Can you take Rybelsus if you are not diabetic?
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is FDA-approved only for adults with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels alongside diet and exercise. It is not approved for use in non-diabetic individuals, though healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions, such as weight management.
Off-Label Use for Weight Loss
Although not officially approved for weight loss, some healthcare providers may prescribe Rybelsus off-label for individuals who are overweight or obese, particularly those with related health conditions.
A clinical study (OASIS 1) with 709 participants found that adults without type 2 diabetes who took oral semaglutide daily experienced greater weight loss compared to those on a placebo. Reported side effects were similar to those seen in studies looking at people with type 2 diabetes, and mainly consisted of stomach-related side effects. The dose taken for weight loss in this study was much higher than what is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
While Rybelsus shows potential for weight loss in non-diabetics, it should only be taken under medical supervision due to possible side effects and the need for appropriate dosing. Always consult a healthcare provider before using Rybelsus for any off-label purpose.
This is not all the information you need to know about Rybelsus (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
Knop, F. K., et. al. 2023. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. In: The Lancet. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01185-6
Kommu, S., et. al. Semaglutide. 2024. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 03/08/2025 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
Rybelsus [package insert]. Updated December 2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 03/07/2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=27f15fac-7d98-4114-a2ec-92494a91da98
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