Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but they are approved for different uses. Here is how they compare and how a Dallas telehealth visit can help you sort it out.
Ozempic and Wegovy are made by the same manufacturer and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. What separates them is what the FDA has approved each one to treat, and the dose schedules in their labeling.
The key difference: FDA-approved uses
- Ozempic is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce certain cardiovascular risks in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is not labeled as a weight-loss drug.
- Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, alongside diet and activity. Its labeling also includes reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults with established heart disease and obesity or overweight.
Weight loss can occur with Ozempic, but using a medication for a purpose outside its label is a decision for you and your provider. Review the current labeling for Wegovy on Drugs@FDA.
What clinical trials showed for Wegovy
In the STEP 1 trial, adults with overweight or obesity who took semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly plus lifestyle intervention lost more weight on average than those on placebo over 68 weeks (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021). Individual results vary, and outcomes are not guaranteed.
Common considerations for both
- Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, especially when starting or increasing a dose.
- Both carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors, and neither is for people with certain personal or family histories.
- Both are weekly injections, and doses are increased gradually as directed in the labeling.
Which one might be right for you?
If your main goal is weight management, Wegovy is the semaglutide product labeled for it. If you have type 2 diabetes, your provider may discuss which option fits your overall care. At TeleSlimClinicDallas.com, a licensed provider reviews your history by video and explains your medication options. Compounded drugs are not part of our program.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
They share the active ingredient, but they are separate products with different approved uses and dose schedules.
Can I take both at the same time?
No. Taking two semaglutide products together is not appropriate. Your provider will choose one.
Will insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by plan and by the medication's approved use. Our visit fee is cash-pay, and your plan or pharmacy determines medication costs.
Is my provider licensed in Texas?
You can check licensure with the Texas Medical Board lookup.
Sources
- Wegovy prescribing information, Drugs@FDA
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med 2021
Book your free consultation to talk through your options.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Talk with a licensed provider about whether any weight-loss medication is right for you.
