Ozempic and Wegovy are two prescription medications used to treat obesity and weight management. Both medications work by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat and reducing appetite, leading to weight loss.
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication, while Wegovy is a once-monthly injectable medication. While both medications are effective in helping people lose weight, they may also have some potential side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if either of these medications is appropriate for you and to discuss the potential benefits and risks.
Ozempic vs Wegovy Weight Loss
Wegovy may be available to adults who meet specific body mass index (BMI) requirements. People having a BMI of 30 or higher are included in this. You might be eligible if you have a BMI of at least 27 and one or more conditions related to your weight. These ailments include Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Teenagers 12 years of age and older are now being tested for weight loss using wegovy. It is not currently authorized for this age group. However, it might become a choice in the future.
Ozempic may be recommended to adults with Type 2 diabetes to assist in controlling blood glucose levels. It is off-label use if you have been prescribed Ozempic but don’t have diabetes.
Check our Ozempic weight loss program page for more information and book an appointment.
| Ozempic | Wegovy | |
| Use | Used as an add-on to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. | Used as an addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30. |
| Impact | It helps reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. | It helps adults with a BMI of 27 or greater to reduce at least one Obesity-related comorbid conditions include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. |
It is important to note that the effectiveness of these medications may vary from person to person, and the best treatment option for you will depend on your circumstances and medical history.
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Is Wegovy suitable for people with diabetes?
Adults who need chronic weight management can use Wegovy. It has been investigated in both diabetics and non-diabetics. In clinical trials, Wegovy users often dropped close to 15% of their initial body weight.
You might qualify for Wegovy if you have Type 2 diabetes. According to your healthcare professional, it might be appropriate for your weight management strategy.
Wegovy’s effects on persons with Type 2 diabetes were investigated in the STEP 2 experiment. Participants who took medicine dropped an average of roughly 10% of their initial body weight after 68 weeks. Their A1C levels also improved, which was good news.
The use of Wegovy as a therapy for Type 2 diabetes is not authorized. You might have some blood glucose benefits while taking it, though, because of how it functions. Additionally, healthy weight loss may benefit your glucose levels.
Ozempic vs Wegovy Dosage
Here is a table comparing the dosage of Ozempic and Wegovy:
| Medication | Dosage |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Injection – 2 mg/1.5ml (1.34mg/ml)
Single-patient-use pens (0.25mg or 0.5mg, or 1 mg per injection) Injection – 4 mg/3ml (1.34mg/ml) Single-patient-use pen (1mg per injection) Injection – 8 mg/3ml (2.68mg/ml) Single-patient-use pen (2 mg per injection) |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Injection – pre-filled
Single-dose pen of 0.25, 0.5, 1.7 or 2.4mg). |
It is important to note that your doctor may adjust the dosage of these medications based on individual needs and tolerability. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and not to take more or less of the medication than prescribed.
If you have any questions about the dosage of your medication, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider.
Ozempic vs Wegovy Side Effects
Here is a table comparing the potential side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy:
| Side Effect | Ozempic | Wegovy |
| Nausea | Common | Common |
| Vomiting | Common | Common |
| Diarrhea | Common | Common |
| Abdominal pain | Common | Common |
| Constipation | Common | Common |
| Headache | Common | Common |
| Dizziness | Common | Common |
| Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling) | Common | Common |
| Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | Common | Common |
| Allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching) | Uncommon | Uncommon |
It is essential to note that this is not a complete list of potential side effects for either medication. You must speak with a healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms while taking Ozempic or Wegovy.
Can You Switch From Ozempic to Wegovy?
There is a difference between Ozempic and Wegovy. Therefore, you won’t usually transition between them. This is especially true if you’re taking Wegovy along with Ozempic, which isn’t approved for use with Type 2 diabetes.
However, some medical professionals recommend Ozempic for weight loss outside its approved uses. Your provider can switch you from Ozempic to Wegovy in this situation.
There may be various reasons a healthcare provider may consider switching from Ozempic to Wegovy or vice versa. For example, a healthcare provider may recommend switching if the individual is experiencing side effects with one medication or is not achieving sufficient weight loss with the current medication.
If you are taking Ozempic and are considering switching to Wegovy (or vice versa), you must speak with your healthcare provider. They will be able to assess your individual needs and determine if switching medications is appropriate for you.
How Long Does It Take Ozempic And Wegovy To Start Working?
To fully experience the advantages of either Wegovy or Ozempic may take some time.
If Wegovy is prescribed to you, be aware that it takes time to lose weight healthily. 20 weeks is about how long it takes to get to the desired dosage. Clinical trial participants dropped, on average, 10% of their initial body weight throughout this time. Through week 68, they shed 8% of their body weight.
Ozempic’s 0.25 mg weekly beginning dose is ineffective for controlling blood sugar levels. But when the dosage is increased after the first month, you can notice a difference in your blood glucose levels. After that, your dosage might be raised a few more times to assist you in meeting your blood glucose targets.
Insurance coverage for Wegovy and Ozempic
Your insurance policy can provide varying coverage for Wegovy and Ozempic. To manage your weight, for instance, your plan could not cover Wegovy. However, it might pay for Ozempic to treat your Type 2 diabetes. For particular information on your plan’s coverage, it is advisable to call them in advance.
If you have commercial insurance, you can reduce the cost of your medication by using a manufacturer’s savings card. This means that both Wegovy and Ozempic might be purchased for as little as $25. There are additional patient assistance programs for these medicines.
Final Words
Ozempic and Wegovy are both effective medications for weight loss combined with diet and exercise. However, they have some differences in their mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness, while Wegovy is a combination of liraglutide and phentermine, which both decrease appetite. Both medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, but Wegovy may also cause dizziness and fatigue. Before starting treatment, it is important to discuss each medication’s potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
