Ozempic vs Wegovy: Which Weight Loss Option Is Right?

Introduction

Weight loss injections have emerged as a new weight loss drug option for people who need help losing weight or who develop weight related condition. Ozempic and Wegovy are two which you will likely hear mentioned most often in UK clinics and weight loss forums. The two drugs have the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are used to treat different conditions and are licensed differently in the UK.

As interest in medically-proven weight loss solutions continues to grow, it is important to learn the fundamental differences between these two injectable medications. This guide will let you compare Ozempic vs Wegovy, including everything from what they do, how much they take, how much they cost, and side effects, and who might benefit the most from each.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable medication that can be administered once a week and contains an active ingredient semaglutide, initially developed for people with Type 2 diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar control and has the added bonus of weight loss, which led to its use as an off-label treatment of obesity.

Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK, however many private clinics offer it for that reason because it has been proven to curb appetite and lower calorie intake, aiding in chronic weight management.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy, in contrast, has been approved for weight management both in the UK and the US. It has a higher dose of the medication semaglutide than Ozempic and is meant to help people who are obese or have a body mass index of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.

Licensed by the MHRA and NICE, Wegovy can be prescribed in the UK on a private basis and in some circumstances via the NHS.

Ozempic vs Wegovy: Key Similarities and Differences

Here is a look at how these weight loss drugs compare for some areas.

FDA and UK Licensing

Ozempic is approved for Type 2 diabetes, but is frequently used off-label for weight loss.
Wegovy is currently only approved for weight management, so it is a more straightforward option for patients trying to shed pounds.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Wegovy and Ozempic are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, copying a natural hormone, called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone:

Slows down digestion (gastric emptying)
Increases feelings of fullness
Reduces appetite
Helps control blood sugar levels

Although it shares the same mechanism, as they are the same drug, Wegovy has a higher dose of semaglutide, making it more effective for weight loss in clinical settings.

Ozempic vs Wegovy Dosage

Ozempic Dosage

Starting Dose: 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks
Titration: May titrate to 0.5 mg after 4 weeks
Maintenance Dose: 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg weekly (maximum dose 2.0mg in some)

Ozempic has a more gradual dose increase, something that might be easier for patients new to GLP-1 drugs to tolerate.

Wegovy Dosage

Starting Dose: 0.25 mg once a week
Titration: Incremental increase every 4 weeks
- 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg
Maintenance Dose: 2.4 mg weekly

Wegovy is intended to be gradually titrated so the body can adjust, and to minimise side effects. Higher maintenance dose leads to greater weight loss.

Ozempic vs Wegovy Dosage Chart

Ozempic Dose

Week 1-4: 0.25 mg
Week 5-8: 0.5 mg
Week 9-12: 0.5-1.0 mg
Week 13+: Up to 2.0 mg

Wegovy Dose

Week 1-4: 0.25 mg
Week 5-8: 0.5 mg
Week 9-12: 1.0 mg
Week 13+: 1.7-2.4 mg

This table gives an overview of the progression of a dosage. Wegovy makes a sharp turn toward a more aggressive weight-loss focus with its higher final dose.

Weight Loss Efficacy: Ozempic vs Wegovy

Clinical Trials and Results

Both Ozempic and Wegovy have been tested in massive clinical trials to determine how well they work for weight loss. These trials provide invaluable data on the performance of each drug in a controlled setting, particularly for diabetes management.

Ozempic (STEP 2 Trial)

This trial targeted adults having type 2 diabetes. Those in the group receiving 1.0 mg once weekly semaglutide lost an average of 6% of their body weight over 68 weeks. The research also indicated reductions in HbA1c and metabolic health overall. Though Ozempic was not actually designed for weight loss, the study showed that it offered impressive results even at lower doses when paired with diet and lifestyle changes.

Wegovy (STEP 1 Trial)

This trial included adults without diabetes who were obese (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition. Those who took 2.4 mg of semaglutide each week lost 14.9% of their weight, on average, over 68 weeks, while those in the placebo group lost 2.4 percent of their weight. More than half shed 15% or more of their body weight. The study has played a major role behind Wegovy gaining regulatory approval for weight management.

Additional Trials (STEP 3 and STEP 4)

Additional research into the effects of Wegovy also involved behavioural interventions. In the STEP 3 trial, which added semaglutide to intensive behavioral therapy, participants lost even more weight, an average of about 16% of body weight. The STEP 4 trial was intended to evaluate long-term maintenance, demonstrating that continued treatment with Wegovy reduced the risk of weight gain.

These findings further support that the majority of people treated with Wegovy will lose more weight and achieve clinically meaningful weight loss compared to Ozempic because it was studied in people with a dose used for weight management. But both drugs work, and results can differ depending on the patient’s weight at the start, history of disease and willingness to make a healthy lifestyle change like regular exercise and reduced calorie diet.

Long-term Weight Loss Outcomes

Both drugs provide hope for sustained weight loss, particularly when used in combination with changes in lifestyle such as diet, physical activity and support for behaviour. But Wegovy has a history of generating more substantial and longer-lasting results, especially when combined with diet and exercise..

Note that stopping treatment is often followed by the recurrence of the weight lost, so continued care and long-term plans, including behavioural and nutritional support, are necessary to maintain results.

Pricing Overview (Private Clinics)

Ozempic (1 mg): Around £150–£250 per month
Wegovy (2.4 mg): Around £200–£300+ per month

Prices can also fluctuate depending on the provider, the customer’s location, and extra support services, like consultations and monitoring. Wegovy tends to be more expensive because of its larger dose and it holds an exclusive weight loss licence.

Insurance Coverage and Availability

Your access to Ozempic and Wegovy in the UK is also dependent on your medical requirement and whether you are undergoing the process on the NHS or on private treatment.

Ozempic is now available on the NHS for people living with Type 2 diabetes. It is, however, not approved for weight loss on the NHS. But many private clinics dispensing it off-label for weight control.
Wegovy is authorised for weight loss by the UK’s NICE. It is available on the NHS through Tier 3 weight management services, those people with a BMI of 35 or more, or a BMI over 30 with health problems, such as high blood pressure. Access is limited, and referrals and wait times can make it difficult to get care.
Private clinics provide quicker and easier access to both drugs, without being dependent on the NHS criteria. Once a medical consultation is complete, patients can begin treatment right away, but that means paying out of pocket.
Most UK health insurance policies do not cover weight loss injections as they are often seen as lifestyle treatments. But some plans might provide limited coverage if there is a strong medical reason, such as reducing the risk of diabetes.

In other words, Ozempic is on the NHS, however, it is for diabetes while Wegovy has been approved for weight loss but is more difficult to access publicly. Private treatment continues to be the most direct option for many.

Ozempic vs Wegovy Cost in the UK

Medication	Monthly Cost (Private)	NHS Availability	Licensing
Ozempic	£150–£250	Yes (diabetes only)	Not for weight loss
Wegovy	£200–£300+	Limited (Tier 3)	Licensed for weight loss

Side Effects and Health Considerations

Both drugs can have gastrointestinal side effects, particularly when they are titrated:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Headaches
Injection site redness or irritation

These side effects typically go away over time as your body gets used to the medication. Beginning with a low dose with gradual increases can reduce this discomfort.

Serious Health Risks

Although rare, both Ozempic and Wegovy carry risk of more serious complications:

Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Possible increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumours

They are not suitable for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome. Your healthcare provider will assess your medical history before recommending treatment.

Ozempic vs Wegovy treatment

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Recommendations for Patients

Who Might Prefer Ozempic?

Type 2 diabetics who are managing with additional weight loss benefit
Patients in need of a lower-dose introduction to semaglutide
Those patients with limited access to Wegovy

Who Might Benefit More from Wegovy?

Overweight and obese adults
Patients who failed other therapies
Those seeking more potent weight loss results

Cautionary Groups

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Those with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.
Anyone who is using multiple drugs for diabetes (in order to avoid hypoglycaemia)

It is important to consult a trained professional prior to beginning any of these weight loss medications. Needs are different for each individual, you need a treatment plan that is tailored for you and what you can get from a professional is the safest and most effective.

Final Thoughts

The choice between Ozempic and Wegovy is not only a matter of price or availability, it is about which is more effective given your health needs. Though they both rely on semaglutide to suppress appetite and help people lose weight, they vary in licensing, dose, effectiveness and cost.

For people with diabetes or mild to moderate weight loss requirements, ozempic may be the perfect choice.
Wegovy is intended for people who need to lose weight and would benefit from clinically meaningful weight loss under medical supervision.

By choosing the right provider and support, you will receive safe and successful weight management via GLP-1 medication.

Resources for Further Reading

FAQs

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is for Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy is approved for weight loss. Wegovy uses a higher dose.

Which is better for weight loss: Ozempic or Wegovy?

In general, Wegovy brings about more weight loss, in part because it is using a higher dose and is licensed specifically for the treatment of obesity.

How much does Ozempic cost in the UK?

Prices range from £150 to £250 per month privately. It is not available from the NHS for weight loss.

How much does Wegovy cost in the UK?

Wegovy usually costs £200 to £300 plus a month at private clinics.

Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?

Yes, under medical guidance. A clinician can slowly transition you based on your goals for weight loss and your tolerance.

What are the side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy?

Adverse effects are usually nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious side effects are uncommon but can include pancreatitis and problems with the thyroid.