Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they’re licensed for different uses and doses — Wegovy for weight management (higher dose), Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (lower dose ranges). They come in different pens and aren’t automatically interchangeable without clinical advice.

Same ingredient, different purposes

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are based on semaglutide, a medicine developed to mimic the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite, slows digestion, and influences how the body processes sugar. Although they contain the same substance, Ozempic was first introduced for managing type 2 diabetes, helping people bring their blood sugar levels under control. In contrast, Wegovy was specifically trialled and licensed for weight management in adults living with overweight or obesity. NICE guidance makes this distinction clear: while the ingredient is identical, the licensed use is not.

Differences in dosing

The main distinction comes down to dosage levels. Ozempic is prescribed in lower doses, typically up to 1 mg once a week, for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, on the other hand, uses higher doses — up to 2.4 mg weekly — which research shows is necessary to achieve significant weight reduction. In the STEP-1 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants using semaglutide 2.4 mg alongside lifestyle support lost on average about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. These findings underpin the specific approval of Wegovy as a weight management medicine.

Why not interchangeable?

At first glance, people might think Ozempic and Wegovy could be swapped because they contain the same drug. In reality, they are packaged in different injection pens, come in different dose strengths, and are licensed for different health conditions. NHS England advises that switching between the two should only be done under medical supervision, since the pens deliver different amounts and dosing errors could lead to under- or overdosing.

How the NHS views Wegovy and Ozempic

In the UK, the NHS has adopted Wegovy within weight-management services following NICE’s appraisal. It is available for adults with a BMI over 35 who also have weight-related health issues, or for some people with a BMI over 30 if certain criteria are met. Ozempic remains in use for type 2 diabetes, and while some people notice weight changes on Ozempic, this is considered a secondary benefit rather than its main purpose. The NHS does not position the two as interchangeable products.

Real-world perceptions

Many people are understandably confused by the brand names. Media reports often blur the lines between Wegovy and Ozempic, particularly when shortages have been discussed. Clinically, however, the separation is important: Wegovy is the weight-loss brand, Ozempic the diabetes brand. Doctors consider not just the ingredient, but the approved dose, the clinical goals, and the safety profile when prescribing.

Appetite and metabolic effects

Although the end result of taking semaglutide is similar — reduced appetite, feeling fuller sooner, and improved glucose control — the extent of those changes depends on the dose. For someone with diabetes, a lower dose as in Ozempic may be enough to improve blood sugar. For someone seeking meaningful weight reduction, the higher Wegovy dose is necessary. This explains why NICE and other health bodies are clear about using the right medicine for the right reason.

What the evidence shows overall

Wegovy and Ozempic are two sides of the same coin, sharing an active ingredient but designed for different health priorities. Wegovy’s higher dose is backed by large trials like STEP-1 and STEP-5, showing sustained weight loss over one to two years when combined with diet and exercise. Ozempic’s role remains in blood sugar control, with weight effects treated as a helpful extra rather than the main goal. For anyone considering switching between them, professional advice is essential to avoid confusion and ensure safe use.