Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand names for semaglutide—the same active ingredient manufactured by Novo Nordisk. So why do two medications exist, and what's actually different between them? This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Official Assessment
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same drug (semaglutide), but they're FDA-approved for different purposes. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. The main differences are dosing, approval status, and insurance coverage.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | Type 2 diabetes | Chronic weight management |
| Maximum Dose | 2 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Starting Dose | 0.25 mg | 0.25 mg |
| Titration Period | 8-16 weeks | 16-20 weeks |
| Insurance Coverage | Often covered for diabetes | Rarely covered for weight loss |
| List Price | ~$935/month | ~$1,350/month |
Same Drug, Different Approvals
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide and work identically in your body. The reason two products exist comes down to FDA regulations and marketing:
- Ozempic came first — Approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes
- Weight loss was a side effect — Clinical trials showed significant weight reduction
- Novo Nordisk sought separate approval — Wegovy approved in 2021 specifically for obesity
- Different clinical trials — Each has its own trial data for its specific indication
The Dosing Difference
The most significant practical difference is the maximum dose:
Ozempic Dosing
- • 0.25 mg (weeks 1-4)
- • 0.5 mg (weeks 5-8)
- • 1 mg (maintenance)
- • 2 mg (max dose if needed)
Wegovy Dosing
- • 0.25 mg (weeks 1-4)
- • 0.5 mg (weeks 5-8)
- • 1 mg (weeks 9-12)
- • 1.7 mg (weeks 13-16)
- • 2.4 mg (maintenance)
The higher maximum dose of Wegovy (2.4 mg vs 2 mg) may produce slightly more weight loss for some patients, though individual responses vary significantly.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
This is where the differences matter most for many patients:
Ozempic Coverage
More likely to be covered if you have type 2 diabetes. Even without diabetes, some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, though insurance typically won't cover this use.
Wegovy Coverage
Most insurance plans don't cover weight loss medications. However, coverage is slowly improving, especially for patients with obesity-related conditions. Medicare and Medicaid generally don't cover Wegovy.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Ozempic if:
- • You have type 2 diabetes (better insurance coverage)
- • Your insurance covers it but not Wegovy
- • You're sensitive to medications and want the lower max dose option
Choose Wegovy if:
- • Weight loss is your primary goal
- • You want the FDA-approved weight loss indication
- • You may benefit from the higher 2.4 mg dose
- • Your insurance covers it or you're paying out of pocket
Official Summary
Wegovy and Ozempic are essentially the same medication packaged differently. The choice between them often comes down to insurance coverage, whether you have diabetes, and your doctor's recommendation. From a clinical standpoint, both are highly effective for weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.