Weight Loss
  ·  
5 min read

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Lose up to 15% body weight with COMPOUNDED SEMAGLUTIDE. Get $25 off with Code: KEEPITOFF (includes FREE dietitian consultation)
Author's avatar
  •  
Updated:  
January 9, 2025
  •  
Medically reviewed by 
Alex Evans, Pharmacist and Medical Writer

Key Takeaways

Wegovy and Ozempic are two different brand names with the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Semaglutide works on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. Wegovy is prescribed for weight loss while Ozempic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also sometimes used “off-label” for weight loss. While similar in many ways, these two medications differ in dosing and cost. 

Wegovy vs Ozempic (Semaglutide): A Comprehensive Comparison

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Although these medications work the same way in the body, they differ in cost and dosage. It is important to consider the different forms of semaglutide in determining which option is best for you. Keep reading to find out more about the similarities and differences between Wegovy and Ozempic. 

Understanding Semaglutide: Wegovy vs Ozempic

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1) that helps suppress appetite and slow down digestion to help support weight loss. Semaglutide has other effects on the body as well, like helping to lower blood sugar levels

Where Wegovy and Ozempic differ is that they are two different brands of semaglutide. They are approved for different conditions and have different dosages. Ozempic is approved for people with 2 diabetes since it helps to lower blood sugar levels. But afterwards, it started being prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy hit the market a few years after Ozempic and uses the same active ingredient, but it is approved specifically for weight loss. 

They are priced differently as well. The list price for Wegovy is about $1,350 per month. Ozempic is a little under $1,000 per month. This is very expensive, but keep in mind this is the price before insurance or other discounts. There are a number of ways you can save, including with the copay card for Wegovy and Ozempic. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for patient assistance.

Semaglutide is also available as compounded semaglutide. This can often come at a lower out-of-pocket cost than brand name Wegovy or Ozempic. Compounded semaglutide is custom mixed too, so the dosage can be adjusted in smaller increments.

How Wegovy and Ozempic Work

Wegovy and Ozempic are two different brand names of the drug semaglutide. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. By working on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide helps to create a feeling of fullness or satisfaction. This helps to minimize cravings and control eating habits. It also slows down the digestive process which causes your food to move more slowly through your digestive tract helping you stay full for longer and eat less. 

Distinguishing Between Wegovy and Ozempic and Compounded Semaglutide

The main difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is that they are typically prescribed for different things, although Ozempic can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss.

A third option is compounded semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. Depending on your insurance, it may also come with a lower out-of-pocket cost.

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Indications and Approvals

Wegovy is approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. And Wegovy and Ozempic come in slightly different dosages.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy work in the body in the same way and can help with weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle. That includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity. 

Semaglutide is typically prescribed for people who:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or more OR
  • Have a BMI of 27 or more as well as an additional health issue related to being overweight (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol) 

Both Ozempic and Wegovy can be costly, especially since you may need to stay on the medication to maintain weight loss. Compounded semaglutide is another form of semaglutide that can be a more affordable option.

Ahara offers compounded semaglutide through our convenient online service. Visit your provider, purchase your medication, and receive personalized nutrition guidance all in one place

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Dosage and Administration

Wegovy and Ozempic have different dosing. For Ozempic, the dosing usually starts with an initial dose of 0.25 mg injected weekly. After four weeks, your provider will gradually increase your dosage with the goal of meeting your weight loss goals while also minimizing side effects. The maximum recommended Ozempic dosage is 2 mg per week.

Wegovy will also start at a dosage of 0.25 mg once per week and gradually increase every 4 weeks. The typical maintenance dose for Wegovy can be either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg. 

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are administered as a subcutaneous injection. This means that you will self-administer it by injecting a small needle into a fatty area of tissue such as your abdomen, back of arm, or thigh. 

Comparing Side Effects: Wegovy and Ozempic

Because Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredients, they have the potential to cause the same side effects. Wegovy comes in a slightly higher maximum dosage. So it may also be a little more likely to cause side effects.

Common side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy or compounded semaglutide include:

More serious side effects are rare, but possible. This is true whether you are using Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide. They include:

  • Gallbladder issues
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • Kidney problems
  • Thyroid tumors

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects that are bothersome or don’t go away over time.

Wegovy vs. Ozempic vs. Compounded Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss. Ozempic is prescribed off label for weight loss. They have slightly different dosages. But both medications can help people successfully lose weight. 

Compounded semaglutide is administered in the same way as both Ozempic and Wegovy and it uses the same active ingredient. Your pharmacist can custom-mix compounded semaglutide to help fit your unique needs, adding in additional vitamins or leaving out certain ingredients if needed. 

Insurance Coverage for Wegovy and Ozempic

Insurance coverage will vary depending on whether you choose Wegovy or Ozempic. You may be able to save with a copay card from the manufacturer. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for patient assistance

Compounded semaglutide can be a more affordable option when compared with Wegovy and Ozempic. Because compounded semaglutide is not a brand-name drug like Ozempic or Wegovy, the cost tends to be lower. It is important to only get compounded semaglutide from a trusted and reliable source like Ahara. 

Switching From Ozempic to Wegovy: What You Need to Know

If you are thinking of switching from Ozempic to Wegovy, you’ll want to discuss this change with your doctor. It is important to ensure that dosages are not increased too quickly. 

Because side effects can be more common with Wegovy, your provider may want to start you on a lower dosage as they monitor for side effects. Your doctor can recommend the best dosing schedule for you.

Compounded Semaglutide through Ahara

Using Ahara to get compounded semaglutide is a convenient and affordable method for getting prescription weight loss medication. Through our online service, you can meet virtually with a provider who will prescribe compounded semaglutide for you. You can then continue to have ongoing visits online to monitor your progress. We also offer ongoing support from registered dietitians to help you meet your weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals. 

Wegovy vs Ozempic vs Compounded Semaglutide

Wegovy, Ozempic, and compounded semaglutide all contain the same active ingredient but they have some differences. Ozempic and Wegovy are both FDA approved versions of semaglutide. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight loss. Compounded semaglutide is a custom-mixed version of the drug that can be more affordable but it should always be purchased from a trusted source. 

Take control of your health.

Fruit and vegetable meals served in platesTake control of your health.