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What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

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, 2 min read

What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are developed by Novo Nordisk and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However there are some differences in how they are used.

  1. Indication and Usage:
    • Wegovy: Specifically approved for weight management. It is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).
    • Ozempic: Primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. It improves blood sugar control in adults with this condition. It is not authorised for weight loss, but has been used off-label for that purpose.
  2. Dosage:
    • Wegovy: Typically comes in higher doses of semaglutide compared to Ozempic, as it's designed for weight loss. The dosage may be adjusted based on the individual's response and tolerability.
    • Ozempic: Available in lower doses than Wegovy, since its primary use is for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes.
  3. Administration:
    • Both medications are administered as a subcutaneous injection. The frequency of dosing might differ based on the patient’s condition and the doctor's prescription.
  4. Side Effects:
    • Common side effects for both Wegovy and Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These side effects are often dose-related and may decrease over time.
  5. Efficacy:
    • Both medications have been shown to be effective for their respective indications. Wegovy shows significant weight loss results in clinical trials, while Ozempic improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients.

Find out more about eMed's weight management programme that includes a Wegovy prescription for eligible patients.


The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read here.

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