With the growing popularity of weight loss injections in the UK, many people are asking the same question: is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? The short answer is no—but it’s understandable why there’s confusion. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they are designed and licensed for different purposes.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we’re here to explain the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic, help you understand which one might be right for you, and highlight how Wegovy is now more accessible through our private weight management service.

What Do Wegovy and Ozempic Have in Common?

Let’s begin with what links them. Both Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for medications containing semaglutide, a type of medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This class of medication mimics a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

Semaglutide works by:

• –> Slowing the emptying of the stomach

• –> Reducing appetite

• –> Improving insulin release and blood sugar control

These effects make it beneficial not only for people with type 2 diabetes (Ozempic’s original use), but also for those struggling with excess weight or obesity, which is where Wegovy comes in.

The Key Differences: Ozempic vs Wegovy

While both medications contain semaglutide, the main difference lies in their licensing, dosage, and intended use.

Ozempic

Licensed Use: Approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Primary Goal: Blood sugar control, with weight loss as a secondary benefit

Typical Doses: 0.25mg to 1.0mg once weekly

NHS Availability: Widely available for type 2 diabetes patients

Off-Label Use for Weight Loss: Increasingly common, but not officially licensed for obesity

Wegovy

Licensed Use: Specifically approved for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight and a weight-related health condition

Primary Goal: Significant and sustained weight reduction

Typical Doses: Up to 2.4mg once weekly (higher than Ozempic)

UK Availability: Available privately through pharmacies like ours

Eligibility: BMI of 30+ or 27+ with a health condition such as high blood pressure or sleep apnoea

So, is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? In composition, yes. In purpose, no. Wegovy is tailored and dosed specifically for weight management, whereas Ozempic is designed to manage blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Why Wegovy Is Now Easier to Access in the UK

Wegovy was launched in the UK in 2023 and has since become available privately through licensed pharmacies, including here at Sudbury Court Pharmacy. Although demand is high, we’re able to offer Wegovy to eligible patients through a structured, pharmacy-led weight loss programme.

We provide:

• –> An initial consultation to assess your suitability

• –> Full support throughout your treatment

• –> Regular check-ins to review progress, side effects, and dosage adjustments

• –> Guidance on diet, movement, and safe weight loss goals

This ensures your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs, rather than relying on inconsistent off-label use of Ozempic.

Why Wegovy Might Be the Better Choice for Weight Loss

If your primary goal is to lose weight, Wegovy is the better choice for several reasons:

Higher Doses of Semaglutide: Wegovy’s dosing schedule is specifically designed to support long-term weight reduction

Officially Licensed for Obesity: Meaning it has undergone trials and safety reviews specifically for weight loss

Better Monitoring and Support: Wegovy treatment usually comes with a structured support plan from your pharmacist or clinician

Using Ozempic solely for weight loss may not provide the same results and is not currently supported by MHRA guidelines for that purpose in the UK.

What to Expect With Wegovy

Clinical trials have shown that patients taking Wegovy can expect to lose up to 15% of their body weight over time when combined with healthy eating and activity. Most people start to see changes in appetite and cravings within the first few weeks.

Wegovy is taken as a once-weekly injection, usually self-administered at home. Our pharmacy team provides full training and guidance to make this easy and stress-free.

We Provide Support Every Step of the Way

So, is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? While they both contain semaglutide, their uses, doses, and licensing are quite different. Wegovy is the preferred and medically approved option for weight loss in eligible patients, offering greater effectiveness and structure than using Ozempic off-label.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we’re proud to provide access to Wegovy through our private weight loss clinic, supporting you every step of the way. If you’re struggling to lose weight and want to explore safe, evidence-based treatment options, speak to our team today.

We’ll help you determine if Wegovy is right for you—and build a plan to support long-term success.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.