With increasing coverage in the media and rising interest in medical weight loss, many people are asking: is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? It’s a great question—and one we hear often at our weight loss clinic at Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol.

While these two medications are closely related and share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they are not the same. In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between Wegovy and Ozempic, how they’re used, and what you should consider if you’re exploring your options for weight management.

The Similarity: Both Contain Semaglutide

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, a medication that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a role in regulating appetite, blood sugar levels, and the feeling of fullness after eating.

Semaglutide was originally developed to help people manage type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. However, it was soon discovered that many patients also experienced significant weight loss while on the medication. This led to further research, and eventually, the development of Wegovy—a version of semaglutide specifically formulated and licensed for weight loss.

So, while the active ingredient is the same, the way these medications are prescribed and used is quite different.

Ozempic: Designed for Type 2 Diabetes

Ozempic is a prescription medication used primarily to help control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is taken once weekly as an injection and is available in a range of doses. Dosage typically starts at 0.25mg and increases to a maintenance dose of 1mg.

Although some patients prescribed Ozempic for diabetes have lost weight, it is not licensed in the UK as a weight loss treatment. In recent years, there has been significant demand for Ozempic among people without diabetes, leading to increased pressure on supply chains and ongoing discussions around off-label use.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we always advocate for safe, evidence-based approaches to weight management—and that includes helping patients understand the purpose and intended use of any medication.

Wegovy: Specifically for Weight Loss

Wegovy, on the other hand, is licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with:

• –> A BMI of 30 or more, or

• –> A BMI of 27 or more with a weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes)

It uses a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic—eventually reaching up to 2.4mg per week, which is more effective for appetite suppression and supporting sustained weight loss.

In clinical trials, patients using Wegovy in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 15% of their body weight—a significantly higher figure than what has typically been seen with tablets or lifestyle changes alone.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although both medications contain semaglutide, Wegovy and Ozempic are not interchangeable. They are:

• –> Licensed for different purposes

• –> Supplied in different strengths and pen formats

• –> Subject to different guidance and monitoring requirements

Using one in place of the other without medical oversight can lead to underdosing, overtreatment, or unnecessary risk. That’s why it’s essential to speak to a healthcare professional if you’re considering medical support for weight loss.

How Vivo Pharmacy Can Help

At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we offer a dedicated weight loss clinic to help patients navigate their options safely and confidently. Whether you’re exploring medical treatments for the first time or have previously struggled with dieting alone, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We’ll assess your health history, calculate your BMI, and discuss your goals. This will help you understand which weight management strategies may be suitable for your needs.

We do not promote or sell specific medications online, but we do provide professional support and structured weight loss services—including medication eligibility assessments where appropriate.

Get in Touch Today

So, is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? Not quite. While they share an active ingredient, they’re designed for different purposes and used in different ways. Choosing the right support depends on your health, lifestyle, and goals—and we’re here to help you make that decision with confidence.

If you’d like to speak with our team about your weight loss journey, or find out whether medical support could be suitable for you, get in touch with Vivo Pharmacy today to book a consultation.

Your journey to better health starts here—with expert guidance, realistic goals, and a plan that’s tailored to you.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.