Wegovy vs Ozempic for Weight Loss

Wegovy and Ozempic have gained attention for their potential to aid in weight loss, alongside their primary use in managing type 2 diabetes. Both medications contain the active ingredient semaglutide, which has shown promise in helping patients reduce their body weight when combined with diet and exercise. Although they share the same active ingredient, they are approved for slightly different uses and have different dosing regimens.

When comparing the effectiveness of Wegovy and Ozempic as weight loss treatments, clinical studies indicate that both can significantly reduce body weight, but Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight loss.

• Wegovy: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Wegovy can lead to weight loss of 15-20% of body weight over a year when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
• Ozempic: Studies, including the notable STEP trials, have shown that Ozempic can lead to weight loss of around 15% of body weight over a similar period.

Wegovy is considered more effective for weight loss due to its higher dosage specifically tailored for this purpose.

Wegovy and Ozempic work through the same mechanism as they both contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

• Wegovy: Mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite, slows gastric emptying, and increases insulin production in response to meals, thereby reducing food intake and promoting weight loss.
• Ozempic: Works similarly by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to control blood sugar levels, slow gastric emptying, and reduce hunger and food intake, aiding in weight loss.

The cost of treatment with Wegovy and Ozempic can vary based on factors such as location, insurance coverage, and the healthcare system.

• Wegovy: Generally more expensive, ranging from £150-£250 per month depending on the dose.
• Ozempic: around £150 per month.

Over a year, Wegovy costs around £2400, while Ozempic might cost £1800.

Both Wegovy and Ozempic have similar side effects due to their shared active ingredient, semaglutide.

• Common side effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain. Some patients may also experience headaches and dizziness.
• Wegovy. Given at a higher dose, some patients might experience more pronounced gastrointestinal side effects initially, but these often subside as the body adjusts.
• Ozempic. May have slightly fewer side effects due to the lower dosage used for managing type 2 diabetes.

• Wegovy: Administered via injection once weekly, with a higher dose specifically tailored for weight loss.
• Ozempic: Also administered via injection once weekly, but at a lower dose primarily intended for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes, with weight loss considered to be a secondary additional benefit.

Both medications provide a steady release of semaglutide, making weekly injections convenient.

Both medications have similar guidelines regarding food and drug interactions due to the shared active ingredient.

• Wegovy: Can interact with other medications, particularly those affecting blood sugar levels. It’s important to follow dietary guidelines and discuss with a healthcare provider to manage potential interactions.
• Ozempic: Similar to Wegovy, with attention to managing other medications and potential interactions with foods. Caution is required where glucose-lowering medication is replaced by Ozempic, or where it is given alongside Ozempic. So monitoring of glucose levels is particularly important in the first few weeks of starting. 

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are widely available in the UK with a prescription.

• Wegovy: Available by prescription specifically for weight loss.
• Ozempic: Available by prescription primarily for type 2 diabetes management, with weight loss as a secondary benefit.

Wegovy and Ozempic offer effective options for weight loss, both working through the same mechanism as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Wegovy tends to be more effective in promoting weight loss due to its higher dosage specifically formulated for this purpose but comes at a higher cost. Ozempic, while primarily aimed at managing type 2 diabetes, also aids in weight loss at a slightly lower dose and cost, but prescriptions for Ozempic are less readily available due to it only being licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.