The key differences
| Wegovy | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Main approved use | Chronic weight management; also reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity | Type 2 diabetes; also cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction in adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Forms | Weekly pen, daily pill, Wegovy HD pen | Weekly pen |
| Maximum dose (pen) | 2.4 mg, or 7.2 mg (Wegovy HD) | 2 mg |
| NovoCare self-pay price | $349/mo pen; $399/mo HD; pill $149–$299 | Pens $199–$499 by dose |
Weight loss results
In the STEP 1 trial, people on Wegovy 2.4 mg lost about 15% of body weight on average over 68 weeks. In the STEP UP trial, Wegovy 7.2 mg produced about 19–21% average weight loss over 72 weeks, depending on how results were measured. Ozempic's trials were in people with type 2 diabetes and used lower doses, so its results aren't directly comparable.
Why it matters
- Insurance: plans often cover Ozempic for diabetes but treat Wegovy as a weight-loss drug with different rules.
- Prescribing: using Ozempic for weight loss alone is off-label. A clinician decides which product and dose, if any, is suitable.
See also semaglutide vs tirzepatide and GLP-1 pills compared.
Sources
GLP1Rated is for general information only and is not medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs with real risks and side effects. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.