More than 1 billion people around the world are now considered obese. And, those numbers are expected to continue growing. But obesity is no longer looked at as a condition for the lazy, it’s a chronic relapsing condition. One that can be treated.
Enter weight loss medications. These aren’t your typical weight loss pills filled with caffeine and unregulated ingredients. These are FDA-approved medications that can help treat obesity and promote weight loss.
Ozempic has become synonymous with weight loss over the last few years. The surge in popularity even caused shortages in the medication. With the introduction of Wegovy, many are curious: is Wegovy better than Ozempic?
Is Wegovy the Same as Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Almost. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists with the active ingredient semaglutide. Both are manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Both are injected with a pre-filled pen in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. And both show promising weight loss results.
Really, there are only three differences between Ozempic and Wegovy. We’ve outlined the differencse in Ozempic vs Wegovy below:
- The FDA approval. Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss, but this is not its primary use. It is FDA- approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (or a BMI of 27 or higher along with other chronic weight-related conditions).
- The dosage. Ozempic and Wegovy have the same starting dose and progress in dosage at the same rate. It is their maximum dose that differs. Ozempic only goes up to 2 mg, while Wegovy goes up to 2.4 mg.
- The injector pen. The pen itself is not all that different. But, Ozempic comes with multiple doses in a single pen. So, you will receive one pen and multiple needle heads per month. Wegovy, on the other hand, comes in a single dose injector pen. So, you’ll use each pen once and then dispose of it.
Can you switch from Ozempic to Wegovy for Weight Loss?
Since the medications are essentially the same minus the brand name, max dose, and FDA-approvals, it should be possible to change from Ozempic to Wegovy.
Is this necessary? It might be. If your insurance won’t cover Ozempic for off-label use, but does cover weight loss medications, then switching might benefit you. This may also be beneficial if the 2 mg max dosage of Ozempic isn’t enough for you.
To determine if making the switch between Ozempic and Wegovy is right for you, you will need to contact your healthcare provider.
Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic vs Wegovy Mechanism of Action
The active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide. So, their mechanism of action is actually the same. These are GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body.
GLP-1 helps to stimulate insulin secretion after a meal. GLP-1 receptor agonists help to lower serum glucose levels in the bloodstream, which can impact the metabolism and other functions.
Essentially, Ozempic and Wegovy keep you fuller longer and help to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting the release of glucagon. This helps to stabilize your blood sugar and lower your caloric intake, leading to weight loss.
Ozempic vs Wegovy Cost
The cost of your weight loss medication will depend on your insurance coverage. If you are not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and are prescribed Ozempic, you will likely be paying the entire cost out-of-pocket.
Ozempic costs about $950 per month.
Without insurance, Wegovy costs about $1350 per month.
Manufacturer coupons and savings cards can help to offset the costs. There are also subscription programs that can help bring costs down. Heally offers a monthly subscription for $299 which includes a doctor’s visit and up to 6 months of semaglutide medication delivered right to your door.
We also offer 3- and 6-month options that can help lower costs even more. See how Heally can save you money on your Ozempic prescription.
Wegovy vs Ozempic Safety
Since both medications contain the same active ingredient, the side effects are the same. Common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Headache
The difference here is in the frequency that users experience the side effects. Due to the higher maintenance dose of Wegovy, there is a higher frequency of many side effects. Fatigue, for instance, is seen in 11% of Wegovy users vs less than 5% in Ozempic users.
Wegovy vs Ozempic Results
Both Ozempic and Wegovy show promising weight loss results. Users can expect to lose between 15 and 20% of their overall body weight. Results will vary, but even a 5% loss can have a significant impact on your health.
There has not been a direct comparison done between the two medications, however studies do note which dosage shows the best results. Wegovy may lead to more weight loss than Ozempic long-term.
What is Better for Weight Loss: Ozempic or Wegovy?
Is Wegovy better than Ozempic? Based on a review of studies, the 2.4 mg max dose of Wegovy shows more promising weight loss than the lower doses of Ozempic.
Truthfully, though, the decision between Ozempic and Wegovy is up to you and your healthcare provider. The medications are essentially the same, but the coverage will differ. So, you’ll need to consider the cost and insurance coverage when making your decision.
Ready to get started? Heally can connects with a healthcare provider that specializes in weight loss medication. Get personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs without spending a fortune out-of-pocket.
Schedule your virtual consultation today!
Sources
- Novo Nordisk Wegovy: How to Take Wegovy®
- U.S. News and World Report: Over 1 Billion People Are Now Obese Worldwide
- National Library of Medicine (NIH): Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
- World Obesity Federation: Obesity: missing the 2025 targets Executive Summary
- Healthline: Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What You Should Know
- UC Health: Wegovy vs. Ozempic: The truth about new ‘weight-loss’ drugs
- Medical News Today: Ozempic vs Wegovy
