What are Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) are injectable medications that are used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. They both lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the secretion of insulin and reducing the secretion of glucagon. When blood sugar rises, insulin is secreted to lower blood sugar while glucagon causes the release of your body’s stored sugar into the bloodstream. Ozempic and Wegovy prevent both of these from happening. In addition, these drugs cause your body to release the hormone GLP-1. This hormone is known to play a role in satiety and also slows down your body’s digestive system which can also make you feel more full.
While Ozempic is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, Wegovy is. Wegovy is approved for people with a Basal Metabolic Index (BMI) of greater than 30. It is also approved for people with a BMI of at least 27 and at least 1 comorbid condition such as hypertension or high cholesterol. In fact, at least two studies that observed A1C levels in diabetics found that adults who used Semaglutide lost up to 14 pounds.
What side effects can occur with Ozempic or Wegovy?
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated by many people. However, if you have had a previous allergy to Semaglutide or a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers then you should generally avoid Semaglutide.
The most common side effects include
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- constipation
Pancreatitis, low blood sugar, kidney damage, and gallbladder disease are more serious but rare side effects.
In addition, some people experience “Ozempic face”, which is the term used to describe facial sagging that results from rapid weight loss. This can occur with both Ozempic or Wegovy.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are both Semiglutide made by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. They are both injectable medications that are taken weekly. The main difference is that Wegovy is dosed slightly higher than Ozempic and is also FDA-approved for weight loss. The use of Ozempic for weight loss, as of the publication of this article, is still considered “off-label”.
Are these medications covered by my insurance for weight loss?
In general, Ozempic is not covered by your insurance company for weight loss as it is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Wegovy may or may not be covered depending on your type of insurance. Both Medicare and Medicaid do not cover Wegovy as of the publication of this article. In addition, the out-of-pocket cost for Wegovy or Ozempic is generally more than $500 and can be as high as $1500. You may be able to check your insurance plans coverage for Wegovy by searching here.
While we have prescribed Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, our office generally recommends that you couple these medications with diet and exercise. Traditionally, we have found that these medications work best and patients maintain their weight loss for a longer period of time when they also incorporate a healthier lifestyle. If you have any questions about Ozempic, Wegovy, or any other weight loss medication, feel free to reach out to our office for more information.
Dr. Sergio Guiteau is a physician who is board certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine with added certifications in Aesthetic Medicine. He specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine and blogs on Advancedrejuv.com/blog