- Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same drug (semaglutide) made by the same company
- Wegovy is approved for weight loss; Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes
- Wegovy has a higher max dose (2.4mg vs 2mg) — which is why it produces more weight loss
- For most people without insurance, compounded semaglutide is the practical answer
- The program you choose matters more than the brand name on the box
Here's something that confuses almost everyone: Ozempic and Wegovy contain the exact same active ingredient — semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. Yet they have completely different FDA approvals, dosing schedules, and price points.
If you're trying to decide which one to use for weight loss — or which telehealth program to sign up for — this breakdown will save you hours of research.
The Core Difference: What They're Approved For
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management. Weight loss is a well-documented side effect, but it's officially a diabetes drug. Most insurance plans will only cover it for diabetes patients.
Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition. It's the same molecule — just at a higher maximum dose and with a weight loss-specific approval.
Ready to start? Ro Body offers both options
Ro's physicians can evaluate which medication is right for you — including semaglutide and tirzepatide. Free consultation, no commitment.
Get Free Consultation →Dosing: Where the Real Difference Lies
Both drugs are injected once weekly. The dosing schedule is where they diverge significantly:
- Ozempic: Starts at 0.25mg/week, max dose is 2mg/week
- Wegovy: Starts at 0.25mg/week, max dose is 2.4mg/week
That extra 0.4mg at peak dosing is the reason clinical trials show Wegovy producing greater weight loss. Higher dose = stronger appetite suppression. In the STEP trials, Wegovy users lost an average of 15% of body weight over 68 weeks — significantly more than what's seen with Ozempic's diabetes dosing.
"The program you choose matters more than the brand name on the box. Compounded semaglutide at $200/month is the same molecule as $1,350/month Wegovy."
Which Produces More Weight Loss?
Head-to-head, Wegovy wins on weight loss — because it can be titrated to the higher 2.4mg dose that was specifically studied for weight management. But in practice, many patients plateau at lower doses and see excellent results on either drug.
The more important factor is often access and cost, not the drug itself.
GLP-1 medications are administered as once-weekly subcutaneous injections.
Cost Comparison (2025)
| Drug | List Price/Month | With Insurance | Compounded Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (brand) | ~$900 | $25–$150 (if covered) | ✓ Available |
| Wegovy (brand) | ~$1,350 | $0–$200 (if covered) | ✓ Available |
| Compounded Semaglutide | $200–$400 | Rarely covered | ✓ Best option |
The real play for most people: Compounded semaglutide through a telehealth provider. It's the same active ingredient, dramatically cheaper, and doesn't require the brand-name insurance lottery. Hims & Hers and Ro both offer this.
Which Program Should You Use?
If you don't have insurance that covers either drug, your best options are:
Not sure which program fits your budget?
See our full side-by-side comparison of all 5 major programs — pricing, what's included, and who each one is best for.
View Full Comparison →Bottom Line
Wegovy is the better weight loss drug on paper — higher approved dose, greater average weight loss in trials. But for most people without insurance coverage, compounded semaglutide through a telehealth provider is the practical answer. Same molecule, a fraction of the cost, medically supervised.
The program you choose matters more than the brand name on the box.