Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Semaglutide
They all contain the same drug — so what's actually different? Brand, FDA-approved use, dose, cost, and access, compared honestly by a physician-supervised clinic.
- Physician-supervised
- North Miami & Palm Beach Gardens
- Labs & titration
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Medically reviewed by the Aurelia Med Spa medical team · Last reviewed
Here's the single most important fact: Ozempic, Wegovy, and semaglutide are the same active drug — semaglutide. The confusion comes from branding. Ozempic and Wegovy are two brand names for semaglutide from the same manufacturer, approved for different uses, while "semaglutide" on its own usually refers to the compounded version prepared by licensed pharmacies. Here's how they compare within our medical weight-loss programs.
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy | Compounded Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| FDA-approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Chronic weight management | Not a branded FDA product — made by licensed compounding pharmacies |
| Typically used for | Diabetes (weight loss often off-label) | Weight loss | Weight loss — cost-accessible option |
| Max dose | 2.0 mg / week | 2.4 mg / week | Varies by program & pharmacy |
| Relative cost | High (brand) | High (brand) | Lower — often the accessible route |
| How you get it | Prescription | Prescription | Physician-supervised program + licensed pharmacy |
Informational only — not medical advice. FDA-approved indications and dosing are set by the manufacturer and FDA; your candidacy, sourcing and dose are confirmed at a medical consultation.
So which should you choose?
Wegovy if…
You want the brand FDA-approved specifically for weight management and your insurance or budget supports it.
Ozempic if…
You're managing type 2 diabetes; weight loss is a well-documented added benefit, though weight use is off-label.
Compounded if…
You want an accessible, cost-effective route — provided it's through a supervised program with a vetted, licensed pharmacy.
And if you're comparing semaglutide to the dual-action alternative, our Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide guide covers that — Tirzepatide is a different molecule with the strongest average results to date. See Tirzepatide weight loss in Miami.
Why supervision matters more than the label
Whichever version you use, the medication is only as safe and effective as the program around it. Compounded semaglutide is legal and widely used, but quality varies between pharmacies — so sourcing, dosing, labs, and monitoring matter enormously. Aurelia's programs start at $1,299 and include labs, supervised titration, weekly check-ins, and body-composition tracking, with Cherry or Care Credit financing available. See the full weight-loss programs and pricing.
Frequently asked questions.
Are Ozempic, Wegovy and semaglutide the same thing?+
The active ingredient is the same — semaglutide — in all three. The differences are the brand, the FDA-approved indication, the dosing, and the cost. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for chronic weight management, and compounded semaglutide is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. All work by the same mechanism.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?+
Both are brand-name semaglutide from the same manufacturer. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (and often used off-label for weight loss), while Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management and reaches a slightly higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs 2.0 mg). For weight loss specifically, Wegovy is the on-label brand.
Is compounded semaglutide safe and legal?+
Compounding by state-licensed and reputable pharmacies is legal, and it's how many patients access semaglutide affordably. But quality and oversight vary between sources, which is exactly why it should only be used within a physician-supervised program that controls sourcing, dosing and monitoring — never bought from an unvetted online seller.
How is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) different?+
Tirzepatide is a different molecule — a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist — not semaglutide. It activates two gut-hormone pathways rather than one and has shown the strongest average weight loss in trials. Our Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide guide compares the two drug families in detail.
Which semaglutide option should I choose?+
It depends on your goals, medical history, insurance and budget. For FDA-approved weight management, Wegovy is the on-label brand; a supervised compounded program is often the accessible route. We assess your candidacy, confirm sourcing and dosing, and recommend the right fit at a medical consultation.
Do I need medical supervision?+
Yes. These are prescription medications that require an evaluation, lab work and supervised dose titration. Every Aurelia weight-loss program is physician-supervised — we don't offer prescription-only, no-oversight plans.
Find the right program for you.
Book a complimentary consultation in North Miami or Palm Beach Gardens — we'll recommend the right medication and dose based on your goals and history.
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