Dr. Faithful Explains Ozempic vs. Wegovy. When Do You Need Which One?
Ozempic and Wegovy are two of the most popular name brand GLP-1s on the market — here's how they compare.
Although the GLP-1 market is constantly changing and new drugs are coming to market, the two best known in the semaglutide (as opposed to tirzepatide) category now are Ozempic and Wegovy. Both options are commonly used for weight loss because they mimic the GLP-1 hormone. This helps slow digestion, curb your appetite, and lower your insulin levels. But, what is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy — and why might somebody choose one over another?
Healthcare policy expert Dr. Lala Faithful, M.D., RN, specializes in managing obesity. She says the differences between the two medications start on a basic chemical level: “Both have semaglutide, protein and polypeptide, a chain of 31 amino acids linked by peptide molecules as the core structure. Then both also have the buffer solution of disodium phosphate dihydrate,” Dr. Faithful explains. “Furthermore, Ozempic has propylene glycol and phenol for pH balancing and usability. Meanwhile Wegovy has salt and base NaCl, H20, HCl, and NaOH.
But, she says, they are the same type of medication: “Both Ozempic and Wegovy are FDA-approved Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists (GLP-1s),” she adds. “They come as prefilled injectables for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and overweight or obesity, respectively.”
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Ozempic primarily treats diabetes—but not Wegovy
Ozempic is an injectable medication that uses the active ingredient known as semaglutide. According to UC Davis Health, it mimics the GLP-1 hormone and helps the body lower insulin levels. It was first approved in 2017 by the FDA to treat diabetes. However, it’s now often used for weight loss, because it also helps curb hunger and boost weight loss results.
“Ozempic will be prescribed for diabetics because Wegovy may not work if the patient is diabetic and may not be seeking weight loss benefits,” Dr. Faithful explains. “Also, if the patient has a different type of diabetes, for example, diabetes type I, and the underlying pathophysiology is not insulin resistance, but it is an autoimmune dysfunction of the pancreas; thereby, either of this GLP-1 medication may not be effective.”
Wegovy primarily treats obesity
Wegovy is an injectable GLP-1 medication that contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic: Semaglutide. However, according Yale Medicine, it was initially approved by the FDA to treat weight loss in 2021, instead of diabetes. Dr. Faithful tells us she will prescribe Wegovy to someone solely looking to treat obesity, along with a healthy diet and exercise.
“Wegovy addresses weight loss directly, and whenever there is a singular diagnosis with a specific medication with reasonable side effects that targets the medical condition, it is medically sound to treat this way,” she explains. “This way will also prevent more side effects and complications.”
Ozempic treats diabetes more successfully, while Wegovy is better for weight loss
Wegovy has an edge over Ozempic in the weight loss department. Meanwhile, Ozempic tends to be better for diabetes. But Dr. Faithful says, both can result in weight loss: “When Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017, it was marketed as a diabetic medication,” she says. “However, when Wegovy was FDA approved in 2021, it was marketed as a weight loss treatment. Many now gravitate towards it for the single goal of weight loss vs. diabetes treatment.”
The different medications can have different side effects
Although there are chemical differences, Ozempic and Wegovy have similar side effects. Patients can expect to experience the usual: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headaches and other similar symptoms. But Dr. Faithful tells Woman’s World the side effects may be amplified when taking Wegovy because of dosage differences.
“Just like any prescribed medications, there are side effects associated with Ozempic and Wegovy,” she explains. “But due to the higher doses usually consumed in Wegovy, there tends to be a slight increase of side effects.”
Wegovy costs more than Ozempic — and there's a reason for that
When perusing online providers’ GLP-1 offerings, you may notice that Wegovy often costs more than Ozempic. And while you might think it’s because Wegovy witnessed a recent spike in popularity, it’s actually because of the dosage differences that De. Faithful mentioned: “Wegovy tends to cost more because the weekly injectable treatment doses come in higher doses than the Ozempic dosages,” Dr. Faithful tells us. “Therefore, the cost and access to insurance can play a role in the affordability factor.”
Speak to your doctor before choosing Ozempic, Wegovy, or another type of GLP-1
Before starting any new medication, it’s important to speak with your primary care physician. When deciding on a GLP-1 — whether it be Ozempic or Wegovy, or one of the tirzepatide brands — make an appointment to meet with them either in-person or via telehealth. This, Dr. Faithful says, will help ensure you’re making the right decision for yourself.
“There are comorbidities associated with both diabetes and obesity or being overweight,” she tells us. “Both types of individuals need to be evaluated and assessed properly before engaging in any health medications or starting new medications.”
Both Ozempic and Wegovy work for weight loss — but Wegovy may be better
Ozempic and Wegovy are pretty similar medications, as they both contain the active ingredient of semaglutide. This can decrease insulin resistance — therefore, curbing appetite and resulting in weight loss. But with higher doses and by targeting weight loss directly, Wegovy may be the optimal choice for increased loss results. Just speak to your provider before making any rash decisions.
FAQs
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Why is Wegovy better for weight loss?
Wegovy may be better for weight loss, because that's what it was made to do. It was first FDA-approved to treat obesity in 2021, whereas Ozempic was initially FDA-approved to treat diabetes.
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Can I use Ozempic to lose weight?
Ozempic often results in weight loss. But it largely targets diabetes.
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Why is Wegovy more expensive?
Wegovy comes in higher doses. It is also more in demand right now, because it targets obesity.
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Is Ozempic covered by insurance?
Ozempic can be covered by insurance. But it is more likely to be covered if you can prove comorbidities such as diabetes.
