injection once a week, and is a highly effective dual-action medication that is highly effective for weight loss. In technical terms, it is a long-acting dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist [4].

The active ingredient in Mounjaro is called tirzepatide.

How does Mounjaro work?

Because Mounjaro activates both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, it can help to promote fat loss, block fat gain, and regulate blood sugar. By combining the effects of both, it is more effective at promoting weight loss through decreased appetite, as well as directly impacting the pathways that lead to fat loss.

Essentially, taking Mounjaro can help:

• Reduce your appetite
• Make you feel fuller sooner
• Turn down cravings (food noise)
• Improve blood glucose levels
• Stimulate the breakdown of fat

Is Mounjaro available in Canada?

Mounjaro is available for those who are aged between 18 and 75, as long as they meet our strict eligibility criteria.

Zepbound: The newest medication that can help reach and maintain weight loss goals

Zepbound is the latest up-and-coming weight loss medication on the market. Clinical research on this drug is not as extensive as some of the other medications, but early results are very promising. Zepbound is also used to treat sleep apnea.

How does Zepbound work?

Zepbound, like Mounjaro, contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. This medication functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

Is Zepbound available in Canada?

As of October 2023, Zepbound has been approved by Health Canada for use. However, availability is still fairly limited and can vary by region. Juniper's healthcare practitioners can provide prescriptions for Zepbound if they determine that it is an appropriate treatment for your health journey.

Can weight loss medications help you lose weight?

Yes, they certainly can. Juniper uses scientifically backed medicine to help you lose weight.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound all work by activating GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and cravings — leading to meaningful weight loss when used consistently alongside lifestyle changes.

In clinical trials, Mounjaro (15mg) has shown an average weight loss of 20.9% after 72 weeks [10]. Newer data on Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose show average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks, putting it nearly on par with Mounjaro in terms of effectiveness [11].

Participants who took Ozempic experienced an average weight loss ranging from approximately 5% to 15% of their body weight over a period of about 68 weeks, depending on the dosage.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown significant effectiveness for weight loss, with participants in the trials experiencing average weight loss ranging from approximately 15% to 22% of their body weight over 72 weeks [12].

At Juniper, we help you make lifestyle and habit changes to help increase your fitness levels and promote eating a balanced diet by providing you with health tracking tools and unlimited check-ins with your prescriber, continuously making adjustments to suit your individual needs.

By taking the Juniper quiz, you can check your eligibility and kickstart, or restart, your journey towards a healthier and happier you. Juniper offers tailored treatment plans based on your needs, taking your experience with medication and goals into account.

Side effects of weight loss medication

Any medications you take hold risks of side effects. Luckily, the side effects of these medications are relatively mild.

At the start, you may experience some nausea, fatigue, headaches, a dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea. Nausea is the most common side effect and should lessen over time. Any serious side effects are extremely rare and should be monitored. 

Our team of Canadian healthcare practitioners, clinicians and health coaches will be keeping a close eye on you to make sure any side effects are minimal, and you can always speak to them if you have concerns.

Who shouldn't take weight loss medication?

While most people can take medication for weight loss safely, some medicines and medical conditions might make it unsuitable for you due to increased safety risks [5].

Some of the reasons you shouldn't use weight loss injections (or we may need to give you special advice) include:

• If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients;
• If you have diabetes or take insulin or certain other medicines;
• If you have kidney problems;
• If you have certain digestive system problems;
• If you are pregnant, currently breastfeeding or trying to have a baby.

This isn't a complete list, so when you have a consultation with a Juniper practitioner, we'll make sure that any weight loss medicine is suitable for your circumstances before prescribing it.

How long do you need to take weight loss medication?

This will vary from person to person depending on their circumstances, and your Juniper clinicians will monitor your progress closely to ensure these prescription medications are working.

If you are effectively losing weight at the 12-week mark and you aren't experiencing any side effects, your clinician will usually give you the green light to continue on [3].

This time frame is considered the most effective for prolonged weight loss, according to clinical evidence [6]. Keep in mind that there are no quick fixes for weight loss, even with a proven medication.

Weight loss requires time, energy and, most importantly, a solid, scientific background to ensure you are not harming your body or priming yourself for significant weight regain.

Alternatives to prescription medications

While prescription medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound can be effective tools for weight loss, they're not the only option. They also may not be the right fit for everyone.

For some people, alternative approaches may be more suitable based on personal preferences, health status, or eligibility.

Here are some other alternatives to help you on your weight loss journey:

• Meal replacement shakes - Some people find success with meal replacement programs, which involve consuming low-calorie shakes or pre-prepared meals to reduce calorie intake while maintaining nutrition.
• Lifestyle and behavioural changes - Building sustainable habits around food, physical activity, sleep, and stress management will always be a foundation of long-term weight management. Working with a dietitian or health coach can help you identify triggers, set realistic goals, and make lasting changes.
• Herbs, remedies and supplements - While many on the market claim to aid weight loss, few are backed by strong clinical evidence — and some may even carry health risks. It's important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any non-prescription supplements or herbal remedies.
• Weight loss surgery - In cases of severe obesity or when other methods have been ineffective, bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) could be considered. Although these alternatives can lead to lasting weight loss for the right candidates, they are a much more invasive option.  
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - CBT for weight management helps address the mental and emotional patterns that can lead to overeating or unhealthy behaviours. It can be helpful for those who struggle with emotional eating, binge patterns, or a negative relationship with food.

A new chapter in weight loss support

There are plenty of options for weight loss management out there, varying from lifestyle changes to surgery. It can be difficult to choose the best option for you or to understand which ones will be grounded in science and help you sustainably keep weight off for good.

Weight-loss medications are a far less intrusive option than weight loss surgery and are a helpful addition to a diet and exercise change you might be making in your life. They are proven to be a safe and effective option for long-term weight management.

Before making any decision about your health, talk to a trusted doctor or healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get weight loss medication without a prescription?

Both Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are prescription weight loss treatments, so you'll need to check in with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting treatment to ensure it is the right medication for you. Before they prescribe these medications, they will need to check your medical history to ensure you are eligible.

Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy are similar; however, they do have differences. Both contain semaglutide and are delivered via injection for body weight management. One of the key differences is that Wegovy has been researched and trialled as a weight-loss drug, while Ozempic was initially studied as a treatment for diabetes. It primarily remains a drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Another difference is that Wegovy can be supplied in a higher dose.

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