Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Which One Is Better for You
If you’re struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes, you might’ve heard of Ozempic and Wegovy. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are essentially the same drugs containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, but with a different name. Who emerges victorious in Ozempic vs. Wegovy?
Novo Nordisk manufactures both medications, and they come as prefilled injectable pens. The FDA approved Ozempic in 2017 for type-2 diabetic patients and Wegovy in 2021 as a weight loss medication.
You might’ve already seen Elon Musk’s tweet about Wegovy or Jimmel Kimmel mentioning Ozempic at the Academy Awards. It might’ve made you wonder if they’re working so well for the social media influencers; are they right for me? Read more to discover the key differences between them and whether you should take them.
Disclaimer: The articles on ModernFit are not a substitute for professional medical advice. They are supported by widely available research and studies. ModernFit does not provide treatment, diagnosis, or medical advice. For any medical concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.
What Is Wegovy vs Ozempic? The Differences Explained
Are you wondering, “What is Wegovy Vs Ozempic”? Let’s take a look below at the prescriptions, age limits and authorized applications.
While both medications contain semaglutide, Wegovy requires higher doses compared to Ozempic. You administer Wegovy through a single-dose prefilled pen. This includes doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. Ozempic is also available as a prefilled pen. It comes with dosages of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg.
The recommended dosage of Wegovy is 2.4 mg once a week. Ozempic’s dosage is 1 mg once per week.
Both drugs may aid in reducing blood sugar levels and weight loss. The FDA approved Weggovy for adults and children aged 12 and above, while Ozempic obtained approval for adults above 18.
Wegovy and Ozempic also differ in the way people use them. Wegovy comes in injection pens with built-in needles. After a single use, you get rid of the pens in sharps containers. In contrast, Ozempic involves attaching needles to the injector pen before each dose. After each use, you only discard the needle, meaning you can use the same pen multiple times.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic for Weight Loss: Which One Is the Champ?
Semaglutide is more effective at reducing weight than other classes of medicines. A recent study indicates that semaglutide is an excellent agent for chronic weight management. But which is the winner between, Wegovy vs. Ozempic for weight loss?
A clinical study compared the weekly usage of semaglutide at 1 mg and 2.4 mg. 1 mg represented the typical dosage of Ozempic, while 2.4 mg represented the typical dosage for Wegovy. The study showed that 2.4 mg resulted in more significant weight loss compared to 1 mg dose.
Another trial conducted on individuals showed a similar result. Participants who received a dosage of 2.4 mg experienced an average weight loss of 15% of their body weight. Conversely, individuals with diabetes who took 1.0 mg achieved an average weight loss of 7% of their body weight.
From these results, it’s evident that Weogvy is superior to Ozempic for weight loss.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: They Are Not Magical Pills
GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, primarily aim to enhance metabolic health. By achieving this goal, individuals can lower their risk of cardiovascular diseases and retain their lost weight.
It is worth mentioning that Ozempic and Wegovy are not magical pills. They only serve to aid in your weight loss journey.
To lose weight, you should also make lifestyle and diet changes. These will significantly boost your metabolism to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Which Is Better? Wegovy vs Ozempic Compared
While Ozempic and Wegovy specialize in different treatments, they are also substitutes for each other. So the answer to “Which is better, Wegovy vs Ozempic?” isn’t so simple.
People frequently use Ozempic in replacement of Wegovy for weight loss, and likewise, Wegovy instead of Ozempic for type-2 diabetes.
To fully evaluate the best overall pick, let’s first understand how these medications interact with the body.
How Do Ozempic & Wegovy Work?
Ozempic and Wegovy function as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, just like our natural hormone GLP-1. By binding to GLP-1 receptors, they signal the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels rise. This increased insulin helps reduce blood sugar levels.
Additionally, they slow down the process of digestion, leading to prolonged food retention in the stomach. This restricts the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream and reduces food intake by suppressing appetite.
Moreover, they send signals to your brain to let you know that you’re full after eating, which regulates your appetite.
So who’s the winner between Ozempic vs Wegovy? The answer comes down to a person’s overall medical condition and how well the medication responds.
Wegovy, for instance, requires a higher dosage than Ozempic, so it results in higher levels of semaglutide in your body. This leads people to believe that Wegovy works more effectively.
However, this is only partially true. Wegovy only performs better if your focus is on losing weight. On the other hand, Ozempic stands as a much more powerful option for the management of type-2 diabetes.
Often, a prescription medication may not produce the same results for everyone. This is primarily because of factors such as genetics and drug interactions. Hence, the best medicine depends on how well your body responds to it.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Cost & Coverage Explained
When it comes to Ozempic vs. Wegovy cost comparison, Ozempic takes the lead. Typically, a one-month supply of Wegovy costs around $1500. Ozempic, on the other hand, costs around $900 for a one-month supply. This saves you a significant amount of money – approximately $7200 every year.
Medicare and private insurance plans generally do not provide coverage for prescription weight loss medications. However, there are instances where specific plans may offer partial coverage for these drugs. The coverage period depends on the selected insurance plan.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Exploring the Side Effects
There’s no particular winner in the safety round between Wegovy vs. Ozempic. The side effects are similar since they both contain the same active ingredient.
Initially, the side effects are less severe when you start taking the medications. However, as your dosage increases, your likelihood of developing severe side effects increases.
Some common side effects include the following:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
In addition, some individuals may also experience allergic skin reactions, which include:
- Swollen face, mouth, or throat
- Rash and itchiness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
Although rare, people have also experienced fatal side effects, which include the following:
- Gallbladder disease: Pale skin and yellowing of the eyes, pain in the stomach, high pulse, pale stools, and fever
- Kidney damage: swelling of legs and ankles, less frequent urination
- Hypoglycemia: Feeling of dizziness, cold and sweaty hands.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: How Do They Compare With Other Drugs
Sometimes, Wegovy vs. Ozempic might not be in your best interest. Instead, you might be looking for alternatives to evaluate how they compare to Ozempic and Wegovy.
Let’s take a look at the top four pharmaceutical alternative options to consider.
Mounjaro vs Ozempic vs Wegovy
Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, which makes it a superior alternative to Ozempic.
It triggers glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 pathways to ensure optimal sugar levels. This makes it a much more effective option for type 2 diabetic patients. Additionally, it can act as a great weight-loss agent. A 2022 study showed that many individuals lost over 20% weight after taking GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.
It’s important to note that Mounjaro still needs to receive an official certification from the FDA as a weight loss medication. Due to its severe side effects, Wegovy may be a better option.
Rybelsus vs Ozempic vs Wegovy
Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, Rybelsus is an oral alternative. For individuals who tolerate Ozempic and Wegovy effectively but prefer an oral medication, Rybelsus may be a suitable alternative.
Rybelsus has shown similar results to Ozempic and Wegovy in enhancing blood sugar control and reducing weight.
Saxenda vs Ozempic vs Wegovy
Saxenda, which contains liraglutide, functions similarly to Wegovy and Ozempic. However, in a direct comparison with Wegovy, Saxenda demonstrated a significantly more significant reduction in weight loss. When combined with diet and exercise, Wegovy achieved a weight reduction of 15.8%. Saxenda, on the other hand, achieved a weight reduction of 6.4%.
Furthermore, there is a difference in dosing frequency between Saxenda and Wegovy/Ozempic. Saxenda requires injections once per day. You administer Wegovy and Ozempic once per week.
In terms of blood sugar control, semaglutide is more effective than liraglutide.
Phentermine vs Ozempic vs Wegovy
Phentermine functions as an anorectic or appetite suppressant, reducing hunger and prolonging the feeling of fullness. Doctors generally prescribe it for short-term weight management.
On the other hand, Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist that stimulates insulin release. Its intended use is for long-term weight management.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Natural Alternatives
Natural alternatives often have little to no side effects and are considerably cheaper than pharmaceutical medicines.
Many natural supplements lower blood sugar levels and offer numerous health benefits. However, they might not be the most clinically effective. Here’s a rundown of some natural Ozempic vs Wegovy alternatives.
Berberine – A Classic Compound-Based Alternative
Berberine is a natural compound-based alternative to Ozempic vs. Wegovy derived from plants like Oregon grape, Phellodendron, and European barberry. Berberine aids in the management of high blood sugar levels and promotes insulin resistance.
A study conducted on individuals with metabolic syndrome demonstrated that berberine consumption enhanced insulin resistance. Additionally, it led to waist circumference reductions. Since waist circumference has a link with insulin resistance, the reduction indicates lower blood sugar levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Another study found berberine as effective as metformin in improving blood glucose metabolism.
Aloe Vera – A Plant-Based Alternative
Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant well-known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
It also serves as an excellent plant-based alternative to Ozempic vs. Wegovy in lowering blood sugar levels. People often consume aloe vera in capsule form. A systematic review of aloe vera showed that it regulates cholesterol levels, reduces excess weight and lowers insulin resistance.
Magnesium – An Elementary Alternative
Insulin resistance, a critical factor in type-2 diabetes, occurs when the body fails to utilize insulin effectively. Interestingly, individuals with diabetes often exhibit lower magnesium levels in their bloodstream than those without the condition.
This signifies that magnesium plays a crucial role in the development of diabetes. So by taking magnesium supplements, you can enhance insulin sensitivity and thereby regulate blood sugar levels.
Magnesium also contributes to regulating metabolism and supporting healthy muscle function, which are vital components of weight control.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Is There a Generic Alternative?
A generic version of any medicine becomes available only when the patent protection of that brand expires.
Generic alternatives are very similar to their original counterparts in terms of dosage and strength. So will we always have to choose one medication between Ozempic vs Wegovy? The answer is no.
Patent laws vary by country and governmental policies. According to a source, the earliest date expected for a generic alternative is December 5, 2031.
Generic versions are significantly cheaper, meaning a larger population can treat type-2 diabetes and lose weight.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Take Note of These Warnings
When deciding between Wegovy vs Ozempic, you must consider several critical factors.
Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer shouldn’t take Wegovy or Ozempic. They face a significant risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors.
Individuals with a rare condition called ‘multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)’ should not use Wegovy or Ozempic.
During an appointment with your healthcare provider, inform them about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.
Moreover, avoid combining Wegovy or Ozempic with any other GLP-1 agonist or weight loss medication.
You should not consume alcohol while using Wegovy or Ozempic. Alcohol consumption can impact blood sugar levels and potentially increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with these medications. Additionally, alcohol may intensify specific side effects associated with Wegovy and Ozempic, including nausea and vomiting.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Final Thoughts
Wegovy and Ozempic share several similarities as injections containing semaglutide. However, they have notable differences in their approved uses, dosages and effectiveness.
Wegovy is explicitly approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is primarily approved for treating type-2 diabetes. As with every medicine, you must weigh the benefits and risks.
Even though they work effectively for some, it’s still difficult to pick one as the winner between Wegovy vs Ozempic. You should always consult your healthcare professionals. They will be able to evaluate your specific medical condition and help you make more informed decisions.
