Wegovy vs Ozempic: which one is better?

Are you considering medication-assisted weight loss or weight management? If so, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of information available. In this article, we compare Wegovy vs Ozempic (both weight loss medications with the active ingredient semaglutide) to help you make an informed decision, whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or looking for alternatives.

Ozempic and Wegovy are both medications used for chronic weight management. They belong to a class of weight loss drugs called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. These weight loss medications work by mimicking the action of a hormone in the body called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

Let’s dive into the details and explore the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Wegovy.

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Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same?

Ozempic and Wegovy are different formulas of the same GLP-1 agonist medications used for weight management (semaglutide). Both are once-weekly semaglutide injections.

Both brand names for medications with the active ingredient semaglutide are made by Novo Nordisk. They lower blood sugar levels and suppress appetite to promote weight loss.

Wegovy and Ozempic are also both approved to reduce the risk for heart disease including heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease and obesity. Ozempic and Wegovy should be used while eating a reduced-calorie diet and doing more physical activity.

Wegovy is the only formulation approved specifically for weight loss, but it’s also an effective treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes.

There are other forms of semaglutide. For example, Rybelsus is a formulation available only as a tablet. It’s approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the differences between semaglutide oral vs injection here.

Wegovy vs Ozempic: what’s the difference?

While similar, Wegovy and Ozempic are approved for different users/patient populations.

Ozempic

Ozempic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It may promote weight loss but isn’t FDA-approved for weight management.

According to the prescribing information for Ozempic, it’s indicated for use with diet and exercise for balancing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, for people with type 2 diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease. It’s also become popular for off-label weight-loss.

Wegovy

Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management in people with obesity (a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher). It’s also approved for people who are overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) who also have an additional cardiometabolic health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic and Wegovy: a comparison

The above chart isn’t intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should discuss your needs with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

How do Wegovy and Ozempic work?

GLP-1 is a hormone your body releases after you eat. GLP-1 receptor agonists help your body produce more insulin, which lowers your glucose or blood sugar levels. Lower blood sugar levels delay how quickly food leaves your stomach.

These effects help to decrease appetite and make you feel fuller for longer, so you eat less and potentially lose weight.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide weight loss injections, but only Wegovy is approved as a weight loss medication for adults and children aged 12 years and older. Wegovy also uses higher doses of semaglutide.

What is the dosage of Wegovy vs Ozempic?

Wegovy doses are higher than Ozempic doses and are approved for weight loss. The Ozempic dosages ranges from 0.25 milligrams to a maximum dose of 2 milligrams per week. Wegovy doses range from 0.25 to 2.4 milligrams per week.

Some healthcare providers might prescribe Ozempic for weight loss dosages on the higher end to their patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity so they have a more significant weight loss result — along with better control over their blood sugar.

Ozempic vs Wegovy for weight loss: which one is better?

When it comes to Wegovy vs Ozempic for weight loss, it depends on your needs and circumstances. Clinical trials show that individuals who were treated with semaglutide injections lost up to 15% of their body weight in 6 months.

In placebo-controlled clinical trials, people who are overweight or obese taking 2 milligrams of Ozempic per week for type 2 diabetes lost at least 5% and sometimes more than 10% of their body weight in 40 weeks.

Clinical trials of Wegovy have shown even more impressive results, with participants adhering to diet and exercise changes and receiving Wegovy injections losing an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

If you have type 2 diabetes and are looking to improve blood glucose control, Ozempic may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you don’t have diabetes but want to lose weight, Wegovy may be more appropriate.

Ultimately, the decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare professional who can consider your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals. They can provide personalized recommendations and guide you to the medication that’s most likely to be effective and safe for you.

Whether your provider recommends Ozempic, Wegovy, or another GLP-1 agonist medication, be sure to discuss and understand the potential side effects of any drug you take.

What are the benefits and side effects of Wegovy vs Ozempic for weight loss?

When considering the benefits and potential side effects of Ozempic for weight loss and how they compare to Wegovy side effects, it’s important to keep in mind that these medications are prescribed for different purposes. 

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and typical side effects of each medication.

Benefits of Ozempic

Blood sugar control: Ozempic can help lower and control blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This can lead to better management of the medical condition and potentially reduce the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar.

Heart health: Ozempic is also approved to reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, in people with existing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss: While not its primary indication, Ozempic has been associated with weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This can benefit those who are overweight or obese.

Benefits of Wegovy

Weight loss: Wegovy is specifically indicated for weight management in individuals who are medically obese or overweight. According to the PMC, it has been shown to help individuals achieve significant weight loss when used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

Heart health: Wegovy is also approved to reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, in people with cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy 

Because Ozempic and Wegovy both have the active ingredient semaglutide, side effects are often similar, but individual responses can vary.

Common Wegovy side effects include:

• Abdominal distension (swelling)
• Abdominal pain
• Belching
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dyspepsia
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hair loss
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and throat)
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Common side effects of Ozempic for weight loss include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• “Ozempic face” — sagging skin related to rapid weight loss

Mild side effects associated with semaglutide

Gastrointestinal distress: Some individuals experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain as side effects of semaglutide. These side effects are usually mild and tend to diminish with continued use.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): While rare, there is a risk of low blood sugar when using Ozempic or Wegovy. This is more likely to occur if the medication is used with other medications that lower blood sugar.

Severe side effects associated with semaglutide

Pancreas and gallbladder: According to research on the safety of semaglutide, severe but rare side effects include pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation) and gallbladder complications, such as gallstones.

Risk of thyroid cancer: The active ingredient in both medications is shown to increase the risk of thyroid cancer in animal studies but has not been shown to cause cancer in humans 

Between Ozempic and Wegovy, which should you take? 

Many factors should be taken into consideration when choosing between Ozempic vs Wegovy, including medical history, symptoms, and potential side effects. It’s also important to consider economic factors since some medications are more expensive than others.

Who may benefit from taking Ozempic or Wegovy?

For individuals struggling with weight loss, despite changing diet and lifestyle factors, Ozempic or Wegovy may help. Additionally, individuals with type 2 diabetes who want a once-weekly medication to help manage blood sugar levels may also benefit from Ozempic. For those without type 2 diabetes but struggling to lose weight, Wegovy, and possibly the off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss, could be the answer. 

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right weight-loss plan for you.

Who shouldn’t take these drugs?

While Ozempic and Wegovy can be benefit many people, there are some people who shouldn’t take these medications. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. 

Ozempic or Wegovy aren’t a good choice if you:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Wegovy hasn’t been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women so Its safety in these populations isn’t known. 
• Have a personal or family history of thyroid cancers. In animal studies, Wegovy and Ozempic increased the risk of such cancers. While this hasn’t been observed in humans, it’s better to avoid them if you have an increased risk of developing these cancers.
• Are allergic to semaglutide or another ingredient in Ozempic or Wegovy. This includes if you’ve had an allergic reaction or a hypersensitivity to these ingredients previously.
• Experience severe digestive system disorders. Wegovy delays gastric emptying which may affect individuals with severe digestive system disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Are below 12 or 18 years of age. Wegovy hasn’t been studied in children younger than 12, so experts don’t know if it’s safe for that age group. And Ozempic hasn’t been studied in children under 18.
• Have kidney, gallbladder, or pancreas problems. Wegovy or Ozempic may contribute to or make these problems worse. 
• Have type 1 diabetes or a history of diabetic retinopathy. These medications are specifically approved for individuals with type 2 diabetes or weight management in individuals who are overweight. If you have type 1 diabetes, speak with a healthcare professional before starting any medication.

What to consider before taking Wegovy or Ozempic

It’s important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with these medications. It’s also important to consider individual and economic factors when determining which medication is right for you.

What is the cost of Ozempic vs Wegovy?

Both medications come with a rather steep price tag. Ozempic costs about $1,029.35 a month for any dose per drugs.com and with its discount. For Wegovy the cost is about $1,430.01 a month for each dose with the drugs.com discount.

There are several factors that can affect the price you pay for Ozempic online prescriptions or Wegovy online prescriptions, such as your location, dosage, and the pharmacy you visit. 

Here are some things to consider.

The cost of Ozempic with insurance vs without coverage can be very different. Ask your insurance provider how to qualify for Ozempic, including coverage details, and any co-pays or deductibles you’re required to pay.

You can read about Ozempic prior authorization criteria or talk to your provider to see if you may qualify. Similarly, you can learn how prior authorization for Wegovy works and how to appeal a prior authorization denial here on Klarity Health. This is important because many insurance carriers don’t cover either medication or their off-label use. They may also want to you try a less costly option before agreeing to cover Ozempic or Wegovy for you.

It’s also a good idea to look into whether you can use your FSA or HSA for weight loss drugs.

There are ways to reduce the cost of both Ozempic and Wegovy. There are programs that can get you Ozempic for $25 depending on your situation, and some people can even get Ozempic for free.

Similarly, Novo Nordisk offers a low-cost Wegovy coupon, and a process for how to get Wegovy for free or at a reduced cost. 

Drugs.com, GoodRx, OptumPerks, NeedyMeds, and other sites also offer discounts on both Ozempic and Wegovy than range from 3 to 80%.

Talk to a provider about Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss

If you’re looking for help with weight loss, Klarity Health can help you find an independent, licensed healthcare provider to work with on your weight loss goals. Find a provider today and get the affordable, caring support you deserve.