Ozempic® vs Wegovy®
Both are semaglutide, but there are key differences. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one.
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4.9%
Avg weight loss Ozempic*
From
$199/mo
Ozempic
June 2026
14.9%
Avg weight loss Wegovy*
From
$199/mo
Wegovy
June 2026
What are they?
Both use semaglutide, but they’re approved for different conditions and come in different doses.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Wegovy is the FDA-approved semaglutide formulation for chronic weight management.
Ozempic
Type 2 DiabetesFDA-approved to improve blood sugar in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Some patients using semaglutide as part of a comprehensive medical program may also experience reduced hunger and meaningful weight reduction over time.
Maker
Novo Nordisk
Approved
2017
Format
Weekly injection
Max dose
2.0 mg
Wegovy
Weight ManagementFDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with at least one weight-related condition.
Maker
Novo Nordisk
Approved
2021
Format
Weekly injection or daily pill
Max dose
2.4 mg
Quick comparison
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| FDA approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight loss |
| Avg weight loss | 4.9%† | 14.9%† |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection or daily pill |
| Insurance | Broader | Limited |
| Monthly Price | From $199/mo | From $199/mo |
Ozempic
Semaglutide
Wegovy
Semaglutide
Ozempic
Type 2 diabetes
Wegovy
Weight loss
Ozempic
4.9%†
Wegovy
14.9%†
Ozempic
Weekly injection
Wegovy
Weekly injection or daily pill
Ozempic
Broader
Wegovy
Limited
Ozempic
From $199/mo
Wegovy
From $199/mo
† Average weight loss data: Ozempic — SUSTAIN-1 (semaglutide 1.0 mg, 30 weeks); Wegovy — STEP-1 (semaglutide 2.4 mg, 68 weeks).
More energy,
less weight
How you ramp up
Both medications use a gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects.
Ozempic
- 1
0.25 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
0.5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
1.0 mg
Weeks 9+
(Maintenance)
- 4
2.0 mg
Optional max dose
Wegovy
- 1
0.25 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
0.5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
1.0 mg
Weeks 9–12
- 4
1.7 mg
Weeks 13–16
- 5
2.4 mg
Weeks 17+
(Maintenance)
- 6
7.2 mg
Weeks 21+
(After 4+ wks at 2.4 mg)
Start your weight‑loss
journey today
Weight loss compared
Clinical trial data showing average body weight reduction over 68 weeks.
Ozempic (1 mg)
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
† Average weight loss data: Ozempic — SUSTAIN-1 (semaglutide 1.0 mg, 30 weeks); Wegovy — STEP-1 (semaglutide 2.4 mg, 68 weeks).
What to expect
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Side Effect | Ozempic (1 mg) | Wegovy (2.4 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20.3% | 44% |
| Diarrhea | 8.8% | 30% |
| Vomiting | 9.2% | 24% |
| Constipation | 3.1% | 24% |
| Headache | N/A | 14% |
| Fatigue | N/A | 11% |
Ozempic (1 mg)
20.3%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
44%
Ozempic (1 mg)
8.8%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
30%
Ozempic (1 mg)
9.2%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
24%
Ozempic (1 mg)
3.1%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
24%
Ozempic (1 mg)
N/A
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
14%
Ozempic (1 mg)
N/A
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
11%
Side effects may be more noticeable during dose escalation, but individual experiences vary and some risks can be serious. GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone. Review important warnings, contraindications, and the FDA label or Medication Guide with a licensed healthcare provider before starting or switching treatment.
The bottom line
Branded GLP-1 medications can offer effective weight loss, requiring individualized risk-benefit clinical evaluation.
Two different GLP-1 options
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, with blood-sugar control, weekly dosing convenience, and cardiovascular benefits supported by large clinical trials and long-term safety data.
- Wegovy delivers substantial weight loss, weekly convenience, appetite control, and cardiovascular risk reduction backed by robust obesity-focused clinical trial evidence and safety data.
Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.
What you
need to know
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. They use the same active ingredient (semaglutide) at different doses. Switching between them is a medical decision your prescriber will make based on your indication, not a choice to make on your own.
Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management, while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. Pricing differences reflect their approved uses, insurance coverage variations, and how each is positioned in the market.
The core side effects — nausea, digestive discomfort, and changes in appetite — are similar across both. Individual experiences vary, and a provider can help manage any side effects that arise.
Yes. Both Ozempic and Wegovy require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. A consultation is required to assess whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Compounded Semaglutide is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. The FDA declared the semaglutide shortage resolved in February 2025, which significantly narrowed the legal basis on which 503A pharmacies may compound essentially-copies of semaglutide. The FDA has also stated that semaglutide salt forms (e.g., semaglutide sodium) are unapproved new drugs and should not be marketed as substitutes for FDA-approved semaglutide. Regulatory status, oversight, and safety review differ from FDA-approved medications. Discuss the specifics with a licensed provider before starting.
- Ozempic (semaglutide 1.0 mg). Trial: SUSTAIN 1 (388 participants, 30 weeks, adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on diet and exercise). Average weight loss: −4.9% vs −1.0% placebo. Sorli et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017.
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg). Trial: STEP 1 (1,961 participants, 68 weeks, adults with obesity/overweight without Type 2 Diabetes). Average weight loss: −14.9% vs −2.4% placebo. Wilding et al., NEJM 2021.
BestGLP1 publishes these guides for informational and comparison purposes only. The information on this site is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for guidance from a licensed healthcare professional. GLP-1 medications must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider; consult your provider to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Prices, side-effect rates, and clinical figures shown here are general references drawn from manufacturer labelling and published trials, and may not reflect your specific situation.
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Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.