Wegovy vs Ozempic: The main differences

In our blog series “vs”, we provide information on the key differences between the most common weight loss injections and tablets. In this blog, you’ll find a detailed comparison between Wegovy and Ozempic.

What are the main differences between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Same active ingredient, different approvals: Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide and work by mimicking the naturally occurring gut hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Ozempic is currently one of the best-known medications for medical weight loss – however, it was originally developed and approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Weight loss is merely a side effect!

For those who specifically require semaglutide for weight loss, Wegovy can be prescribed with a medical indication. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient, is also injected once weekly via a pre-filled pen – but is available in higher doses.

How do Wegovy and Ozempic work?

The weight loss injection Wegovy is the counterpart to Ozempic. Both medications work via the same mechanism: The active ingredient semaglutide imitates the hormone GLP-1, which is produced in the gut. It:

regulates the feeling of satiety in the brain,
slows gastric emptying, and
stimulates insulin secretion.

This leads to:

reduced hunger,
lower food intake, and
continuous weight loss.

Because GLP-1 also promotes insulin secretion, blood sugar levels improve in diabetics – which is particularly the primary goal of therapy with Ozempic.

Who is Wegovy suitable for – and who is Ozempic for?

Despite sharing the same active ingredient, the medications Wegovy and Ozempic differ significantly in their approved uses and dosages.

Ozempic is only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar and also supports weight reduction.
Wegovy, however, is explicitly approved for weight loss in obese individuals (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as high blood pressure.

Switching between medications

Important to consider: Ozempic only for type 2 diabetes

Ozempic has gained a lot of public attention in recent years due to its effects on body weight. However, it is often overlooked that it is not approved for weight loss, but exclusively for diabetes therapy. As a result, clinical trials on efficacy have only been conducted with diabetic patients.

Off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss has led to shortages: The medication is increasingly unavailable, which poses a serious issue for people with diabetes. Switching should therefore always be considered holistically and only with medical justification.

Advantages and disadvantages of switching

Switching between Ozempic and Wegovy may be reasonable – but only under medical supervision.

Advantages of switching from Ozempic to Wegovy:

Higher available dosage specifically for weight reduction
Approved for obesity treatment, even without diabetes
Clinical studies show targeted efficacy in overweight individuals

Possible disadvantages of switching from Ozempic to Wegovy:

Not yet widely available in Germany
Possible side effects: nausea, diarrhea, constipation
Potential risks for diabetics:
- No official approval for diabetes treatment
- Unknown blood sugar effects at higher doses: Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic, which could lead to stronger effects on blood sugar and potentially hypoglycemia
- No specific studies on blood sugar impact in diabetic patients

Expected weight loss: Wegovy vs Ozempic

According to clinical studies, the following weight loss is possible:

With Wegovy – depending on starting weight and lifestyle – a weight loss of 15% or more within 12–18 months is possible.
Ozempic also leads to weight loss, generally in the range of 5–10%, depending on dosage and individual response.

Success always depends on diet, exercise, and comorbidities.

Summary: Wegovy vs Ozempic

Same active ingredient, different target groups

Ozempic: primarily for type 2 diabetics to control blood sugar, available in doses up to max. 1 mg/week
Wegovy: specifically for medical weight loss in obesity, available in doses up to 2.4 mg/week
Both medications are prescription-only and should only be used under medical supervision.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Sources:

EMA product information on Wegovy and Ozempic: