Is Ozempic Safe For Weight Loss?

If you’re struggling to lose weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise alone, a medicated programme could be the answer. This isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, however, as it’s important to understand which type of treatment, if any, is most suitable for you. In-depth research is crucial.

Ozempic is a medication you may have encountered in your search. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is the same drug found in Wegovy. So, can both treatments be used for the same purpose, and is Ozempic safe for weight loss?

Join us as we review the licensing criteria and safety profile of Ozempic to determine whether it’s a suitable option for obesity. 

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What is Ozempic and How Does it Work?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist (also known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, GLP-1 analogue, or incretin mimetic).

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

• Wegovy
• Mounjaro
• Nevolat

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 can help you lose weight and manage your blood sugar levels, depending on the medication you have been prescribed and its intended use.

Mounjaro, however, also mimics a second hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), making it a dual agonist. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and works by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing stomach emptying.  

Another weight loss medication that acts on multiple receptors is retatrutide. It mimics the effects of:

• GLP-1
• GIP
• Glucagon

By acting on these 3 hormone receptors, retatrutide can significantly affect your weight. It is currently in phase 3 clinical trials and has been shown, at the highest 12 mg dose, to help people lose an average of 24.2% of their initial body weight after 48 weeks. Retatrutide has not yet received regulatory approval, so it is not yet available for weight loss in the UK.

What is Ozempic Used For in the UK?

In the UK, Ozempic is a prescription-only medication approved for the treatment of 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.

If you’re looking for Ozempic for weight loss in the UK, we would recommend Wegovy. This is an alternative, semaglutide-containing GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight loss. Clinical trial results show that Wegovy can help people, on average, lose 17% of their starting body weight on the 2.4 mg dose, but the amount you can lose on Wegovy can vary from person to person. For even greater results, a new, higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy has recently been approved and is available in the UK.

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 patients with type 2 diabetes. 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.

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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 regulate your glucose levels and support weight loss, 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 is safe for weight loss when prescribed appropriately by a clinician and monitored closely for adverse effects, but it is not licensed in the UK for weight management. Instead, it is approved for managing type 2 diabetes, but it used to be given “off-label” for weight loss in some circumstances. This practice has been discontinued, and Ozempic is not recommended for treating obesity. 

Ozempic isn’t licensed for weight loss in the UK because its safety and effectiveness as an obesity treatment haven't been specifically evaluated in UK regulatory approvals. Instead, Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, is licensed under the brand name Wegovy.

Much like other weight loss treatments, semaglutide can help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and keep people feeling fuller for longer. If a prescribing clinician considers Ozempic “off-label” for weight loss, to make sure it is safe to use, they will usually check:

• your BMI
• current health conditions
• contraindications
• current medications

If the clinician determines it is safe for you to take, you’ll usually start Ozempic at a low dose and titrate gradually to minimise the risk of side effects. You’ll also have a follow-up to review tolerability, progress, and to flag any side effects or symptoms you’re getting.

The most common Ozempic side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, and low blood sugar. These are usually worse at the beginning of treatment or after a dose increase and may improve over time. At their worst, they can be significant and lead some people to stop treatment.  

Less common but serious risks also need to be discussed. Acute pancreatitis is a recognised concern with GLP-1 medicines, and patients should be advised to seek urgent medical help for severe, persistent abdominal pain (with or without vomiting). UK regulators also encourage the reporting of suspected adverse reactions through the Yellow Card scheme to support ongoing safety monitoring.

Finally, the source of the medicine matters. Regulators and clinical references warn that counterfeit Ozempic pens sold online may contain incorrect doses or ingredients and pose a risk—another reason prescriptions should be obtained from a regulated service and dispensed by a registered pharmacy.

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. Instead, Wegovy is approved for weight loss, with higher semaglutide doses and a dosing schedule better suited to weight loss.  

You can obtain a Wegovy prescription from Prescription Doctor after an online weight loss consultation with one of our clinicians to assess whether it is safe and suitable for you.

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 (7.2 mg/week) than Ozempic (2 mg/week)
• Wegovy can help you lose up to 20.7% of your starting body weight after 72 weeks at the highest maintenance dose

The table below shows the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Wegovy, helping you make the right choice for your needs:

You can find more information on the side effects of Ozempic and the side effects of Wegovy in our dedicated articles. We also provide a more in-depth comparison of the two treatments in a dedicated article. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Because Ozempic isn’t licensed for weight loss in the UK, you may have many questions about its use and safety. Here, we answer some of the most common questions to help you make the right decision for your needs and to give you a better understanding of the medication’s safety profile. 

How Safe is Ozempic?

Ozempic is generally considered safe when it is prescribed by a clinician for managing high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes or off-label for weight loss. However, it can cause side effects, including mild gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, and more serious effects, including pancreatitis, eye problems, and gallbladder issues.

Ozempic’s safety profile has been well established following extensive clinical trials, and a clinician will assess its suitability for you before prescribing it. Safety depends on taking the correct dose, gradual titration, and ongoing monitoring. Ozempic must only be obtained with a prescription from a registered clinician. 

Is Ozempic Safe for Weight Loss in Non-Diabetics?

Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK; therefore, its safety for use in non-diabetics has not been formally assessed. Off-label prescribing for this use may be considered by clinicians, but only after a careful risk assessment and follow-up appointments have been scheduled.

Ideally, non-diabetic individuals should be offered Wegovy for weight loss, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, namely semaglutide. Wegovy has been specifically formulated to help you lose weight and has been tested and approved for this use.

Is Ozempic Safe for Diabetics?

Yes, Ozempic has been approved for this purpose in the UK and is widely used by adults with type 2 diabetes to help them manage high blood sugar levels. Monitoring is important, even in these patients, especially if Ozempic is used alongside insulin or sulfonylureas, because the risk of hypoglycaemia is increased.

Is Ozempic Safe for Type 1 Diabetes? 

Ozempic is not indicated for type 1 diabetes and is not a substitute for insulin. So, it is not considered a safe treatment for this condition. Although there are some promising studies, research is ongoing into its use as a treatment for type 1 diabetes.

If you have type 1 diabetes, and you feel your current medication is not managing your condition effectively, speak to your clinician to discuss your treatment options. 

Is it Safe to Switch from Mounjaro to Ozempic?

Switching from Mounjaro to Ozempic is generally considered safe and feasible if your clinician deems it appropriate. If you are considering changing weight loss medications, it is more appropriate to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, as Wegovy is approved for weight management.

Our clinicians can help you change easily and safely from one weight loss medication to another. Because Mounjaro and Wegovy contain different active ingredients, they require careful dose planning to minimise the chance of side effects and keep your progress on track.

Tailored Weight Loss Support from Prescription Doctor

Although Ozempic is not approved for weight loss, a range of alternative medications is available. But which one is right for you? Prescription Doctor is here to make an informed decision and support you throughout your journey.

Safety and convenience are central to everything we do. Our service begins with a brief online questionnaire where you can provide information about your medical history and any other treatments you may be taking. This is then reviewed by our experienced clinicians to determine whether your chosen medication is right for your circumstances or if an alternative is more suitable. Once approved, your item is dispatched from our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy in plain packaging, direct to your door. We take care of everything.

Our service continues well beyond this point, as our clinicians will regularly check in with you to monitor progress and assess whether your treatment schedule is achieving the desired outcomes. If not, an alternative medication may be recommended. You can also contact our team with any questions or find a wealth of useful information on our website.

Take the first steps on your weight loss journey with Prescription Doctor today by requesting a consultation. 

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 Re-Published on: 03/02/2026

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 03/02/2026