Wegovy v. Ozempic for weight loss

Key Points

• Ozempic and Wegovy have the same active ingredient, semaglutide.
• Ozempic and Wegovy have slightly different doses and are prescribed for different purposes.
• Wegovy has shown a slightly higher percentage of weight loss than Ozempic in initial research.

Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same? What’s the difference between the two? With both medications using semaglutide and both being produced by Novo Nordisk, it can be unclear whether they’re really different. Is Wegovy better than Ozempic for weight loss??

Let’s talk about Ozempic versus Wegovy, how the medications are similar and different, their weight loss results, and which is right for you.

Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same?

Ozempic and Wegovy are very similar medications, but they are not exactly the same. Both medications are made with semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone and affects hunger and blood sugar levels. Both have been shown to lead to improved blood sugar levels and weight loss, though only Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Ozempic and Wegovy have different maximum doses and are designed for different purposes. Ozempic is primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is prescribed explicitly for weight loss.

How are Ozempic and Wegovy different?

The primary difference between Ozempic and Wegovy is dosage. Wegovy uses a slightly higher dosage, potentially explaining why it is associated with a higher rate of weight loss. Both medications are administered subcutaneously via an injector pen.

Ozempic v. Wegovy for weight loss

Wegovy offers a slightly higher maximum dose of semaglutide than Ozempic. Patients on Wegovy may reach a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, while Ozempic’s maximum dose is 2 mg, with a typical maintenance dose of 1 mg.

Studies show that semaglutide, the active ingredient in both medications, aids in weight loss in patients with or without diabetes. Overall, adult patients have seen about a 15% weight loss with Wegovy and a 6% to 7% weight loss with Ozempic.

Wegovy’s higher maintenance dose may explain why it is linked to a higher rate of weight loss than Ozempic.

That said, only Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and heart disease in individuals with diabetes and preexisting heart conditions. Ozempic may be prescribed for weight loss off-label, but that is up to a provider’s discretion.

It’s important to note that these results occur after at least a year on the medication, combined with diet and lifestyle changes. The weight doesn’t magically disappear the moment you start taking the medication.

To get the best results, treat Ozempic or Wegovy as you do any other weight loss journey: with a sustainable approach. Avoid trying to make too many changes overnight. Take small steps to reduce your intake, make healthier choices, and feel good in your body.

One of the best ways to achieve sustainable weight loss with Ozempic is with the help of a registered dietitian. An RD can walk you through every step from changing your portion sizes to navigating side effects.

Find a trusted weight loss dietitian with Fay today.

Wegovy & Ozempic side effects

Semaglutide causes side effects in both Ozempic and Wegovy. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headaches
• Burping
• Fatigue

Side effects may occur at any dose. They may improve as you adjust to the medication or may temporarily worsen as you increase your dose.

Higher doses of the medication may raise the risk of certain health conditions, such as:

• Thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney issues
• Hypoglycemia
• Changes in vision
• Gallbladder issues

Talk to your doctor about any side effects that arise. Do not stop taking the medication or try to adjust your dose without guidance from a medical professional.

Ozempic v. Wegovy cost

While drug costs depend on your dosage and insurance coverage, Wegovy tends to be more expensive than Ozempic. In the United States, one month of Ozempic (1.0 mg dose) can cost about $900 without insurance, while Wegovy (2.4 mg dose) costs about $1,350 without insurance.

Your health insurance coverage will depend on why the medication is prescribed and whether it’s prescribed on- or off-label. If your doctor prescribes Ozempic for weight loss, for example, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover it since that is not an FDA-approved indication for the medication.

The drug manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, offers savings programs for eligible patients. Explore options here to see if you are eligible for assistance.

Semaglutide is in high demand and has faced shortages. As such, you may have trouble finding it in stock at a pharmacy. Don’t be tempted to try off-brand alternatives. As with all medication, it is crucial to get your drugs from a safe and reliable source. If you’re having trouble getting the medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

Does it matter if you take Ozempic v. Wegovy?

While these medications are made from the same ingredients, you cannot swap between them without medical permission. You need a prescription for both medications and, since they are officially indicated for different uses, you can’t necessarily swap one for another.

If you want a higher dose but are prescribed Ozempic, for example, you would need to change your prescription to Wegovy in order to increase above a 1 mg/week dose.

It is up to your doctor’s discretion which medication you take, which often depends on why you are taking it and what your insurance will approve.

Achieve your weight loss goals with a registered dietitian

If you’re taking Ozempic or Wegovy, or you’re exploring your options, working with a registered dietitian is one of the best ways to ensure continued success both on and off the medication. Dietitians are uniquely positioned to provide support for both diabetes and weight loss and can help you navigate your changing appetite as you take the medication.

While Ozempic and Wegovy might seem like the weight loss miracle we’ve all been waiting for, they don’t work without dietary and lifestyle adjustments. You need a trusted guide – a registered dietitian – to help find the right routine for your weight loss goals.

Fay offers a database of vetted, board-certified dietitians, many of whom specialize in weight loss and weight loss drugs. Fay also gets your care covered by insurance, which means you could pay as little as $0 per session.

Your dietitian will create a personalized plan based on your goals and lifestyle. They will be with you every step of the way as you navigate side effects, a changing diet, and everything else that a weight loss journey can bring.

Set yourself up for success by scheduling a consultation with a dietitian today.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.