31 Jul Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Which One is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?

What They Are

Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide regulates appetite, reduces food intake, and controls blood glucose levels. It is effective for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy vs Ozempic for Weight Loss: Key Differences

Ozempic and Wegovy have the same active ingredient—semaglutide—but their formulations differ. Wegovy has a higher maximum dose, and it’s approved for long-term weight management for people with obesity and at least one other weight-related condition.

Ozempic is primarily used for keeping type 2 diabetes under control but also aids in weight loss.

Dosage

The Ozempic dosage is usually 0.5 mg per week and can be increased to a maximum of 2 mg weekly based on how the patient responds and tolerates it. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg per week and increases to either 1.7 or a maximum of 2.4 mg weekly—your healthcare provider will determine which is right for long-term use. This higher dose of Wegovy is meant for long-term weight management, helping to suppress appetite better and reduce weight compared to Ozempic, which is primarily used for keeping type 2 diabetes under control.

Approval

Both medications are important in health management but have different primary purposes.

Wegovy has FDA approval for chronic weight management. It helps adults with obesity or those overweight with at least one weight-related condition achieve sustainable body weight loss, making it a primary option for long-term weight management:

• Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (indicative of obesity).
• Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (indicative of overweight status), who also have at least one weight-related health concern, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or type 2 diabetes.
• Children aged 12 years and older whose BMI falls at or above the 95th percentile (indicative of obesity).

Recently, the FDA approved Wegovy to help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues in certain individuals. This is significant because it means Wegovy can be used for weight management and to improve heart health in eligible adults. The approval highlights Wegovy’s potential benefits for people who have obesity or are overweight, especially if they are already at risk for heart problems. This makes Wegovy an even more valuable option for those looking to improve their overall health and reduce their chances of cardiovascular events.

Ozempic has FDA approval for controlling type 2 diabetes. Weight loss is considered a side effect of Ozempic because it regulates appetite and food intake. That being said, using it for weight loss is off-label.

How They Work for Weight Loss

Semaglutide mimics the hormone GLP-1, which is produced when we eat. GLP-1 signals your body that you have eaten and prepares it to use the energy from food. Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors, regulates your appetite, increases satiety, and reduces overall food intake. This aids in both weight reduction and blood sugar management. The increased satiety and delayed gastric emptying contribute to prolonged feelings of fullness between meals.

Effectiveness

Ozempic and Wegovy promote weight loss. These medications mimic glucagon-like peptides. They increase insulin production after eating to lower blood sugar.

The effectiveness of these medications was clearly demonstrated in the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) trials, which assessed the impact of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg injections in people with overweight or obesity.¹ The STEP trials showed that participants lost an average of 14.9% to 17.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks without type 2 diabetes. In the trials, 69% to 79% of participants achieved a weight loss of 10% or more, and 51% to 64% achieved a weight loss of 15% or more. For participants with type 2 diabetes, the average weight loss was 9.6% over the same period. These trials also highlighted improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, along with benefits in physical function and quality of life.

Other studies also show significant weight reduction with these medications. For instance, one study followed 175 patients with a BMI of 27 or higher who received weekly semaglutide injections of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg for 3 to 6 months.² Three months after the end of the study, patients lost an average of 5.9% of their starting weight, and by the 6-month mark, the average weight loss was 10.9% from baseline. Among the 102 patients who completed the 6-month follow-up, 89 achieved a weight loss of 5% or more, 56 achieved a loss of 10% or more, and 24 lost 15% or more. However, individual responses to the medication can vary. A healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise are also crucial for weight loss.

Wegovy and Ozempic for Children

The FDA endorses Wegovy for children with obesity aged 12 years and above to assist in weight loss and ongoing weight control.

Ozempic is not sanctioned for applications in children under 18 years of age. Physicians may occasionally recommend Ozempic off-label to aid in weight loss and enduring weight management in specific pediatric cases.

Individual Variability

Clinical trials have shown promising outcomes for both Ozempic and Wegovy. Individual results may vary. Factors like body composition, lifestyle, diet, and exercise can affect effectiveness. Some may see more weight loss than others. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and consult your healthcare provider for the best outcomes.

Side Effects

Ozempic and Wegovy have similar side effects because they contain the same active ingredient. These side effects mainly affect the gastrointestinal system and include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which often increase with higher doses.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe side effects while taking Ozempic or Wegovy. If you suspect a medical emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.