Ozempic vs Wegovy: What's the Difference?
They contain the same active drug but are approved for different things. Here is the honest, plain-language difference.
The short answer
Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. The difference is what the FDA approved each one for and the doses. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes (max 2.0 mg weekly). Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management (max 2.4 mg weekly). Same molecule, different label and dose.
Why people use Ozempic "for weight loss"
Because both are semaglutide, Ozempic also reduces appetite, so it became widely used off-label for weight loss before Wegovy was widely available. That is a prescribing decision between a patient and physician. For the on-label weight-loss indication, Wegovy is the approved product.
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$199 Skeptics’ Trial, see if it works for you
One month of medical-grade compounded semaglutide, the $119 doctor review, and a free B-12/lipotropic injection. No long-term commitment.
Start the 30-day trialWhat the weight-loss evidence shows
In the STEP 1 trial of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight management (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021; PMID 33567185), adults lost an average of about 14.9% of body weight at 68 weeks versus 2.4% on placebo. Semaglutide also reduced major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease and obesity in SELECT (PMID 37952131). These studied the brand medication.
How this relates to what we offer
New Hope Weight Loss does not dispense Ozempic or Wegovy. We provide physician-supervised compounded semaglutide, which uses the same active ingredient but is not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and not reviewed by the FDA. We are upfront about that distinction, and a $119 review decides whether it is appropriate for you.
What you can start today at New Hope Weight Loss
After a one-time $119 medical review with Dr. Sharma, eligible patients begin a physician-supervised program with compounded semaglutide from $166 a month or compounded tirzepatide from $233 a month, with a $199 one-month Skeptics' Trial. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Care is in person in Orange County and by telehealth across California and additional states.
Frequently asked questions
Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same drug?
Yes, both are semaglutide from Novo Nordisk. They differ in what the FDA approved them for (Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for weight management) and in maximum dose (2.0 mg vs 2.4 mg weekly).
Which is better for weight loss?
Wegovy is the version FDA-approved for weight management. Ozempic is sometimes used off-label by prescription. Both are semaglutide, so the appetite effect is similar; the right choice is a physician decision based on your situation and insurance.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?
No. Compounded semaglutide uses the same active ingredient but is not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and not reviewed by the FDA. We never claim it is the brand.
How much weight do people lose on semaglutide?
In STEP 1 (PMID 33567185), adults on semaglutide 2.4 mg lost about 14.9% of body weight at 68 weeks versus 2.4% on placebo. That studied the brand drug; individual results vary.
Does New Hope Weight Loss prescribe Ozempic or Wegovy?
We do not dispense brand Ozempic or Wegovy. We offer physician-supervised compounded semaglutide from $166/mo after a $119 review, and will tell you honestly if a branded option fits you better.
This article is informational only and not medical advice. Speak with a licensed physician before starting or changing any GLP-1 therapy. Individual results vary. New Hope Weight Loss is a physician-supervised medical weight loss clinic in Costa Mesa, CA. Eligibility for treatment is determined during the medical consultation. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not the same products as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®.