The short answer
Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide, a once-weekly GLP-1 injection from Novo Nordisk. The core difference is what each is approved and dosed for: Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved specifically for chronic weight management. Because they target the same receptor in the same way, the underlying mechanism is identical — what differs is the maximum dose and the clinical context they're prescribed in.
In one sentence
Same molecule, same maker, different approved use and dosing — Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for weight management.
| Feature | Ozempic® | Wegovy® |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| Primary approved use | Type 2 diabetes (blood-sugar control) | Chronic weight management |
| Form & frequency | Once-weekly injection | Once-weekly injection |
| Typical maximum dose | Up to 2.0 mg per week | Up to 2.4 mg per week |
| How it works | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist (identical) |
| Used for weight loss? | Sometimes prescribed off-label by a clinician | This is its approved purpose |
| Common side effects | Nausea, fullness, GI changes | Nausea, fullness, GI changes |
Dosing and approval details reflect general, widely-published information and may differ by region and over time. Always confirm current specifics with a clinician and the official product information.