Wegovy Vs. Ozempic: Choosing The Right Medication For You - Levity

With the rise of weight loss medications, it can be difficult to know the difference between treatments. Here our Levity experts unpack whether Wegovy is the same as Ozempic and how you can choose the right medication to start your weight loss journey.

The history of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists better known as GLP-1s are a class of weight loss medications that included branded medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. They were originally developed to treat people with type 2 diabetes in but have recently gained popularity due to their effectiveness in promoting weight loss in adults who are obese or overweight. [1]

Similarities between Ozempic and Wegovy

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide and work the same way within the body. Semaglutide is a hormone that is naturally produced in your gut after eating and promotes weight loss by slowing down digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and by signalling to your brain that you are full and therefore reducing your appetite and food intake. [2]

Both medications are also administered via subcutaneous injections (just under the skin) on a weekly basis with pre-filled injection pens.

Finally both medications share common side effects including nausea, constipation and injection site reactions.

How are Ozempic and Wegovy different?

While Ozempic and Wegovy are part of the same class of drugs (GLP-1 agonists) and work in the same way, there are a few key differences to consider.

Potential weight loss

Ozempic is licensed exclusively for people with type 2 diabetes only, and studies conducted on this population showed an average weight loss of up to 7% after one year. Weight loss in type 2 diabetics on GLP-1s tend to be less but the reasons why are still being researched but this explains the discrepancy. Clinical trials of Wegovy showed a weight loss of 15% after one year but were performed in people without diabetes because it is licensed for those who are obese or overweight with a weight related comorbidity. [3]

Maximum dosage

Another key difference between these two medications is that Wegovy is available at a higher maximum dose which is why it is more effective for weight loss. The maximum dose of Wegovy is 2.4mg versus 2.0mg for Ozempic. [1]

FDA approvals

Ozempic and Wegovy are the same medication (semaglutide) under different brand names however, they are approved by the FDA for different uses. Ozempic is approved for managing type 2 diabetes and blood sugar control, but it's also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Alternatively, Wegovy is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management and is only prescribed for this purpose. [1]

Cost of treatment

Another factor to consider when choosing which is the right medication for you is price. Here at Levity, Wegovy costs $1,599 every four weeks and Ozempic is $1,199 every four weeks. The good news is that with Levity your initial consultation, prescription, medication, delivery and ongoing clinical support and health coaching is all included in the price of the medication. 

Alternative Medications

At Levity we understand that the cost of Wegovy and Ozempic is an obstacle for some patients which is why we offer compounded semaglutide as an effective alternative. Compounded semaglutide is a weekly injection prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies and contains the same active ingredient as branded medications and can help you lose up to 15% of your body weight for just $225/month.  

Who is eligible for Ozempic and Wegovy?‍

Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable weight loss drugs for those with a BMI over 30 or over 27 if they have related health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol.‍

Compounded Semaglutide 

Compounded semaglutide is an injectable weight loss drug for those with a BMI over 27 and unlike Ozempic and Wegovy you don’t need any comorbidities to be eligible.‍

Choosing the right medication

To determine your eligibility for weight loss treatment and start your weight loss journey with Ozempic, Wegovy or another weight loss treatment all you need to do is start a short consultation with Levity. Once you answer a few questions about your medical history then our clinical team will then recommend the right treatment option for you. 

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References:

[1] What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy? [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-ozempic-wegovy-3565564/

[2] Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, et al. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet [Internet]. 2021 Mar;397(10278):971–84. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/

[3] Chronic Weight Results | Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg [Internet]. novoMEDLINK. 2023 [cited 2024 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/efficacy-safety/chronic-weight-management.html#wegovy-and-significant-weight-loss