Deciding which medication to take can feel like a challenging and overwhelming task, leaving you with more questions than answers.
But weight management medications are now available that make it easier than ever before to manage your diabetes or other chronic health conditions.
WeGovy and Ozempic are two of the most popular weight management medications on the market today, but how do you know which is best for you?
In this post, we’re going to break down all the key information about these two drugs so that you can make an informed decision about which one is ideal for managing your symptoms. Read on to learn more.
WeGovy & Ozempic Overview
WeGovy and Ozempic are both injectable medications that work by mimicking the action of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite.
However, they have different active ingredients and dosing frequencies, which affect their efficacy, safety, and cost.
WeGovy (semaglutide) is a weekly injectable medication that was recently approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity & at least one weight-related medical condition.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity and at least one weight-related medical condition.
Ozempic is also available in a lower dose for people with type 2 diabetes who require glycemic control. Ozempic has been shown to reduce body weight by up to 14% in clinical trials.
WeGovy Vs Ozempic: Major Differences
Both of these medications can be effective in helping to reduce excess body fat, but understanding the differences between them is key to knowing which one might be best for your needs.
Here, we will discuss five key differences between WeGovy and Ozempic.
1. Formulation Type
The first difference between WeGovy and Ozempic is that they are formulated differently.
WeGovy is a combination of two drugs—semaglutide (a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist) and metformin—while Ozempic is a once-daily injection that contains semaglutide by itself.
Depending on your health history or other factors, one of these formulations may be more suitable for you than the other.
2. Dosing Schedule
WeGovy comes as an oral tablet that you take once per day, while Ozempic injections happen once weekly (on the same day each week).
Since WeGovy has a shorter dosing schedule, it should generally lead to better compliance with taking the medication as prescribed.
However, some people may find weekly injections more convenient than daily pills.
3. Side Effects
Both medications have similar side effects; however, there are some slight differences between them.
Common side effects associated with both WeGovy and Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, abdominal pain or discomfort, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), joint pain or stiffness.
People taking WeGovy may also experience decreased appetite (anorexia), while those taking Ozempic tend to experience increased appetite (hyperphagia).
4. Weight Loss Results
Both medications are effective at helping users lose weight; however, clinical studies have shown that users taking either medication tend to lose more weight when they take Ozempic compared to those who take WeGovy.
For example, one study comparing both medications over a year of treatment time period showed that patients taking Ozempic lost an average of around 8% more body weight than those taking WeGovy.
So, if your goal is to lose as much weight as possible in a short amount of time using a prescription drug only then Ozempic might be the better option for you.
5. Cost Differences
As with any medication discussed, the cost differences depend on the usage of the person and the dosage.
So, how much does WeGovy cost or Ozempic depends on the nature and degree of health issues. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any such medication.
Conclusion
Overall, WeGovy and Ozempic are both great options for weight loss. If you’re looking for something that works quickly and effectively, then WeGovy would be a better choice.
However, if you value long-term results without the need to take frequent dosage, Ozempic might be the better option for you.
Whichever pharmaceutical weight loss drug you decide on, you should always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any program or changing doses.
They can go into further detail about the side effects of each drug and customize a plan that best suits your individual needs.
Regardless of which medication you choose, it’s important to remember that lifestyle changes near meal planning and regular exercise are vital in an effort to lose weight in an effective and healthy manner.