Wegovy vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

Wegovy and Ozempic are both injectable medications that contain the same active ingredient — semaglutide. So why do they have different names, and how do you know which one is right for you?

Here’s a breakdown of how Wegovy and Ozempic differ in terms of purpose, dose, availability, and cost.

1. Same Ingredient, Different Use

• Wegovy is approved specifically for weight loss in people with obesity or weight-related medical conditions.
• Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, but is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Both medications work by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite, insulin, and digestion.

2. Dose Strength and Schedule

• Wegovy is designed for weight loss and has a higher maximum dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
• Ozempic is designed for blood sugar control and has a maximum dose of 2.0 mg once weekly.

Because of its higher dose, Wegovy tends to produce greater weight loss, although many people respond well to lower-dose Ozempic too.

3. Are They Interchangeable?

Not exactly. While they contain the same medication (semaglutide), the pens are labeled and dosed differently, and the prescribing guidelines differ.

Wegovy is titrated for weight loss, starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to 2.4 mg.

Ozempic is titrated for type 2 diabetes, with different dose steps and packaging.

Doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss if Wegovy isn’t available, but this is a clinical decision made on a case-by-case basis.

4. Cost and Availability in NZ

• Wegovy: ~$460 per month (4 doses for a month) — typically prescribed at 2.4 mg for weight loss.
• Ozempic: ~$500 per month — usually prescribed at lower doses (1.0–2.0 mg).

Wegovy is newer to New Zealand and is intended specifically for weight loss, while Ozempic is stocked for diabetes management.

5. Which One Is Better for Weight Loss?

Wegovy is the only semaglutide medication specifically approved and studied for weight loss. In clinical trials, it produced average body weight reductions of 15%.

Ozempic can help with weight loss too, but it’s not officially indicated for that purpose. Some people lose 5–10% of their body weight using Ozempic off-label, especially at higher doses (like 2.0 mg).

Summary Comparison Table

The Bottom Line

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide and work in similar ways, but they’re designed and approved for different uses.

If your goal is weight loss, Wegovy is the medication specifically designed for that purpose. If it’s unavailable or unaffordable, your doctor may consider Ozempic as an alternative.

Always speak with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Start a Wegovy Plan With the Right Support

At Well Revolution, we offer a free initial consultation to determine if Wegovy is safe and appropriate for you.

If prescribed, your $80 treatment plan includes:

• A prescription for 3 months of treatment
• A custom titration schedule (starting at 0.25 mg)
• Three months of expert medical care and follow-up
• Access to your dedicated doctor and care team any time

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