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High demand for GLP-1 medications has pushed Wegovy and Ozempic into the spotlight, and although they contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they are not interchangeable. Each medication was developed, tested, and approved for different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your specific health goals.
Below are five key differences between Wegovy and Ozempic, including how they’re used, who qualifies for them, and what results you can expect.
1. Wegovy and Ozempic Are Approved for Different Uses
Even though both medications deliver semaglutide once weekly, they were studied in separate clinical trials and approved for different outcomes.
Wegovy is FDA-approved to:
• Promote weight loss in adults and teens 12+ with obesity or overweight
• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with obesity or overweight who have heart disease
• Treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis
Ozempic is FDA-approved to:
• Treat Type 2 diabetes in adults
• Lower the risk of cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and heart disease
• Reduce the risk of kidney-related complications in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Both medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite, insulin release, blood sugar, and digestion. But your healthcare provider will choose one over the other depending on whether your primary goal is weight loss or diabetes management.
2. Eligibility Criteria Are Different for Wegovy and Ozempic
Because their FDA approvals differ, who qualifies for each medication is also different.
You may qualify for Wegovy if you’re:
• An adult or teen with obesity
• An adult with overweight and at least one weight-related medical condition (such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea)
• An adult with MASH and liver fibrosis
You may qualify for Ozempic if you:
• Are an adult with Type 2 diabetes
Using Ozempic solely for weight loss is considered off-label, even though weight loss often occurs.
Does Wegovy help with diabetes?
Wegovy is not approved to treat diabetes, but because semaglutide improves insulin function, many people notice better blood sugar control while using it.
3. Wegovy May Cause More Side Effects Than Ozempic
The main reason? Higher dosage.
- Wegovy doses up to: 2.4 mg weekly
- Ozempic doses up to: 2 mg weekly
Higher doses of semaglutide can cause more gastrointestinal symptoms, which are the most common side effects for both medications.
Typical side effects include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort
To reduce symptoms, both drugs use gradual dose increases to help the body adjust.
4. Insurance Coverage Can Be Very Different
Insurance companies often treat Wegovy and Ozempic differently.
Ozempic is usually covered when:
• You have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
Wegovy may be covered when:
• You meet BMI requirements
• You have a qualifying medical condition such as heart disease
Many plans still do not cover Wegovy for weight loss alone.
Can you switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?
They are not considered interchangeable. However, if you were prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss, a clinician may switch you to Wegovy for more predictable weight management dosing.
5. Wegovy May Lead to More Weight Loss Than Ozempic
Because Wegovy is available in a higher dose, clinical trials show more substantial weight-loss outcomes.
Wegovy trial results:
- Adults lost about 15% of their starting body weight at 68 weeks
- Teens lost about 16% of their starting BMI
Ozempic results:
Ozempic was not studied for weight loss, but many people still lose weight as a side effect. However, no direct comparison trials exist between the highest doses of both drugs, so we cannot say for sure how much of the difference is due to the medication versus the dose.
How to Save on Wegovy or Ozempic
There are several ways to reduce costs:
Manufacturer savings cards
• Wegovy: may cost as little as $0 with commercial insurance
• Ozempic: as low as $25 with eligible coverage
Discount programs
Retail pharmacy discount cards can reduce cash prices.
NovoCare
Uninsured individuals may pay a flat monthly rate for Wegovy.
Patient assistance programs
Ozempic may be free for qualifying individuals with financial need.
The Bottom Line
Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but they are not the same treatment. Wegovy is specifically designed and approved for weight loss and heart-related risk reduction, while Ozempic is a proven therapy for Type 2 diabetes and associated complications.
Which one is right for you depends on your medical history, insurance coverage, and treatment goals. A healthcare professional can help determine whether Wegovy or Ozempic is the better fit for your situation.
