Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus & Semaglutide – What’s the Difference?
The Difference Between Semaglutides Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus
Ozempic and Wegovy, the new weight loss ‘miracle drugs,’ are everywhere in the press and on the Internet. Celebrities are now looking much thinner on the red carpet – and everyday people are finally able to lose stubborn weight that wasn’t responding to diet and exercise.
But with all of this buzz, it can be hard to understand the actual difference between the new semaglutide weight loss drugs, Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus. In this article, the weight loss experts at AMAE in the West Bloomfield area explain the history of semaglutide and the difference between the various brands.
History of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medication that was developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk – the same company that has been making the insulin brands Novolog and Novalin for 100 years. Semaglutide was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic.
Following the success of Ozempic in treating diabetes, Novo Nordisk began investigating the use of semaglutide for weight loss. In 2020, semaglutide was approved by the FDA under the brand name Wegovy for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who were overweight and had at least one weight-related condition.
Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite, leading to a reduction in food intake and subsequent weight loss. It is usually prescribed as a subcutaneous injection once a week.
A good candidate for semaglutide is an adult who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater and at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Semaglutide is also recommended for those who have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful.
However, semaglutide is not recommended for individuals with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.
Ozempic vs. Wegovy
Many of our patients are curious about the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy. At AMAE in the West Bloomfield area, our patients often ask: “Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same thing?”
Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names of semaglutide and were developed and are manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. However, while both medications contain the same active ingredient, there are some differences in their approved uses, dosages, and administration.
Similarities of Ozempic and Wegovy
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. And both medications work by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite and food intake. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are administered as subcutaneous injections (“shots”), and the recommended dosages are similar.
Differences of Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic was originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes – while Wegovy was specifically created and FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
The typical dosage strengths of Ozempic and Wegovy are different. The recommended dosage of Ozempic for diabetes is 0.5 mg or 1 mg once a week, while the recommended dosage of Wegovy for weight management is 2.4 mg once a week. Thus, Ozempic is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg pens, while Wegovy is available in a single 2.4 mg pen.
While both medications have similar side effects, the frequency and severity of these side effects may differ between Ozempic and Wegovy. For example, nausea and diarrhea may be more common with Ozempic, while constipation may be more common with Wegovy.
What About Rybelsus Oral Semaglutide?
Rybelsus is another brand name for a medication that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. However, it is not the same thing as Ozempic and there are some important differences between the two diabetic drugs.
Both medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and both medications work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. But while Ozempic is approved for both type 2 diabetes treatment and for use in adults with obesity for weight loss, Rybelsus is only approved for type 2 diabetes treatment.
The dosing method and frequency of the medications also differs. Ozempic is typically given once a week by injection, while Rybelsus is taken orally once a day. The dosages differ, as well. The available doses for Ozempic range from 0.25 mg to 1 mg, while the available doses for Rybelsus are 3 mg and 7 mg.
Ozempic is recommended as an add-on therapy to diet and exercise for people with type 2 diabetes, and for weight loss in people with obesity. Rybelsus is recommended as a stand-alone therapy – or as an add-on therapy to diet and exercise for people with type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic Type) | West Bloomfield Area
While both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), they are approved for different uses, have different dosages and administration, and may have slightly different side effects. It is important to consult with a qualified physician like Dr. Ali in the West Bloomfield area, to determine which semaglutide medication and dosage is appropriate for your individual weight loss needs.
Semaglutide is recognized as one of the most effective, safe, and promising weight loss medications available – when prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician like board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali in the West Bloomfield area.
If you have been struggling to get rid of stubborn body fat – and want to finally get the trim, thin body you’ve always dreamed of – semaglutide may be the key to your weight loss success. Schedule an appointment at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the West Bloomfield area to discuss your weight loss goals and see if semaglutide is right for you!
