Wegovy vs Ozempic: Comparing Semaglutide Sources

How do Ozempic and Wegovy differ?

While they both use semaglutide and work in a similar way, there are some key differences between Wegovy and Ozempic in their approved use, dosage and availability in the UK.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to support weight loss and improve blood sugar control. It belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (short for glucagon-like peptide-1). These medications mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite, insulin release and digestion.

Wegovy and Ozempic: Side Effects Comparison

Since Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they share many of the same side effects. However, since Wegovy is often prescribed in higher doses and in tablet form, the potential to experience side effects is much higher, particularly when the dosage is increased. 

The common side effects (shared by both) usually appear during the first few weeks of treatment and often lessen as the body adjusts:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Stomach pain or cramping

• Indigestion or acid reflux

• Headaches

• Fatigue

Some rare side effects are less frequent but can be more serious:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Gallbladder problems

• Kidney function changes (usually linked to dehydration)

• Low blood sugar (especially when used with other diabetic medications)

• Anaphylaxis or allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

If you experience any of these side effects, please contact emergency services immediately, as some can be life threatening.

There are some side effects are not life threatening but have drawn media attention, particularly with Ozempic used for weight loss:

Ozempic Face: A term used when the loss of facial fat or volume has led to a more gaunt or aged appearance. This can occur with rapid weight loss from any GLP-1 medication, not just Ozempic.

Ozempic Feet Side Effects: There is no recognised medical condition called ‘Ozempic feet’, it is a term used to describe the changes in foot appearance that can result from the rapid weight loss associated with medications. The rapid weight loss leads to fat pad atrophy, where the fat padding in the feet areas, such as the heels or soles has reduced leading to foot pain. An increase in corns and calluses (thicken of the skin on the feet), allowing the veins to be more prominent in appearance.

Is Wegovy licensed in the UK?

Yes, Wegovy is licensed in the UK for weight loss. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted this approval in September 2023, allowing patients to access Wegovy with a prescription from a licensed medical professional to support their weight loss journey.

Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?

Yes, you can but it is typically prescribed under strict eligibility criteria due to its cost and targeted use for weight management. To be considered for Wegovy on the NHS, patients need to meet the following requirements, which are often stricter than for private patients:

• Have a BMI of over 35 or

• Have a BMI of 30+ with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, heart issues, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea 

• Have tried other weight loss methods with limited or no success

• Be referred to a specialist weight management service by your GP

People from ethnic minority backgrounds may have lower BMI thresholds for eligibility. This means they might qualify at a slightly lower BMI compared to others. You can check your current BMI using our BMI calculator, if you're unsure.

Access through the NHS usually involves referral to a tier 3 or tier 4 weight management clinic, where treatment includes not just medication like Wegovy but also dietary, psychological and lifestyle support.

If you do not meet NHS criteria, Wegovy is also available privately in the UK, offering an alternative option for those seeking medical support with weight loss.

Can I get Ozempic on the NHS?

Ozempic may be prescribed on the NHS for some adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood-glucose control when lifestyle measures alone are insufficient, in line with NICE guidance. It is licensed for diabetes treatment only and is not licensed for weight loss. Prescribing is at the clinician’s discretion and depends on your individual circumstances and local NHS formulary availability.

Ozempic is not licensed or recommended for weight loss in the UK, which can be confusing for some patients. This confusion often occurs because both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient and are part of the same class of medications, GLP-1. Which are increasingly popular for weight management. 

If you're unsure which medication is right for you, it's best to speak with a qualified clinician who can advise on safe, effective and legally available options in the UK.

How to take Wegovy

Use exactly as per the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for Wegovy but we also have the directions as follows

Step 1: Prepare the injection

• Wash your hands and clean the injection site using warm soapy water

• Check the Wegovy pen to ensure it’s the correct medication, dose and is not expired

• Look through the pen’s viewing window, the liquid should be clear and colourless. If it’s cloudy, discoloured or has particles, do not use it. Contact your clinician for a replacement

Step 2: Attach the needle

• Take a new needle, push it straight onto the pen and twist it firmly to secure it

• Remove the outer and inner needle caps and keep the outer cap as you’ll need it to safely remove the needle later. You can dispose of the inner cap

Step 3: Check the flow (First use only)

• Skip this step if the pen has already been used before.

• Turn the dose selector until it points to the flow check symbol (two dots and a line)

• Press the injection button. A small drop should appear at the needle tip, this is to confirm that the pen is working

• If no drop appears, repeat this step once more. If it still doesn’t work, do not use the pen and contact us for support and advice

Step 4: Inject your Wegovy dose

• Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops, and it shows your prescribed dose

• Insert the needle into your chosen injection site

• Press and hold the button until the dose counter reaches 0

• Keep the needle in place and continue holding the button for 6 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered

Step 5: After the injection

• Carefully remove the needle, replace the outer cap you kept from earlier and dispose of the needle in your sharps bin

• Store your Wegovy pen in the fridge, ready for your next weekly dose

Wegovy injection sites

Wegovy has three injection sites that are ideal locations, the abdomen, thighs and the upper arms. If you do decide to use the upper arms as an injection site, get someone to help, as it needs to be the back of the arms.

Wegovy and other weight loss medication

If you’re looking for an effective treatment for weight management, there are several effective options available. Wegovy is a popular choice but other licensed treatments such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) may also be suitable depending on your health profile and goals.

To find the most appropriate option, you'll need to complete an online consultation with one of our clinicians. They will assess factors like your BMI, medical history and any past weight loss treatments. This will help them decide if medication would best support your needs as part of a personalised plan.

Advice and information to support weight loss