Obesity has become a serious menace that is sweeping thousands of people’s lives in the United States. According to statistics, around 42% of the American adult population suffers from obesity. The National Institute of Health recently revealed that obesity ranks as the second most prevalent cause of preventable deaths in the United States, with tobacco consumption taking precedence. More than 300,000 Americans die every year due to obesity or overweight issues. This makes weight management a very important thing in the US.
That is why revolutionary weight loss techniques like Wegovy and Ozempic are making waves already despite being new in this industry. These two drugs contain the active component of Semaglutide but are quite different in terms of dosages, approved use, efficacy, side effects, etc. This blog by experts from Dr. T Med Spa is a comprehensive analysis of the differences between Wegovy and Ozempic.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name of Semaglutide medication that is used and is approved by the FDA for long-term weight management. This drug was approved in 2021 after several clinical trials. It contains the active compound of Semaglutide that mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is produced in the body on detection of food. It works by prolonging digestion and diminishing appetite thus decreasing the rate at which one is feeding and thus loss of weight.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name of Semaglutide medication that is used and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by the FDA. This drug was approved in 2017 after several clinical trials. It is its approval that led to its widespread use and the patients discovered that they lost a substantial amount of weight. This led to the birth of Wegovy. Despite being approved for type 2 diabetes by the FDA, this drug is also effective in weight management and that is why healthcare practitioners also use it to help individuals who are obese or overweight, in combination with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Are They the Same?
Although they share the active compound Semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy and Ozempic are different medications. Their approved use and exact dosages do vary. They however have some similarities in that both drugs are manufactured by Novo Nordisk, both cause substantial loss of weight, both are administered via a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, and also that in both medications, the dosage is gradually increased to allow the body to adapt to the medication and minimize the intensity of side effects.
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is More Effective for Weight Loss?
When Ozempic and Wegovy are compared, it is clear that both medications are beneficial in assisting individuals with obesity or overweight to lose weight. Wegovy has a somewhat greater maximum dosage than Ozempic. Patients on the former can achieve a maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg, while Ozempic’s maximum dose is 2 mg. Wegovy has a small edge over Ozempic in terms of efficacy because of the higher dosage of Semaglutide.
Wegovy and Ozempic: Are They Interchangeable?
Despite their similarities, Wegovy and Ozempic cannot be used interchangeably owing to their distinct indications and dosages. The decision between the two is based on the individual’s health status, treatment objectives, and medical history.
Wegovy and Ozempic: What Are The Side Effects?
Wegovy and Ozempic have similar gastrointestinal side effects. However, Wegovy’s side effects are more severe than Ozempic’s due to its greater amount of Semaglutide.
Some of the side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Stomach discomfort
- Depression
- Soreness or redness at the injection site.
Most of these side effects go away in just a couple of days; after your body gets used to the medication.
Access These Revolutionary Weight Loss Techniques at Dr T Med Spa in Houston, TX.
Dr. T Med Spa in Houston, TX, provides a source of support and individualized treatment for patients negotiating the intricacies of weight management and associated health concerns. Recognizing the unique obstacles of the weight loss journey, we offer a safe haven where clients can seek specialist assistance and advice. Each person’s physique and weight loss journey is unique. Recognizing this, we offer individualized consultations with our healthcare specialists who have a thorough awareness of weight-related health issues. Book an appointment today and watch yourself lose that persistent body fat.
