As a healthcare provider, I have seen firsthand the struggle that many people face when trying to lose weight. It's not just about looking good, but also about improving overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. That's why I am excited to share my expert perspective on two medications that have been making waves in the weight loss world - Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic and Wegovy are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for different purposes. While Ozempic is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, Wegovy is approved for weight loss in obese or overweight individuals who are otherwise healthy.
Although there haven't been direct comparisons between the two medications for weight loss, studies have shown that Wegovy may be more effective in promoting weight loss.One of the main reasons for this difference in effectiveness is the dosage prescribed by doctors. In general, Wegovy is prescribed at a higher maintenance dose than Ozempic, which may contribute to greater weight loss results. In clinical studies comparing the two medications, both were found to be effective in helping patients with obesity or overweight to reduce their body weight. However, Wegovy consistently showed better results than Ozempic. But weight loss is not the only factor to consider when choosing between these two medications.
There are other differences that set them apart, such as efficacy, side effects, dosage, and cost. While Wegovy may be more useful for losing weight, Ozempic tends to cause fewer symptoms. It's important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider to determine which medication may be best for you. Both Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is released after eating. By suppressing hunger signals in the brain, they help the body digest food more slowly, feel full, and eat less.
In a 68-week clinical study, Wegovy was found to be highly effective in promoting weight loss when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
83% of participants lost 5% or more of their starting weight, 66% lost 10%, and 48% lost 15% or more.
In comparison, only 31% of participants who followed a low-calorie diet and exercised but did not receive Wegovy were able to achieve a 5% weight loss. It's important to note that everyone responds to treatment differently, so your results may not be exactly the same as someone else's. If you are looking for GLP-1 medications to control type 2 diabetes, Ozempic may be the better option as it is specifically approved for this purpose by the FDA. However, if your main goal is to lose weight, then Wegovy may be the better choice as it is FDA-approved for weight loss and tends to generate more significant weight loss results than Ozempic. Both medications can also be prescribed to reduce cardiovascular risk in individuals with heart disease and type 2 diabetes (in the case of Ozempic) or those who are obese or overweight (in the case of Wegovy).They both contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, but their approved uses differ. Ozempic is primarily used to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight loss in adults and children. While there are other medications available that can help with weight loss, such as Jardiance, Farxiga, and Invokana, they are primarily used to treat diabetes and may also cause weight loss as a side effect. During clinical trials of Ozempic, a small percentage of participants developed new or worsened retinopathy. While these medications can help suppress appetite, it's essential to also make lifestyle changes such as reducing your intake of desserts, fatty foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages for effective weight loss. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is another GLP-1 medication that has been shown to promote weight loss in adults with or without type 2 diabetes. In a review of studies, it was found that individuals who took a higher dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) lost more weight than those who took a lower dose (1 mg).One study even showed that a 15-milligram dose of this medication taken weekly resulted in more than 20% weight loss.
While it is not currently approved for weight loss, participants in clinical trials for Mounjaro lost an average of 5.5 kg (12 pounds) to 11 kg (25 pounds). Zepbound (tirzepatide) has been evaluated in two clinical studies (SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2) and found to be effective for chronic weight control in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. So which medication is the best option for you? It ultimately depends on your specific goals and health needs. If you are looking for a GLP-1 medication to control type 2 diabetes, Ozempic may be the better choice. However, if you want to lose weight and improve your overall health, Wegovy may be the more effective option.
It's also worth noting that Wegovy is the first medication approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in overweight or obese adults. The SURMOUNT-2 phase 3 study compared weight loss with tirzepatide (Zepbound) to a placebo treatment over a period of 72 weeks. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are prescription medications that are injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and make lifestyle changes to achieve the best results.
