Is Ozempic Safe For Weight Loss?

Lots of stories have been shared in the media promoting Ozempic for its weight loss benefits, but is it really safe? Here, we explore what Ozempic is for, how it works, and whether it is a safe option for weight management in the UK.

What is Ozempic and how does it work?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide which belongs to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, GLP-1 analogues, and incretin mimetics.

There are several GLP-1 agonists available in the UK, including:

• Wegovy
• Mounjaro
• Saxenda/liraglutide

They all work in a similar way in that they mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is released after you eat, binding to its receptors and signalling to your body to:

• suppress hunger
• slow down digestion
• increase insulin production

These actions help you to lose weight and manage your blood sugar levels, depending on which medication you have been prescribed and what its intended use is for.

What is Ozempic for in the UK?

In the UK, Ozempic is a prescription-only medication that has been approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

Although it is not licensed for weight loss, some clinics may prescribe it off-label for this reason. However, this can lead to medication shortages for people with type-2 diabetes.

Looking for Ozempic in the UK for weight loss? Wegovy is an alternative semaglutide-containing GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight loss.

Does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Yes, Ozempic can promote weight loss, but it has not been approved for that purpose in the UK. Instead, it has been licensed to manage high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

Ozempic's active ingredient, semaglutide, is also the active ingredient in Wegovy, which is available for weight loss. So, if you do not have type 2 diabetes and are looking for an effective weight loss medication, Wegovy is likely to be a better choice than Ozempic.

That said, Ozempic may be preferable if you have high blood sugar levels and your current treatment is not working. In this case, Ozempic may help to regulate your glucose levels and help you to lose weight which is also important if you have diabetes.

Whichever GLP-1 receptor agonist you are prescribed, it is important to make positive lifestyle changes, like following a calorie-controlled diet and getting regular exercise.

Is Ozempic safe for weight loss?

Ozempic isn’t licensed for weight loss in the UK, but its active ingredient, semaglutide, can help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and keep people feeling fuller for longer.

So, although semaglutide is considered a suitable weight loss medication when it is prescribed under the brand name Wegovy, it isn’t available as Ozempic for this purpose. That doesn’t mean Ozempic is inherently unsafe for weight loss, but its safety and effectiveness for this purpose have not been specifically evaluated in UK regulatory approvals.

Why is Ozempic not licensed for weight loss in the UK?

The main reason Ozempic is not available in the UK for weight loss is to stop shortages of the medication for people with type 2 diabetes because of high demand related to off-label use.

To avoid Ozempic shortages, Wegovy is approved for weight loss. You can get a Wegovy prescription from Prescription Doctor following an online weight loss consultation with one of our clinicians to assess if it is safe and suitable for you to use.

Ozempic vs Wegovy: Which is better?

For weight loss, Wegovy is a more appropriate choice than Ozempic for several reasons, such as:

• it is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight loss
• it is available at a higher maximum maintenance dose (2.4 mg/week) than Ozempic (2 mg/week)
• Wegovy can help you lose up to 15% of your starting body weight after 68 weeks at the highest maintenance dose

You can find out more about the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Wegovy in our ‘Is Wegovy the Same as Ozempic?’ article.

Conclusion

Ozempic is safe for weight loss and may be prescribed ‘off label’ for it, but it is only approved for treating high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes in the UK. Instead, Wegovy is the preferred semaglutide-containing weight loss injection as it is approved for this use and contains a semaglutide dose that has been formulated for effective weight loss.

If you’re interested in weight loss medication, you can start an online consultation with one of our clinicians today.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 13/02/2025

Reviewed By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor

Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Reviewed on: 13/02/2025