Ozempic vs Wegovy: same semaglutide, but why different use and dose?
Patient's Query
Doctor, I am confused between Ozempic and Wegovy. I read that Ozempic is for diabetes and Wegovy is for weight loss, but both are semaglutide injections from the same company, Novo Nordisk.
Some people tell me they are the same medicine with two different names, so anyone can take either one. Others say Wegovy is stronger and meant only for obesity, and Ozempic is only for diabetes.
If a person has type 2 diabetes and is overweight, which one is correct? And if someone does not have diabetes but wants weight loss, can they take Ozempic? Why did the company make two brands if the ingredient is the same? Please explain clearly, with real data, so I can understand what is approved for what.
Doctor Answers
You are right. Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The body sees the same active molecule. The difference is mainly what they are officially approved for, and the dose strength used.
What each one is approved for
- Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes to improve sugar control. It also has approvals to reduce major heart events in type 2 diabetes with established heart disease, and to reduce kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease.
- Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in obesity (and overweight with related conditions). It also has an approval to reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight, and it has additional labeled indications in the most recent FDA label updates.
Dose is a big practical difference
- Ozempic is typically titrated up to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and up to 2 mg once weekly for diabetes control.
- Wegovy is titrated up to a higher maintenance dose, usually 2.4 mg once weekly (or 1.7 mg in some). That higher dose is one reason it gives stronger average weight loss results.
Why two brand names if the molecule is same?
Because regulators approve a medicine for a specific disease, dose, and trial evidence. Wegovy’s obesity approval is built on the STEP trials, where semaglutide 2.4 mg produced around 15% average weight loss in many patients when combined with lifestyle measures.
Ozempic’s diabetes and cardiovascular outcome evidence comes from trials like SUSTAIN-6 (lower weekly doses used in diabetes).
Practical take-home
- If you have type 2 diabetes, semaglutide can help sugar and weight. Your doctor chooses based on goals, dose needed, availability, and safety.
- If you do not have diabetes and want weight loss, using Ozempic purely for weight loss is usually off-label. Wegovy is the on-label option where available.
- Do not mix or “double up” semaglutide products.
References:
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/209637s025lbl.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/215256s024lbl.pdf
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1607141
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563
Disclaimer: The information provided in this Q&A is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and treatment recommendations.