Wegovy vs Ozempic
What do they have in common?
Both medicines contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This substance acts on receptors in the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, among other places, and can influence feelings of hunger and appetite. Both are administered once a week subcutaneously (under the skin) and are prescription-only: a doctor assesses whether the medicine is suitable.
Key differences
The difference mainly lies in the registered indication and the dosages.
| Feature | Wegovy | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Active substance | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Registered for | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Maintenance dose (indicative) | 2.4 mg per week | 0.5–2 mg per week |
When is each medicine considered?
Wegovy is registered for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with weight-related conditions, alongside a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity. Ozempic is registered for inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. The reason Ozempic is sometimes associated with weight loss is that it contains the same active substance, but it is not registered for that purpose. A doctor assesses on a case-by-case basis which medicine is appropriate.
Costs and reimbursement
Costs differ per medicine and per dosage. Reimbursement depends on the indication and the terms of your insurance policy. You will find a neutral overview on our pages about costs and reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Can I get these medicines without a prescription?
How often do you need to inject?
Official sources on this topic
Independent, authoritative information from official bodies: