Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is best for weight loss? 

Prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic are clinically proven to help those struggling with long-term weight management lose significant amounts of weight, particularly in instances where lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise have been unsuccessful on their own.

Wegovy and Ozempic, alongside other medications such as Saxenda and Mounjaro, come in the form of an injection and, in recent years, have caused much controversy both in weight loss communities and the wider media, branded as the ‘Skinny Jab’. 

Wegovy vs Ozempic: A Comparison

Drug Name	Wegovy	Ozempic
Active Ingredient	Semaglutide	Semaglutide
Form	Injection	Injection
Frequency of Injection	Use once a week on the same day each week	Use once a week on the same day each week
Common Side Effects	Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and headaches.	Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Drug Interactions	Blood pressure medications, oedema medications, thyroid medications	Blood pressure medications, oedema medications, thyroid medications
Doses	Injection pens increase in increments from: 0.25mg 0.5mg 1mg 1.7mg 2.4mg	Injection pens increase in increments from:  0.25mg 0.5mg 1mg
Who can take it?	Adults over the age of 18 with:  BMI of 30 or above BMI of 27 or above and a weight-related health condition	Adults over the age of 18 with: BMI over 27
Availability	Available with prescription as part of a weight management plan.	Available to treat and manage people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Intended Use	Weight Loss Treatment	Type 2 Diabetes
How to Use	Wegovy How to Use	Ozempic How to Use

Effectiveness of Wegovy vs Ozempic 

In comparing the effectiveness of Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss, a pivotal study to consider is the STEP 5 trial, which specifically focused on semaglutide, the active ingredient in both medications. This study showed that over 2 years, participants treated with semaglutide experienced a significant reduction in body weight (-15.2%) compared to those who received a placebo (-2.6%). 

When used alongside exercise and a healthy diet, Wegovy is effective for weight loss. A 68-week trial found that 83% of adults taking Wegovy lost 5% or more of their body weight, compared with just 31% of adults taking the placebo. 

When comparing Wegovy vs Ozempic, it is important to highlight that as both contain the same main ingredient, Semaglutide, their effectiveness on weight loss is similar, and it is difficult to distinguish which is the most effective. 

Differences Between Wegovy vs Ozempic

Dosage 

Wegovy and Ozempic are medications that come with specific dosing schedules and strengths. Wegovy is available in five different strengths, allowing for a tailored approach to treatment. The strengths are the initial dose of 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg, the maintenance dose of 1 mg and 1.7 mg, and the maximum dose of 2.4 mg. This variety helps in gradually increasing the dose to suit individual needs.

Ozempic has three strengths: the initial dose of 0.25 mg, the maintenance dose of 0.5 mg, and the maximum dose of 1 mg. However, like Wegovy, Ozempic’s dosing schedule is designed to increase gradually over time. This gradual increase helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects.

Intended Primary Use 

Wegovy’s intended primary use in the UK is for weight management in adults, especially those who are overweight or obese with related health conditions.

Ozempic, in contrast, is primarily intended for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Availability in the UK

Wegovy is approved in the UK for weight loss as part of a long-term weight management plan, including diet and exercise. Wegovy must be purchased with a prescription in the UK and is unavailable over the counter.

Ozempic is officially authorised and licensed in the UK, but only for treating type 2 diabetes. It has yet to receive approval for use as a weight loss medication. Some private weight loss clinics might prescribe it, which is legal, but this is considered ‘off-label’ prescribing. ‘Off-label’ means the drug is used in a way not specified in its official license.

Click2Pharmacy does not offer Ozempic for weight loss as it is not approved for this use in the UK. Also, since it is mainly used to treat diabetic patients, using it for weight loss can cause shortages. Therefore, we have chosen not to offer this treatment for ethical reasons and suggested taking Wegovy instead due to their similarities. 

Similarities Between Wegovy vs Ozempic 

Semaglutide 

The main similarity between Wegovy and Ozempic is their active ingredient, Semaglutide. Both medications use this ingredient to affect the body’s insulin levels and blood sugar control. This makes them effective in managing conditions related to glucose metabolism.

Both medications also work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite, which can reduce hunger and food intake. This effect contributes to their use in weight management, even though this is the primary purpose of Wegovy and a secondary use of Ozempic.

Dose Pens

Both medications are administered through dose pens designed for ease of use. The pens come with clear instructions on how to set the dose and administer the injection. It’s essential to follow the dosing schedule provided with your medication closely. Your GP or pharmacist will guide you on the correct starting dose and how to increase it over time based on your health condition and response to the medication.

Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy 

Wegovy and Ozempic have similar side effects due to their shared active ingredient, Semaglutide. These can include:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. These symptoms often occur as the body adjusts to the medication.
   
   
2. Appetite Changes: Reduced appetite is a frequent side effect, aligning with their role in appetite regulation.
   
   
3. Low Blood Sugar Levels: Particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes, there can be a risk of hypoglycemia, especially when combined with other diabetes medications.
   
   
4. Fatigue and Headache: Some people may experience tiredness or headaches after starting these medications.
   
   
5. Injection Site Reactions: Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site may occur.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and they often diminish over time.

Ready to start your weight loss journey?

Start your weight loss journey with confidence by choosing Click2Pharmacy. Here, we offer the convenience of buying Wegovy online, a reliable alternative to Ozempic for effective weight management. With our dedicated and trusted weight loss medication clinic, Click2Pharmacy ensures you get the support and quality products you need for your health goals. Make a smart choice for your well-being by purchasing your weight loss injections with us.