What are Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic are both made by Novo Nordisk and contain the same drug: semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The difference is the dose and what they’re licensed to treat.
Wegovy is licensed for weight management. Its standard maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once a week, reached after a 17-week titration period. It received NICE approval (TA875) in 2023 for use in specialist weight management services.3
In January 2026, the MHRA approved a higher dose of 7.2 mg of Wegovy for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or above). This dose is administered as three 2.4 mg injections on the same day and is available through private providers. NHS access is expected later in 2026 following a NICE health technology assessment.5
Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes only. Its doses range from 0.5 mg to 2 mg once a week. It isn’t approved for weight loss in the UK.
The confusion between the two is understandable. Ozempic has become widely associated with weight loss in the media, but this is based on the weight-loss effects seen at the higher Wegovy dose. At lower doses of Ozempic, weight loss is more modest.
Same drug, different doses
Because they contain the same molecule, Wegovy and Ozempic work in exactly the same way. Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone to:
- Slow food movement through your stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer
- Reduce hunger signals in your brain’s appetite centre
- Improve blood sugar control by enhancing insulin function
The difference in outcomes comes down to dose. Wegovy’s 2.4 mg standard 2.4 mg maintenance dose is higher than Ozempic’s maximum 2 mg, and significantly higher than the standard Ozempic doses of 0.5 mg and 1 mg. With the new 7.2 mg dose option, the gap between Wegovy and Ozempic widens further.
Research consistently shows that semaglutide’s effects on weight loss and appetite are dose-dependent. More semaglutide leads to a greater reduction in appetite and more weight loss.
The STEP UP trial showed that increasing from 2.4 mg to 7.2 mg produced an additional 3% body weight loss.5
Clinical evidence at each dose
Wegovy: the STEP 1 trial
The STEP 1 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine tested semaglutide 2.4 mg in 1,961 adults with obesity (without diabetes) over 68 weeks.1
Key results:
- Average weight loss: -14.9% of body weight (vs -2.4% with placebo)
- 86.4% achieved ≥5% weight loss
- 69.1% achieved ≥10% weight loss
- 50.5% achieved ≥15% weight loss
Wegovy 7.2 mg: the STEP UP trial
The STEP UP trial compared semaglutide 7.2 mg with the standard 2.4 mg dose in adults with obesity over 72 weeks.5
Key results at 7.2 mg:
- Average weight loss: -20.7% of body weight (vs -17.5% at 2.4 mg)
- An additional 3.2 percentage points of weight loss compared with the standard dose
The 7.2 mg dose is administered as three separate 2.4 mg injections on the same day, given at least 5 cm apart. It can be considered after a minimum of four weeks at the 2.4 mg dose.
Ozempic: the SUSTAIN trials
Ozempic was studied in the SUSTAIN trial programme, primarily in people with type 2 diabetes. At Ozempic’s typical doses, weight loss was more modest:
- Semaglutide 0.5 mg: approximately 3-5 kg weight loss
- Semaglutide 1 mg: approximately 4.5-6.5 kg weight loss
These figures translate to roughly 4-7% of body weight, considerably less than the 15% seen at the Wegovy dose.
How the dose difference affects results
Ozempic’s maximum dose (2 mg) is close to Wegovy’s maintenance dose (2.4 mg), so people on Ozempic 2 mg may see weight loss approaching what Wegovy achieves. However, many people use Ozempic at 0.5 mg or 1 mg, where weight loss is substantially lower.
The difference isn’t the molecule but the amount. Expecting Ozempic at 0.5 mg to match Wegovy’s results would be like expecting half a dose of any medication to work as well as the full dose.
Cardiovascular outcomes: the SELECT trial
The SELECT trial tested semaglutide 2.4 mg (the Wegovy dose) in 17,604 people with obesity and established cardiovascular disease.2
It found a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) compared with placebo. This is the first trial to demonstrate cardiovascular benefit with a weight-management medication in people without diabetes.
This cardiovascular protection has been demonstrated at the 2.4 mg Wegovy dose, not at the lower Ozempic doses.
Side effects and tolerability
Because Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same drug, they cause the same types of side effects. However, side effects are dose-dependent, so expect more gastrointestinal effects at higher doses.
| Side effect |
Wegovy (2.4-7.2 mg) |
Ozempic (0.5-1 mg) |
| Nausea |
Higher rates at 2.4 mg1 |
17-20%4 |
| Diarrhoea |
Common1 |
12-13%4 |
| Vomiting |
Common1 |
6-8%4 |
| Constipation |
Common1 |
Common4 |
Both Wegovy and Ozempic use gradual dose titration to minimise side effects. Wegovy’s 17-week titration (starting at 0.25 mg and increasing every 4 weeks) allows your body to adjust incrementally to the higher dose.
Most gastrointestinal side effects occur during dose escalation and reduce significantly over time. The side effects at the starting doses are identical because the starting doses are the same.
Practical differences
Dosing and titration
Wegovy follows a 17-week titration: 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg, increasing every four weeks. The standard maintenance dose is 2.4 mg.
After at least four weeks at 2.4 mg, your prescriber may increase to 7.2 mg (three 2.4 mg injections on the same day) if you have a BMI of 30 or above and would benefit from additional weight loss.
Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg for four weeks, then increases to 0.5 mg. Further increases to 1 mg or 2 mg are at your prescriber’s discretion based on your blood sugar response.
Pen design
Wegovy uses single-dose disposable pens. Each pen contains one weekly dose. You don’t dial a dose or attach needles.
Ozempic uses a multi-dose pen. You attach a new needle before each injection and dial your prescribed dose. One pen lasts several weeks.
Storage
Both should be refrigerated (2-8°C) before first use. Once in use:
- Wegovy: Room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days
- Ozempic: Room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 56 days
Ozempic’s longer room-temperature window may be more convenient for travel.
Cost and access in the UK
NHS access
Wegovy received NICE approval (TA875) for weight management in 2023, available through specialist weight management services.3
Eligibility criteria include a BMI of 35 or above with at least one weight-related health condition (or 32.5 for certain ethnic backgrounds).
Ozempic is available on the NHS for type 2 diabetes only. It can’t be prescribed on the NHS for weight loss.
Private prescription costs
On private prescription, typical monthly costs are:
- Wegovy: £100-135 per month during titration, rising to £219-299 per month at the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. The 7.2 mg dose costs approximately three times the 2.4 mg price, as it requires three pens per week
- Ozempic: £150-250 per month, depending on dose and provider
Some people seek Ozempic for weight loss because it can be cheaper than Wegovy.
However, this is an off-label use that the MHRA has specifically discouraged, partly because it threatens supply for diabetes patients who rely on it.
Who might benefit from each?
Wegovy is the right choice if:
- Weight management is your primary goal – It’s specifically licensed for this purpose at the dose proven to be effective
- You want the full clinical benefit of semaglutide for weight loss – The 2.4 mg dose produces approximately 15% weight loss in trials
- You’re eligible through an NHS specialist service – Available through NICE TA875 criteria
- Cardiovascular risk is a concern – The SELECT trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events at this dose
Ozempic is the right choice if:
- You have type 2 diabetes – It’s specifically licensed and effective for blood sugar control
- Blood sugar management is your primary concern – Ozempic is an established diabetes treatment
- Weight loss is a secondary benefit, not the main goal – You may lose some weight, but it’s not what Ozempic is designed for
Frequently asked questions
Are Wegovy and Ozempic the same thing?
They contain the same drug (semaglutide) but at different doses for different purposes. Wegovy (2.4 mg) is for weight management. Ozempic (up to 2 mg) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. They’re not interchangeable.
Can I use Ozempic for weight loss instead of Wegovy?
Ozempic isn’t licensed for weight loss in the UK. The MHRA has specifically stated that Ozempic should only be prescribed for type 2 diabetes.
Using it off-label for weight loss has contributed to supply shortages for diabetes patients. If you want semaglutide for weight management, Wegovy is the appropriate option.
Why is Ozempic so popular for weight loss if it’s not licensed for it?
Ozempic gained attention after clinical trials of semaglutide at the higher Wegovy dose showed dramatic weight loss results.
Because Ozempic was available before Wegovy launched, some prescribers began using it off-label.
Media coverage and celebrity interest amplified awareness. However, at Ozempic’s lower doses, weight loss is considerably less than what the Wegovy trials showed.
Will I lose more weight on Wegovy than Ozempic?
Almost certainly, if comparing the maintenance doses. Wegovy’s 2.4 mg dose has been shown to produce approximately 15% body weight loss in clinical trials.1 Ozempic at 0.5-1 mg typically produces 4-7% weight loss. The difference is primarily due to dose, not the medication itself.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?
Yes, if weight management is your primary goal and you don’t have type 2 diabetes. Your prescriber would transition you to the appropriate Wegovy dose based on your current Ozempic dose.
If you have type 2 diabetes and want weight management, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may be more appropriate as it’s licensed for both.
Are the side effects worse with Wegovy because the dose is higher?
Side effects are dose-dependent, so you may experience more gastrointestinal effects at the 2.4 mg dose than at lower doses of Ozempic.
However, Wegovy’s 17-week titration helps your body adjust gradually. Most side effects are temporary and improve over time.
Is Wegovy available on the NHS?
Yes, through specialist weight management services following NICE TA875 criteria.3 Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 35 or above with at least one weight-related condition. Availability varies by area. Mounjaro also received NICE approval for weight management in 2024, giving NHS services another option.
What is the Wegovy 7.2 mg dose?
In January 2026, the MHRA approved a higher Wegovy dose of 7.2 mg per week for adults with obesity (BMI> 30). It’s given as three 2.4 mg injections on the same day.
In the STEP UP trial, the 7.2 mg dose produced 20.7% body weight loss compared with 17.5% at the standard 2.4 mg dose.5 It’s currently available through private providers, with NHS access expected later in 2026.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro?
Both are effective weight-management medications, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works on two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) compared with Wegovy’s one (GLP-1).
In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, Mounjaro produced 20.2% weight loss compared with 13.7% for semaglutide 2.4 mg over 72 weeks.
Can I take Wegovy and Ozempic together?
No. Both contain semaglutide and should never be combined. Taking two doses of the same medication would significantly increase the risk of serious side effects.
Does Ozempic have cardiovascular benefits like Wegovy?
The cardiovascular benefits demonstrated in the SELECT trial were at the 2.4 mg Wegovy dose, not at the lower Ozempic doses.2 It’s unclear whether the lower Ozempic doses provide the same level of cardiovascular protection.
Take home message
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same drug but serve different purposes. Wegovy at 2.4 mg is the licensed option for weight management, producing approximately 15% body weight loss and a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events in clinical trials.1,2
The new 7.2 mg dose, approved by the MHRA in January 2026, produces around 20% weight loss for people with a BMI of 30 or above.5
Ozempic, at its lower doses, is an effective diabetes treatment but isn’t designed or licensed for weight loss. Using Ozempic off-label for weight management is discouraged by the MHRA and contributes to supply problems for diabetes patients.
If weight management is your goal, Wegovy or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are the appropriate, licensed options in the UK. Speak with your prescriber about which is right for your situation.
Second Nature's Mounjaro and Wegovy programmes
Second Nature provides Mounjaro or Wegovy as part of our Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss programmes.
Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you're eligible?
Because peace of mind matters.
We've had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We're here to support that change every step of the way.
With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK's most trusted weight-loss programme.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
References
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221-2232. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity (TA875). 2023. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Ozempic 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen – Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9748/smpc
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Medicines regulator approves up to 7.2mg dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) for patients with obesity only. 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/medicines-regulator-approves-up-to-72mg-dose-of-semaglutidewegovy-for-patients-with-obesity-only
