Which is better, Wegovy or Ozempic?

For weight management, Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) is the licensed option and generally achieves greater weight loss than the lower diabetes doses used in Ozempic. NICE guidance and clinical trial evidence confirm Wegovy is specifically approved for weight control, while Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes.

Why comparisons are common

Wegovy and Ozempic are often discussed together because they share the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Both work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that slows digestion, reduces appetite, and helps regulate blood sugar. Despite this, they are licensed differently: Ozempic is a diabetes treatment, while Wegovy is a weight-management treatment. This difference shapes how they are prescribed and who can access them.

The role of dosage

The dose makes the difference. Ozempic is usually prescribed at weekly doses up to 1 mg (in some countries up to 2 mg), which is effective for blood sugar control and brings modest weight loss as a side benefit. Wegovy, by contrast, is taken at a higher dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Clinical research shows this is the level needed to achieve significant, sustained weight reduction in people with overweight or obesity.

Evidence from trials

The data behind these medicines highlight the contrast. In the STEP-1 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants using semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) lost on average around 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared with about 2–3% in the placebo group. Ozempic trials such as SUSTAIN-6 demonstrated strong improvements in blood sugar and cardiovascular outcomes, with more modest weight reductions. In other words, both are highly effective in their fields, but Wegovy stands out for weight loss.

What NICE guidance says

NICE’s appraisal (TA875) clearly distinguishes the two. Wegovy is recommended within specialist weight-management services for adults with a BMI over 35 and related health problems, or for some people with a BMI over 30. Ozempic is recommended for type 2 diabetes, especially when other medicines are insufficient. NHS England has adopted these recommendations, ensuring that prescribing remains targeted to the approved use.

Side effects and tolerability

Since both medicines are semaglutide, their side-effect profiles are similar. Nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting are the most common issues, usually settling after the dose is increased gradually. Because Wegovy is used at a higher maintenance dose, some people may find the gastrointestinal symptoms stronger at first, though careful dose escalation helps improve tolerability.

Accessibility and public perception

Public discussion sometimes blurs the lines between Wegovy and Ozempic, particularly during periods of shortage. Some people taking Ozempic for diabetes noticed significant weight loss, sparking media coverage and off-label interest. However, NHS guidance stresses that Wegovy is the correct licensed medicine for weight control, and Ozempic should not be routinely substituted for this purpose.

What the evidence shows overall

So, which is better? It depends on what you’re treating. For diabetes management, Ozempic has proven benefits for blood sugar and heart health. For weight management, Wegovy is the stronger choice, offering greater average weight loss in trials and clear approval for this use in the UK. Both medicines are valuable, but the right option depends on your health goals and what your clinician recommends.