Wegovy and Ozempic are both GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss, but they have some differences. Wegovy is a newer medication that was approved by the FDA in June 2021, while Ozempic has been on the market since 2017 [1]. Both drugs work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite [3].
According to GoodRx, Wegovy and Ozempic are very similar in terms of how they work and their side effects. However, Wegovy is a higher dose of the same medication as Ozempic, and it is only approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is also used to treat type 2 diabetes [2].
A recent article on UCHealth.org notes that Wegovy has been shown to be more effective than Ozempic for weight loss. In clinical trials, patients taking Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight, while those taking Ozempic lost an average of 11% [3]. However, the article also notes that Wegovy is more expensive than Ozempic, and insurance coverage may vary [3].
In summary, Wegovy and Ozempic are both GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss, but Wegovy is a newer, higher-dose medication that has been shown to be more effective than Ozempic for weight loss. However, Wegovy is also more expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans. Patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for them.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/WEGOVY
[2] https://www.goodrx.com/classes/glp-1-agonists/wegovy-vs-ozempic
[3] https://www.uchealth.org/today/wegovy-vs-ozempic-the-truth-about-new-weight-loss-drugs/