HomeWegovy vs Ozempic: Comparing Semaglutide SourcesHealth Hub

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Comparing Semaglutide Sources

Pharmacy2U Team | minute read
Man stretching outside

Weight loss medication brands are quickly becoming household names, so you have probably heard of Ozempic and Wegovy before. These two treatments are different versions of the same medication, but what exactly makes them different and what do they offer to users? 

In this article, we’ll take a look at these two different brands of weight loss medication, their uses and the legislation in place for each of them with regards to weight loss here in the UK.

What is Wegovy and Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic are different brands of medication that contain the active ingredient; semaglutide. Originally developed for use in treating type-2 diabetes, semaglutide demonstrated potential as a weight loss medication - a use it is now licensed for in the UK via specific prescription treatments.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both of these brands of medication. Semaglutide is an injectable medication that mimics hormones in the body that impact feelings of being satiated and slows down the movement of food through the stomach.

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain this active ingredient and, from a distance, could appear as one and the same medication. Although the two offer the same active ingredient, the licensing for Wegovy and Ozempic is very different in the UK. While Ozempic has become a trending topic in celebrity news, with many Americans purchasing the medicine for off-label weight loss use, Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss at all. 

Is Wegovy licensed in the UK?

Wegovy, on the other hand, is licensed for weight loss here in the UK. This licensing has now been issued by the MHRA, as of September 2023, and allows patients to use the medication to aid weight loss with a prescription from a licensed medical professional.

Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?

Wegovy is available through the NHS via prescription for patients who meet the relevant criteria; those who have a BMI of over 35, or a BMI of between 30-34.9 in conjunction with a referral to specialist weight management services. Patients might also be prescribed Wegovy if they experience weight-related comorbidity such as cardiovascular disease or hypertension. 

You can speak to your health care professional about Wegovy and other weight loss medications including Saxenda and Orlistat or use our Online Doctor consultation form to begin a consultation with our in-house licensed doctors. There is no guarantee you will be prescribed a weight loss medication, however, we look at your case, review the symptoms you’re experiencing, and our GPs recommend suitable treatments that, if approved, you can access through our website.

Can I get Ozempic on the NHS?

You can get Ozempic on the NHS, but not for use as a weight loss aid. Ozempic is licensed in the UK for the use of treating type-2 diabetes only. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels in those with type-2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK noted there was a concern around Ozempic shortages internationally because this medicine was being purchased and used as a weight loss treatment, causing a lack of supply which affected patients suffering from type-2 diabetes. Wegovy, however, uses the same active ingredient, and is licensed by the MHRA in the UK - so Ozempic should not be considered by any UK residents who are not living with type-2 diabetes.

How do Ozempic and Wegovy differ?

It can be hard to understand why Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t interchangeable if they are very similar medications. Other than licensing, which makes it very difficult to acquire Ozempic for weight loss purposes in the UK, the two medications have little that separates them. 

Wegovy does generally have a higher efficacy for weight loss but this is most likely because Wegovy is commonly prescribed at a higher dose than Ozempic. Most users of Ozempic for diabetes will start at a dose of 0.25 mg, going up to 1mg then 2mg if required. Wegovy is also initially prescribed for weight loss at a dose of 0.25mg, however, the dosage often goes up to 1.7mg or 2.4mg to maintain weight loss for the user. 

WegovyOzempic
Active ingredientSemaglutide Semaglutide
Dosage0.25mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg0.25mg, 1mg, 2mg
Method of administrationSubcutaneous injection (in fatty tissue under the skin)Subcutaneous injection (in fatty tissue under the skin)
Available for weight loss in the UK?YesNo
Available for diabetes in the UK?NoYes

How to take Wegovy

If you are prescribed Wegovy to support weight loss, it’s important to understand that this medication is not a standalone solution. You also need to adjust your diet and exercise routine to get the best and the most sustainable results. 

A healthy diet and a regular exercise routine are essential parts of optimising your health regardless of whether you are using any additional weight loss medication, but is especially important when using Wegovy and other weight loss aids as they can help you to adjust better to the active ingredients and may elevate the results you see. 

You can get advice on the type of exercise you should do that suits your lifestyle and current body weight as well as advice on the adjustments to your diet that would be best for you from your healthcare provider.

Wegovy and other weight loss medication from Pharmacy2U

If you meet the criteria for possible prescription of a weight loss medication like Wegovy, you can start a consultation with our licensed doctors via our online consultation form. We will take a look at your case and recommend a course of action that suits your requirements. This might include a prescription for weight loss meditation.