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What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Reviewed by the glpzoom Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of June 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide — the same active ingredient made by Novo Nordisk. The differences: (1) FDA indication — Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (with cardiovascular risk reduction), Wegovy specifically for chronic weight management; (2) maximum dose — Ozempic tops out at 2mg weekly, Wegovy at 2.4mg, the dose used in the STEP weight-loss trials; (3) insurance coverage — Ozempic for T2D is broadly covered, Wegovy for weight loss is plan-dependent and often requires prior auth. Patients without diabetes who want semaglutide for weight loss typically need Wegovy (the on-label option). Off-label Ozempic for weight loss is widespread but insurance generally won't cover it. During Wegovy shortages (now resolved), many patients used Ozempic off-label as a workaround.

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Drugs referenced

Related questions

  • Wegovy vs Zepbound: which is more effective?

    In separate Phase 3 trials, Zepbound (tirzepatide 15mg) produced ~20% mean body weight loss vs Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) at ~15%. A head-to-head trial (SURMOUNT-5) confirmed Zepbound's edge. That said, individual response varies widely: some patients lose more on semaglutide than tirzepatide, others tolerate one's side-effect profile better than the other.

  • Do I qualify for Wegovy?

    Wegovy is FDA-approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea. It is also approved for adolescents aged 12 and older at or above the 95th percentile BMI for age and sex. Contraindications include personal or fa

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