Ozempic vs Wegovy
Both are semaglutide, but there are key differences. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one.
14.9%
Avg weight loss Ozempic
16.9%
Avg weight loss Wegovy
$900+
Monthly retail without insurance
$99
Lowest price via telehealth
What are they?
Both use semaglutide, but they’re approved for different conditions and come in different doses.
Ozempic
Type 2 DiabetesFDA-approved to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss due to its semaglutide formulation.
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
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 |
| Max dose | 2.0 mg | 2.4 mg |
| Avg weight loss | ~14.9% | ~16.9% |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Insurance | Broader | Limited |
| Retail price/mo | $935/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Telehealth price | From $99/mo | From $149/mo |
Ozempic
Semaglutide
Wegovy
Semaglutide
Ozempic
Type 2 diabetes
Wegovy
Weight loss
Ozempic
2.0 mg
Wegovy
2.4 mg
Ozempic
~14.9%
Wegovy
~16.9%
Ozempic
Weekly injection
Wegovy
Weekly injection
Ozempic
Broader
Wegovy
Limited
Ozempic
$935/mo
Wegovy
$1,350/mo
Ozempic
From $99/mo
Wegovy
From $149/mo
18.2 lbs
2 months
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)
What you’ll pay
Real pricing — no misleading teaser rates or hidden fees.
Ozempic
- Retail (no insurance)
- $935/mo
- With insurance
- $25–$150/mo
- Telehealth (compounded)
- From $99/mo
- Manufacturer savings
- Available
Special offer
Save up to 30% EVERY month!
Wegovy
- Retail (no insurance)
- $1,350/mo
- With insurance
- $0–$200/mo
- Telehealth (compounded)
- From $149/mo
- Manufacturer savings
- Available
Special offer
Save up to 30% EVERY month!
43.7 lbs
6 months
Weight loss compared
Clinical trial data showing average body weight reduction over 68 weeks.
Ozempic (2.0 mg)
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
Placebo
What to expect
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Side Effect | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20% | 44% |
| Diarrhoea | 8.5% | 30% |
| Vomiting | 5% | 25% |
| Constipation | 3.1% | 24% |
| Headache | 1.6% | 14% |
| Fatigue | 2.5% | 5% |
Ozempic
20%
Wegovy
44%
Ozempic
8.5%
Wegovy
30%
Ozempic
5%
Wegovy
25%
Ozempic
3.1%
Wegovy
24%
Ozempic
1.6%
Wegovy
14%
Ozempic
2.5%
Wegovy
5%
Side effects are generally most pronounced during the first 4–8 weeks and tend to subside. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What people say
Verified experiences from real patients across leading telehealth platforms.
Ozempic
4.3
1,847 reviews
Wegovy
4.5
1,203 reviews
“Lost 38 lbs in 5 months. The nausea was rough the first few weeks but completely worth it. My energy levels are through the roof now.”
Verified patient · 5 months on medication
“Steady weight loss of about 22 lbs over 4 months. Minimal side effects after the first month. Insurance covers most of the cost which is a huge plus.”
Verified patient · 4 months on medication
“Switched from Ozempic to Wegovy for the higher dose. The difference was noticeable — lost an additional 15 lbs in the first two months after switching.”
Verified patient · 7 months total
The bottom line
Same molecule, different use cases. Here’s how to think about it.
Choose based on your goal
- Choose Ozempic if you have type 2 diabetes, want broader insurance coverage, or prefer a lower entry cost through telehealth.
- Choose Wegovy if weight loss is your primary goal and you want the FDA-approved option with the higher maintenance dose (2.4 mg).
- Consider compounded semaglutide if cost is a barrier — licensed telehealth providers offer it from $99/month.
What you
need to know
Yes, many patients switch between the two with guidance from a provider. Because both are semaglutide, the transition is usually straightforward — your provider will help determine the right dose and monitor your progress.
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, sometimes at a lower cost than brand-name options. Availability and regulation differ from FDA-approved medications, so discuss the specifics with a licensed provider before starting.
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