Is Wegovy The Same As Ozempic?

If you’re thinking about weight loss treatments, the chances are you’ve already encountered Ozempic and Wegovy. These two medications share several similarities, but is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? Both contain the active ingredient, semaglutide, but there are key differences that may affect your choice, their intended use being one of them.

In this article, we’ll explore Wegovy vs. Ozempic to highlight the key similarities and differences, compare their features, and determine which option might be the right choice for you.  

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What are Ozempic and Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same drug, semaglutide. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that controls appetite, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Ozempic is only licensed for managing type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically intended for weight loss in obese and overweight adults who have at least one weight-related health condition.

Although they share the same active ingredient, the two treatments differ in their usage, dosage, and approval statuses. We will explore these similarities and differences between Wegovy and Ozempic in more detail in the next sections. 

What is the Difference Between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Despite their similarities, there are key differences to consider when choosing between Wegovy and Ozempic. They are:

• Use: Wegovy is approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is only licensed to manage type 2 diabetes. 
• Titration period: Because there are more Wegovy doses than Ozempic, the period to reach the highest dose is typically longer.
• Eligibility: For Ozempic, you must be at least 18 years old and have poorly managed type 2 diabetes. For Wegovy, you must meet specific body mass index (BMI) criteria.

For more information on the differences between Wegovy and Ozempic, please refer to this article. 

Similarities Between Wegovy and Ozempic

Despite their differences, Wegovy and Ozempic also share some similarities, such as being derived from the same active ingredient and attaching to the same receptors to initiate their effects. If you’re considering either of these treatments, it’s important to understand their likenesses as well as their differences to make the right choice.

Here are some ways in which Wegovy is the same as Ozempic:

Active Ingredient

Both medications contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by mimicking the natural hormone, GLP-1, to regulate blood glucose levels, control appetite, and slow stomach emptying. By targeting these mechanisms, semaglutide can effectively help people manage their weight and control type 2 diabetes.

Administration

Ozempic and Wegovy are self-injectable medications used once a week. This not only makes them convenient, especially for people who prefer to avoid daily weight loss injections or pills, but also ensures a steady release of the active ingredient over time, contributing to their overall effectiveness. The ease of a once-weekly injection promotes better adherence and simplifies the overall treatment routine. 

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Side Effects

Another way that Wegovy is the same as Ozempic lies in their side effects. Since both medications share the same active ingredient, they have a similar side effect profile. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. These are usually temporary and subside over time as your body adjusts to the new medication. However, some people may experience more persistent symptoms, so it is important to monitor your response to the treatment and consult your clinician if needed.

Starting Dose

Although the Wegovy dosing schedule differs from that of Ozempic, both begin with the same lowest strength of 0.25 mg per week for 4 weeks. This lower starting dose helps your body gradually adapt to the active ingredient, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. For both treatments, the dose typically increases after a few weeks. Wegovy reaches a maximum dose of 2.4 mg for weight loss, and Ozempic increases to a maximum of 2 mg per week for diabetes management.

Prescription-Only

You will need a prescription from a clinician when requesting Wegovy or Ozempic. This means that a clinician will need to assess your medical history, current health conditions, and treatment goals before prescribing either medication to ensure it is safe, suitable, and tailored to your individual needs.

Manufacturer

Ozempic and Wegovy are both made by the same company, Novo Nordisk. Because of this, they share similar research and development foundations, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy. Novo Nordisk’s reputation in the field of diabetes and weight management further strengthens the trust in both products.

How Effective are Ozempic and Wegovy for Weight Loss?

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide and can be effective for weight loss; however, Wegovy is the preferred treatment because it is specifically licensed for this purpose and is available in higher doses. Although Ozempic may help people with type 2 diabetes transition to a better body composition, it isn’t licensed in the UK for weight management purposes.

Long-term clinical trial data have shown that after 104 weeks on the maximum 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy, patients maintained an average weight loss of 15.2%, compared to 2.6% with a placebo. Just over 77% of the Wegovy group lost at least 5% of their initial body weight compared to 34% in the placebo group. In comparison, after 40 weeks on the highest strength of Ozempic (2mg), the average weight loss was 6.9 kg, compared to 6.0 kg on a lower 1 mg dose.  

What Weight Loss Alternatives are Available?

If you feel that Wegovy is not a suitable option for you, several alternative weight loss treatments are available, including other injectable and oral medications. Some work by suppressing your appetite, similar to semaglutide, while others can reduce the amount of fat absorbed from your diet.

Let’s explore some of the other options that you might want to consider when starting your weight loss journey.

Weight Loss Injections

Wegovy isn’t the only injection available in the UK that is approved for weight loss. Alternatives such as Mounjaro and Nevolat also exist, and they can be good alternatives for anyone who may not tolerate semaglutide well.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is a dual-action agonist, as it binds not only to GLP-1 receptors but also to those for gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP). By mimicking the effects of these two important digestive hormones, Mounjaro’s effectiveness for weight loss is enhanced. At its highest weekly dose of 15 mg, tirzepatide can induce an average weight loss of 22.5% over 72 weeks. In addition to being approved for weight management, it can also be prescribed to help regulate blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Nevolat

Nevolat is a generic form of liraglutide, previously available under the brand name Saxenda. Like Wegovy, liraglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, but is administered as a daily injection rather than a weekly one. The average weight loss with liraglutide is 8% over 56 weeks at the highest strength of 3 mg per day compared to 2.6% when given a placebo.  

Weight Loss Tablets

If you’re not keen on the idea of injecting yourself, have a fear of needles, or cannot tolerate the active ingredients in injections, weight loss tablets can be a suitable alternative. At Prescription Doctor, we can provide:

• orlistat: Also available under the brand name Xenical, orlistat is a fat absorption blocking pill that can be taken up to three times a day with meals containing some dietary fat. Each pill contains 120mg of the active ingredient and can block up to 30% of the total amount of fat you eat every day from being absorbed into the body. Instead, it passes through the body and is excreted in faeces, resulting in 37% of people losing at least 5% of their starting body weight over 12 weeks. 
• alli: An over-the-counter version of orlistat, available in a lower 60 mg dose. alli can be bought without a prescription and works in the same way as Xenical. 
• Mysimba: Containing a combination of naltrexone and bupropion, Mysimba is an appetite suppressant that acts on the areas of the brain responsible for controlling your appetite. It’s thought to work by signalling to your brain when you feel full, reducing hunger and curbing cravings.

What is the Best Weight Loss Treatment For Me?

Choosing the right treatment for you will depend on your overall health goals, underlying conditions, and how well your body responds and tolerates the active ingredients in weight loss medications. It will also depend on whether you meet the eligibility criteria required for your specific choice and whether you would prefer injections or oral pills.

At Prescription Doctor, we offer a range of weight loss treatments, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Is Wegovy the Same as Ozempic? Frequently Asked Questions

Since these two brands contain the same active ingredient, they share similarities, but also differ in various ways, which can raise a few questions when exploring the most appropriate treatment, especially if you’re still undecided about which option is best for you.

By now, you should know the answer to the common query, ‘Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?’, but you may now be keen to find out if you can switch medications or if you can get them on the NHS. Continue reading as we address some of the most common questions about Wegovy and Ozempic.

Are Ozempic and Wegovy Available on the NHS?

Yes, but Ozempic is only prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes on the NHS, while Wegovy is a weight loss medication. You will need to meet strict eligibility criteria for either treatment and be referred to a specific weight management service to obtain Wegovy, as your GP cannot prescribe it.

Because access to Wegovy on the NHS is limited due to high demand, obtaining a private prescription from a provider like Prescription Doctor may be better if you’re looking to start your weight loss journey imminently. 

Are Wegovy and Ozempic Interchangeable? 

No, Wegovy and Ozempic are not meant to be used interchangeably. They are both licensed for different purposes, so you should only take the medication that is appropriate for your condition (Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes). 

Are Wegovy and Ozempic the Same Drug? 

Although Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient, they cannot be considered the same drug. Each has its unique characteristics, such as usage and dosage schedules, so it’s essential not to confuse or administer them for any purpose other than their intended use.  

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

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• Approved Weight Loss treatment
• Weekly injection
• Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £139.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

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Do Wegovy and Ozempic Have the Same Ingredients?

Yes, both Wegovy and Ozempic have the same ingredients. In addition to semaglutide, both medications contain disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and sodium hydroxide, which is used for pH adjustment. The final ingredient is water, which is intended to facilitate the injection process. 

Do Wegovy and Ozempic Work the Same?

Yes, the fact that Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient means they work in exactly the same way. However, the different characteristics and licenses mean they should not be taken for the same purpose or interchangeably. Wegovy must only be administered for weight loss, and Ozempic only for diabetes management. 

Reliable Weight Loss Solutions from Prescription Doctor

So, is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? The simple answer is no, and if you’re looking for a suitable and effective weight loss treatment, Wegovy is the best option of the two. However, there are several other alternatives to semaglutide available, including injections and pills, for you to choose from, enabling you to pick the best medication to suit your goals, needs, and lifestyle.

At Prescription Doctor, we can help you decide which option is right for you following a short online consultation. Our professional and registered team of clinicians will ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for you, and provide ongoing support throughout your journey to get the most out of your medication. From providing 7-day meal plans, lifestyle advice, and tips to help you manage side effects, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Are you ready to request Wegovy, or would you like to explore your weight loss options?  Start your online weight loss consultation 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: 29/01/2025 Re-Published on: 19/06/2025

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: 19/06/2025