Wegovy and Ozempic are self-injectable injections that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. However, they differ in the conditions they have been approved to treat and the dosages available.
Here, we’ll explore what Wegovy and Ozempic are, and the key similarities and differences, so you can get a better understanding of which is the right treatment option for you.
Wegovy and Ozempic are both self-injectable medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. They are different brand names of the same medication but they are licensed for different uses in the UK.
Wegovy is licensed for weight loss while Ozempic is available for treating type 2 diabetes. However, some private weight loss clinics have prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss in the past, contributing to medication shortages.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the actions of a specific digestive hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
GLP-1, also known as an incretin mimetic, is released after you eat a meal, signalling to your brain that you feel full and stopping you from overeating. It also increases insulin production from your pancreas which encourages your cells to take up glucose from your bloodstream, effectively lowering your blood sugar levels.
So, semaglutide works by attaching to the GLP-1 receptors in your brain, so you feel less hungry, are less likely to overeat, and your cells will better respond to insulin, bringing your blood glucose levels under control. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The biggest similarity is the active ingredient. Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide which means they share several similarities.
Ozempic | Wegovy | |
---|---|---|
Active ingredient | semaglutide | semaglutide |
Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
Prescription-only | Yes | Yes |
Side effects | Very common: feeling sick, diarrhoea, low blood sugar | Very common: headache, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, weakness/tiredness |
Because Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient, they have similar benefits, including:
Both Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that can lower blood sugar and support weight loss. However, there are some distinct differences between Wegovy and Ozempic that you should be aware of.
In the UK, Ozempic is prescribed for controlling blood sugar in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is licensed for weight loss.
In the past, Ozempic had been prescribed ‘off label’ by some clinicians for weight loss, but this led to a medication shortage for people who needed weight loss to manage type 2 diabetes. At Prescription Doctor, we do not prescribe Ozempic ‘off label’ for weight loss, but we can prescribe Wegovy for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
One of the major differences between Ozempic and Wegovy is the dosage they are available in. Wegovy is approved in higher doses for weight loss which may not be appropriate for blood sugar control. The table below shows the dosage differences between Wegovy and Ozempic:
Dosage | Ozempic | Wegovy |
---|---|---|
Month 1 | 0.25 mg once a week | 0.25 mg once a week |
Month 2 | 0.5 mg once a week | 0.5 mg once a week |
Month 3 | 1 mg once a week | 1 mg once a week |
Month 4 | 2 mg once a week | 1.7 mg once a week |
Maintenance (maximum dose) | 2 mg once a week | 2.4 mg once a week |
Ozempic: For type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can be prescribed if lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) are not enough to manage blood sugar levels. Ozempic can be prescribed on its own if you cannot take metformin or other diabetes medications.
Wegovy: To get a prescription for Wegovy, you will need a body mass index (BMI) of:
No, Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK, however, some private clinics have prescribed it ‘off label’ in the past. It is available for type 2 diabetes. If you are looking for a semaglutide-containing weight-loss medication, Wegovy is a suitable alternative.
Wegovy is an alternative weight loss medication to Ozempic, which is licensed for type 2 diabetes in the UK, but Wegovy isn’t the only weight loss option available.
There are other weight loss injections and weight loss pills available. At Prescription Doctor, we offer:
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the same medication, semaglutide, except Ozempic is available for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy is licensed for weight loss in the UK.
Sources
emc, 2025. Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in a pre-filled pen.
emc, 2024. Ozempic 0.5 mg solution for injection in a pre-filled pen.
emc, 2024. Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen.
NICE, 2025. Semaglutide.
The Lancet, 2024. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity and prevalent heart failure: a prespecified analysis of the SELECT trial.
Additional Resources
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