Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Beyond that they differ in molecule, FDA indication, dose ceiling, and — most importantly to most people reading this — what the scale actually does over the long run.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide
Same molecule, different label. The deciding factor isn't medical — it's which one your insurance will actually cover. The on-label drug for your situation (Ozempic if you have type 2 diabetes, Wegovy if your indication is obesity) is the one a payer is more likely to approve. Cash-pay patients almost always come out ahead with Wegovy because of the higher dose ceiling.
Molecule
WegovySemaglutide
OzempicSemaglutide
Receptor(s)
WegovyGLP-1
OzempicGLP-1
Manufacturer
WegovyNovo Nordisk
OzempicNovo Nordisk
FDA approval
WegovyJune 2021 (obesity); March 2024 (cardiovascular risk reduction)
OzempicDecember 2017
Indication
WegovyChronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity; cardiovascular risk reduction
OzempicType 2 diabetes (with later cardiovascular and CKD indications)
Delivery
WegovySubcutaneous injection, once weekly
OzempicSubcutaneous injection, once weekly
Dose ceiling
Wegovy2.4 mg weekly
Ozempic2.0 mg weekly
Titration
Wegovy4 weeks per step (16 weeks to maintenance)
Ozempic4 weeks per step
Typical loss
Wegovy~14.9% mean body weight at 68 weeks in STEP-1 (vs 2.4% placebo); ~17% in adolescents (STEP TEENS)
Ozempic~6% body weight at 6–12 months in T2D patients; ~10–13% in non-diabetic off-label use at higher doses
Cash list
Wegovy$1,350 list (often $0–$25 with commercial coverage)
Ozempic$950–$1,350
On patent until
Wegovy2031 (US composition of matter)
Ozempic2031 (US composition of matter)