If you’ve spent any time browsing the Internet or chatting with others about weight loss, you’ve probably heard about Ozempic and Wegovy. These are two big-name prescription drugs that many people now use to help lose weight. Both include the active ingredient semaglutide, which decreases blood sugar and assists with weight management. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them for different uses. Below, we’ll explore how Ozempic and Wegovy differ, what they’re FDA-approved for, how well they work, and more.
Understanding GLP-1 Hormones
Both Ozempic and Wegovy include semaglutide, an ingredient that belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Although the body naturally produces the GLP-1 hormone in the small intestine after eating, it’s believed that up to 75% of it is degraded in the gut. By the time it reaches the pancreas through circulation, only 10% to 15% of active GLP-1 remains. As a result, we’re not able to fully benefit from its effects.
What does the GLP-1 hormone do?
The GLP-1 hormone plays a multifaceted role. It stimulates insulin production, which helps lower blood sugar. This is important for those who consistently have high blood glucose levels and need something to help treat diabetes type 2.
Research also suggests that the GLP-1 hormone has neuro- and cardioprotective effects, reduces inflammation, and may even improve memory and learning. However, it’s most known for its ability to slow gastric emptying, regulate appetite, and reduce food intake, all of which support weight loss.
Ozempic and Wegovy: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, act like the GLP-1 hormone but do not degrade as quickly. They have a longer half-life, allowing individuals to benefit from their aforementioned capabilities.
While Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient, they differ in what they’re FDA-approved for and what they help the body to do.
What is Ozempic FDA-approved for?
Ozempic is an injectable medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program, it helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s typically introduced when other prescription medications, like Metformin and lifestyle interventions, aren’t successful at controlling blood sugar levels. Though it’s for diabetes, it’s not uncommon for patients taking this medication to begin losing weight.
Ozempic is FDA-approved to help decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes as well. A randomized control study with over 17,000 patients revealed that once-weekly semaglutide injections at a dose of 2.4 mg resulted in 20% fewer strokes, heart attacks, and deaths. The study took place over a 3-year period and included individuals with a BMI of 27 or greater and preexisting cardiovascular disease without diabetes.
The off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss
Although Ozempic received FDA approval in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes, a health care provider may still prescribe it to help individuals without diabetes lose weight.
As mentioned earlier, semaglutide impacts the brain’s hunger centers and decreases the rate of stomach emptying. This is similar to the effects of weight loss surgery. Over time, it can lead to a reduction in body weight, and losing weight is associated with a reduced risk of multiple health problems related to obesity. To help maintain weight loss, individuals should combine it with diet and exercise.
Is Ozempic effective for weight loss?
Clinical trials reveal that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is effective for weight loss. However, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that individuals taking tirzepatide were 1.8 times more likely than those taking semaglutide to experience 5% weight loss.
Insurance Coverage and Ozempic
Because Ozempic is FDA-approved as one of the “diabetes drugs” and not a weight loss drug, some health insurance plans may not cover the costs.
Ozempic dosage
Ozempic is currently available in four different doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg. Each pre-filled pen usually includes four doses, equaling a 30-day supply. The precise number of pens you’re given depends on your exact dosage, but the maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once weekly.
Ozempic injections have a lower maximum dosage than Wegovy, which we’ll discuss more later.
Who shouldn't use Ozempic for weight loss?
It is important to note that Ozempic should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also not intended for use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
What is Wegovy FDA-approved for?
Wegovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to assist with chronic weight management when combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It’s indicated for adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
30 kg/m2 or greater or,
27 kg/m2 or greater in the presence of at least one weight-related ailment, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or dyslipidemia
Wegovy is also FDA-approved for pediatric patients (12 years of age and older) whose BMI is at the 95th percentile or greater for their age and sex.
Is Wegovy an effective weight loss drug?
According to a study published in Nature Medicine, Wegovy is effective for losing weight and maintaining weight loss for at least four years. The study also noted that over 17,000 adults with preexisting cardiovascular disease, overweight or obesity (without diabetes) taking semaglutide had a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, it’s not just an effective weight management drug; it also appears to decrease heart disease.
Insurance Coverage and Wegovy
This prescription medication is used to treat obesity and treat overweight, so if you want to lose weight, your insurance plan may cover the costs.
Wegovy dosage for weight management
Like Ozempic, this FDA approved drug is also an injectable medication. The starting Wegovy dosage for children and adults is 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks. This initial lower dose allows your health care providers to assess how well this obesity treatment is working for you. They’ll likely ask if you’re experiencing any injection site reactions or health care complications from this weight loss drug. As long as you’re tolerating the medication, your dosage may be increased every 4 weeks until you reach the ideal maintenance dose of 2.5 mg once weekly.
Who shouldn't use Wegovy?
According to Wegovy’s website, you should avoid this medication if:
You or members of your family have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma,
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or
You’ve had a severe allergic reaction reaction to semaglutide or other ingredients found in Wegovy
What are the Common Side Effects of Wegovy and Ozempic
Ozempic and Wegovy are technically the same drug (semaglutide), but as mentioned earlier, they’re FDA-approved for different reasons. Nonetheless, because they use the same drug, they have a similar side effect profile.
The most common side effects reported by patients include:
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Nausea
Most of these side effects are said to subside over time, but some patients have to discontinue use if they’re not resolved.
Rare But More Severe Side Effects
Although the following side effects are rare, they have been reported:
Low blood sugar
Diabetic retinopathy
Acute gallbladder disease and pancreatitis have occurred in clinical trials
If you begin taking one of these medications and are concerned about the side effects, speak with your health care provider.
How To Get Support With Weight Management
If you’ve tried lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise and are still struggling to lose weight, it’s best to speak with a health care provider. They’ll be able to tell you more about prescription medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic, and determine if either is the right fit for you.
At Custom Health Centers, we offer telehealth appointments so you can get started from the comforts of your home. You don’t have to step foot inside a health care practice to be supported, which our patients find incredibly convenient.
While all medical facilities operate a little differently, your initial appointment will likely involve your health care provider asking about your:
Weight loss goals and starting body weight when you began your weight loss journey
Physical activity level
Mental health status
Medical history (e.g., do you have heart disease or kidney disease, history of blood pressure, serious health problems associated with your pancreas, etc.)
Family history
Current prescription medications and if you’ve tried other weight loss medications
And more
What other drugs are approved for weight loss?
To date, there are a total of seven medications that are FDA approved for weight loss, including Wegovy. We’ll reveal the other five weight management medications and how they work below:
Xenical (Orlistat): This medication is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older. It works by blocking the absorption of fat in the digestive system.
Qsymia (Phentermine-Topiramate): An appetite suppressant approved for adults and children (12+) that affects the central nervous system.
Contrave (Naltrexone-Bupropione): A combination medication approved for adults and children (ages 12+) to help curb cravings and decrease appetite. Bupropion is also used to treat depression.
Saxenda (Liraglutide): Approved for individuals 12 years of age and older. This medication mimics the GLP-1 hormone, causing appetite regulation.
IMCIVREE (Setmelanotide): Approved for people 6 years and older with obesity due to one of four specific, rare, genetic conditions.
Zepbound (tirzepatide): Mimics the GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) hormones to regulate appetite and food intake.
How common are overweight and obesity today?
Today, obesity is an epidemic. Between 2017 and 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that nearly 74% of U.S. adults are dealing with obesity or overweight. Carrying excess weight can cause major health problems, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular death. Therefore, a medical professional may suggest weight loss medications to patients struggling to reach a healthy weight on their own.
How well do weight loss drugs work?
Prescriptions for weight loss pills you should take every 6 months can help reduce weight. Combining weight-loss medicine with lifestyle changes can help increase weight reduction than just modifying your diet. Using this drug a year can result in an overall loss of weight from 33% to 12% compared with lifestyle change alone. This is probably less than enough. Keeping your weight low can cause health issues in the long term. In addition, it reduces blood glucose and fat in blood called triglycerides.
Contact Custom Health Centers for Help with Weight Loss
If you’re ready to lose body fat and achieve your ideal body weight, reach out to Custom Health Centers. Our medical professionals are familiar with the newest weight loss drugs and how they’re used to help people lose weight.
We understand how frustrating it is to gain weight when you’re in the process of trying to lose weight because many of our patients come to us in the same boat. They’ve already incorporated exercise and implemented a healthy diet but still find themselves experiencing weight gain.
Therefore, if this sounds like your experience and you’re trying to see if one of these prescriptions is a good idea for you, let’s get started!
