Wegovy vs Ozempic: What's the Difference?
Wegovy and Ozempic have become huge talking points in the worlds of weight loss and diabetes management. These ingenious injections are lauded as having an extremely important impact in the two fields, drawing praise from people across all walks of life.
The fact that both medications share a lot of similarities has often led them to be, incorrectly, thought of as one and the same thing. So, what’s the difference?
In this guide, we’ll compare Wegovy vs Ozempic, exploring the contrasts, dosages, side effects, and much more — so you can make an informed decision about which is right for your circumstances. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Are Wegovy and Ozempic the Same?
Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for the same active ingredient, semaglutide. It’s true that they work very similarly, but they are used for different reasons. People looking to lose weight will opt for Wegovy, while Ozempic is better for regulating very high blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.
However, they do share distinct similarities:
- Active ingredient: Both Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Mechanism of action: Wegovy and Ozempic work in the same way by mimicking the actions of GLP-1, resulting in a reduction in blood sugar levels and weight.
- Administration method: Both are examples of self-injectable medications that are administered in the same areas of the body, once per week.
- Side effects: Because they contain the same active ingredients, Wegovy and Ozempic share similar side effects.
- Manufacturer: They are both manufactured by the same company, Novo Nordisk.
Wegovy
Key Differences Between Wegovy and Ozempic
Despite their similarities, there are some key differences when trying to choose between Wegovy or Ozempic. They are:
- Use: The biggest difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is what they are used for. Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, while Ozempic is licensed to manage type 2 diabetes and not weight management.
- Strength: Because of the different intended uses, Wegovy and Ozempic come in different doses, reflecting the varying needs of their intended patients. Ozempic is available in 3 strengths, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg, and Wegovy is available in 5 strengths ranging from 0.25mg to 2.4mg.
- Titration period: You cannot start on the highest dose of Wegovy or Ozempic straight away. Instead, you must slowly increase your dose over several weeks to lower the risk of side effects and allow your body time to get used to the medication. Because there are more Wegovy doses than Ozempic, the period to reach the highest dose is typically longer.
- Eligibility: Who can use Wegovy or Ozempic will depend on whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria. For Ozempic, you’ll need to be over 18 and have poorly managed type 2 diabetes, whereas for Wegovy you’ll need to meet specific body mass index (BMI) criteria.
Wegovy to Ozempic Dose Conversion
The dosage schedules for Wegovy and Ozempic differ slightly. It is important to familiarise yourself with the process for the medication you are prescribed to avoid confusion, especially if you switch from Ozempic to Wegovy.
The table below compares the dosage differences between Wegovy and Ozempic:
| Schedule | Wegovy (mg/week) | Ozempic (mg/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Month 2 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Month 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Month 4 | 1.7 | 2 |
| Month 5 | 2.4 |
Wegovy’s starting dose is 0.25 mg per week for the first four weeks which gradually increases every four weeks until you reach the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg/week. However, not everyone can tolerate or needs the highest strength, so if the lower 1.7 mg/week dose is working for you, you can stick with this one.
If you follow the Wegovy dosage schedule shown below, you should reach the maximum maintenance dose at week 17.
Wegovy vs Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic and Wegovy side effects are similar, but they are more likely to occur if you use Wegovy because of the higher available doses. Nevertheless, it’s important to compare Wegovy vs Ozempic side effects in the table below:
Side effect | Wegovy | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
Feeling sick (nausea) | Yes | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
Being sick (vomiting) | Yes | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
Dizziness | Yes | Yes |
Stomach pain | Yes | Yes |
Tiredness | Yes | Yes |
Usually, the side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists are temporary, mild, and get better on their own once your body gets used to the medication. Some people find that they get side effects when their dose increases and this usually settles down as their body gets used to the higher strength. However, if you are concerned at all you should speak to your clinician or pharmacist for further advice.
Ozempic vs Wegovy Cost
At Prescription Doctor, we do not offer Ozempic for weight loss because it is not licensed for this purpose in the UK. If you are considering your weight loss options, we can offer Wegovy as one of the approved weight loss medications available from Prescription Doctor.
The cost of Wegovy can vary depending on where you live and whether you’re paying for a private prescription or receiving NHS funding. However, at Prescription Doctor, we believe choosing the right weight loss injection for you should be stress-free, which is why we provide our prices up front.
When you buy Wegovy online from Prescription Doctor, you’ll get expert advice including a 7-day diet plan, all for the following prices:
Wegovy Pack Size | Dosage (mg) | Price |
|---|---|---|
x1 Pen Starter Pack | 0.25 | £139.99 |
x1 Pen Continuation Pack | 0.5 | £139.99 |
x1 Pen Continuation Pack | 1 | £149.99 |
x1 Pen Continuation Pack | 1.7 | £219.99 |
x1 Pen Continuation Pack | 2.4 | £253.99 |
3 Month Supply | 1 x 0.25 | £419.99 |
Total cost to reach the maximum maintenance dose | £903.95 | |
Is Wegovy Better than Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Although they have not been directly compared, Wegovy can help users lose up to 15% of their initial body weight after 68 weeks at the highest 2.4 mg/week dose. Despite Ozempic inducing weight loss, it is only licensed for diabetes in the UK and is available at lower doses. Meanwhile, another study found that a once-weekly Wegovy (semaglutide) dose of 2.4 mg can effectively induce and maintain weight loss in overweight or obese people without diabetes. Over 86% lost at least 5% of their body weight and 32% lost at least 20% over 68 weeks.
Some studies show that 2 mg/week of semaglutide, the highest Ozempic maintenance dose, results in an average weight loss of 2.2% over 40 weeks, considerably less than Wegovy — highlighting the importance of choosing the right medication for your health needs. However, weight loss happens in stages, and no matter which medication you choose, you will need to make healthy lifestyle changes to support your journey.
Wegovy
Can I Switch from Ozempic to Wegovy for Weight Loss?
Yes, if you’re currently using Ozempic for weight loss, it is recommended that you switch to Wegovy. That’s because Wegovy is the only one of the two that is officially licensed in the UK for weight management. If you are taking Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, switching to Wegovy is not recommended.
Can You Take Wegovy and Ozempic Together?
No, it is important that you do not take Wegovy or Ozempic at the same time. Combining these medications can increase your risk of side effects and serious adverse events. It will not increase the benefits of either injection, it will only put your health at risk.
Taking both together can lower your blood sugar to dangerously low levels and increase the severity of any side effects you may be experiencing. If you think you have taken Ozempic and Wegovy at the same time, you should seek urgent medical attention, even if you feel fine.
Is There an Alternative to Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy is not the only weight loss medication available. Mounjaro is an effective alternative that’s producing some staggering results. Injections not your thing? Weight loss pills like orlistat, Xenical, or MySimba may be more suitable. Or if you prefer the hassle-free approach, an over-the-counter solution like alli could be the right option for you.
If you’re not sure Wegovy is the best fit, keep reading as we explore some of the best alternatives to Wegovy (and Ozempic) in more detail.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Mounjaro works through a dual action mechanism whereby it binds to both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, unleashing its effect on weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
When comparing Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss, Mounjaro is considered more effective because it can result in an average 22.5% weight loss over 72 weeks at the highest dose.
Mounjaro
At Prescription Doctor, we have witnessed the results some patients have experienced with Mounjaro. You can find out more on our dedicated ‘Mounjaro Before and After’ guide.
Other Weight Loss Treatments
Alongside Wegovy and Mounjaro, we also offer the following alternative weight loss medications:
- 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 a fat-containing meal
- alli – an over-the-counter form of orlistat that contains a reduced 60 mg dose and works in the same way as orlistat but is available without a prescription
- MySimba – an appetite suppressant pill that contains two active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion
- Nevolat - a once-daily self-administered injection pen that has liraglutide as the active ingredient
Essential Weight Loss Support from Prescription Doctor
Now that you have a clear comparison between Wegovy vs Ozempic, you should be one step closer to determining which medication is best to assist you through your weight loss journey. While Ozempic is now firmly out of the picture, there’s still a choice between the other injections or pills highlighted in this article. So which do you go for?
That’s where Prescription Doctor comes in. Our registered team can help you decide which treatment is the most suitable for you following a short online weight loss consultation. Once completed and you’ve selected your treatment, we’ll discreetly deliver your medication straight to you as early as the next working day, provided your order is placed and approved before 3pm Monday to Friday.
We’ve been supporting people just like you since 2013, to conquer their weight loss goals. And, for peace of mind, we’re fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), so you can be sure you’re buying from a trusted provider.
Are you ready to embark on your weight loss journey with Wegovy, or keen to find out which weight loss medication is best for you? Start your online weight loss consultation today.
Sources
- emc, (2025). Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen.
- emc, (2024). Ozempic 0.5 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen.
- emc, (2024). Wegovy 2.4 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen.
- NEJM, (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.
- NEJM, (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.
Authored By
Leanne Edermaniger
Medical Content WriterPublished on: 21/05/2024 Re-Published on: 05/06/2025
Reviewed By
Mohamed Imran Lakhi
MPharm - Lead PharmacistReviewed on: 05/06/2025
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