Wegovy vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

If you’re exploring weight loss medication, you’ve probably heard of Wegovy and Ozempic. Both contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) and are made by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk.

But they’re not identical medications. They’re prescribed for different purposes, come in different doses, and are regulated differently in the UK.

In this article, we break down the differences between Wegovy and Ozempic. Including how they work, who they’re for, and which one is more effective for weight loss.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

No. Although they contain the same ingredient (semaglutide), Ozempic and Wegovy are not the same medicine.

• Ozempic is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular (heart) diseases associated with diabetes.
  
• Wegovy, on the other hand, is approved for weight management in patients with a BMI of 30 or above. Or with a BMI of 27 in some circumstances. It’s also been found to lower the risk of repeat heart attacks and strokes by 20%.
  

While they both use semaglutide, they’re prescribed for different reasons and follow different dosing schedules.

How Do Wegovy and Ozempic Work?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means they mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). GLP-1 is released after eating to indicate satiety (feeling of fullness).

Semaglutide helps:

• Reduce appetite, so you feel full sooner
  
• Slow down digestion, meaning food stays in your stomach longer
  
• Increase insulin release, which lowers blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes

This combination – along with lifestyle changes, a healthy diet and exercise – makes semaglutide effective for losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels.

Which One Can I Use for Weight Loss?

Wegovy is the only one of the medications licensed for weight loss in the UK. It’s approved for people who are:

• Obese (BMI ≥30); or
  
• Overweight (BMI ≥27) with another weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or sleep apnoea

Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in the UK. But it is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose, particularly when Wegovy isn’t available. However, this is often only if the appropriate medication is not available.

In practice, some patients use Ozempic for weight loss under the supervision of a healthcare professional. But Wegovy is the first-line option.

Who Can Take Wegovy and Ozempic?

You may be prescribed Wegovy if you:

• Have a BMI of 30 or more, or
• Have a BMI of 27 or more with a weight-related health condition

You may be prescribed Ozempic if you:

• Have type 2 diabetes and need help with blood sugar control
• Meet the weight criteria and are using it off-label for weight loss under clinical guidance

Neither medication is suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding patients. Or people with medical conditions, including:

• People with type 1 diabetes
• Anyone with a history of pancreatitis
• People with medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome

Ozempic vs Wegovy at a Glance

Ozempic vs Wegovy Doses

Ozempic:

• Starts at 0.25 mg weekly
• Licensed up to 1 mg weekly (some patients may use 2 mg off-label)
  

Wegovy:

• Starts at 0.25 mg weekly
• Gradually increased to 2.4 mg weekly over 16-20 weeks

“The dose of Wegovy you increase will depend a lot on your response to it,” says Richard Wood, a pharmacist at Simple.

“So don’t be disheartened if the best dose for you is less than 2.4 mg. We want you to feel comfortable and supported on your medication. Not restricted or struggling.”

Which One is More Effective for Weight Loss?

Wegovy is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic.

The difference in effectiveness between Wegovy and Ozempic largely comes down to the dose. This higher dose in Wegovy delivers greater appetite suppression. This explains why participants in trials see more weight loss.

Clinical trial results have shown patients:

• On Wegovy (2.4 mg), lost an average 15% body weight loss over 68 weeks 
• On Ozempic (1 mg), lost an average 6% body weight loss

So, while both can help you lose weight, Wegovy weight loss injections consistently deliver greater results long-term. Especially in people without diabetes.

Side Effects: What to Expect

Because both medications contain semaglutide, they have similar side effects, especially when starting or increasing the dose.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain

Less Common but Serious Risks

• Gallbladder problems
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney issues
• Increased heart rate

Side effects tend to improve over time and are much less likely when doses are increased gradually.

Alternatives to Wegovy and Ozempic

If Wegovy or Ozempic aren’t suitable or available, other options include:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, showing even more weight loss than Wegovy in trials
• Saxenda (liraglutide): A daily GLP-1 injection also approved for weight loss
• Orlistat: A tablet that blocks fat absorption (available over-the-counter or by prescription)
• Lifestyle Interventions: Structured support with diet, activity, and behaviour change

Your prescriber can help you decide which treatment is best based on your weight, health conditions, and goals. Some patients may have better responses to some medications over others, including results and side effects.

Once you’ve decided you want to use Wegovy, you can access this treatment online from us. You’ll need to fill in an assessment, which one of our clinicians will review. If you’re suitable for Wegovy, we’ll prescribe you the treatment.

If you need any advice on the best treatment for you, contact us online or call our team on 0141 774 5023.

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Key Takeaways

• Both Wegovy and Ozempic Use the Same Ingredient. Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide. But they’re licensed for different uses in the UK: Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes, and Wegovy for weight loss in people with a BMI ≥27 (with conditions) or ≥30.
• Ozempic Isn’t Licensed for Weight Loss. Although it’s sometimes prescribed off-label when Wegovy is unavailable. But it’s not the first-line option and should only be used under medical supervision.
• Wegovy is More Effective for Weight Loss. Wegovy is significantly more effective for weight loss due to its higher dosing. Clinical trials show 15% average weight loss with Wegovy vs 6% with Ozempic.
• Dosage and Dosing Schedule Vary. Wegovy is titrated up to a 2.4 mg weekly maintenance dose. However, Ozempic typically tops out at 1 mg (2 mg off-label). The dose escalation schedules are also different.
• Side Effects Are Similar. Both cause similar side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, and bloating. Risks like pancreatitis and gallbladder problems are rare but possible. Side effects often ease with gradual dose increases.

References

NICE. Overview | Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE. 2025. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246 

CDC. SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS. Wegovy. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf

VV-LAB-123016. SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS. Ozempic. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/ozempic-epar-product-information_en.pdf

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021 Feb 10;384(11):989–1002. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183

Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, et al. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet. 2021 Mar 1;397(10278):971–84. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00213-0

Authorship

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