Wegovy vs Ozempic:
Which Semaglutide Injection Should You Choose?
SCOPE Certified Weight Loss Doctors
Written by
Dr Amina Guffar
Medical Practitioner in Women's Health, Obesity & Aesthetics | Medical Advisor
What to consider
With the arrival of Wegovy® in South Africa (August 2025), many South Africans are asking:
What’s the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic, and which one is right for me?
Both injections are based on the same active ingredient — semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates appetite and blood sugar. However, they are approved for different purposes, come in different dosages, and are used in different ways.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before making a choice.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication originally developed for type 2 diabetes. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone in the body, helping to:
Suppress appetite and cravings
Slow digestion (making you feel fuller for longer).
Improve blood sugar and insulin levels.
While both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, they are designed for different treatment goals.
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Wegovy® (Semaglutide for Weight Loss)
Launched in South Africa: August 2025
Approved use: Weight management
Dosage: Higher doses of Semaglutide (up to 2.4 mg once weekly)
Average weight loss: 15–17% of body weight in clinical trials
Other benefits: Reduces risk of heart attacks and strokes in overweight patients with cardiovascular disease
Wegovy is specifically registered in South Africa for weight loss, making it the best choice if your main goal is obesity treatment.
Ozempic® (Semaglutide for Diabetes)
Available in South Africa since 2019
Approved use: Type 2 diabetes management
Dosage: Lower doses (up to 1 mg once weekly in SA, higher doses like 2 mg in some markets)
Average weight loss: 10-20% of body weight in clinical trials
Other benefits:
Improves blood sugar control, lowers HbA1c, reduces cardiovascular risks in diabetics
In South Africa, Ozempic is not officially approved for weight loss, though some doctors prescribe it “off-label” to help with obesity.
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
Wegovy
Ozempic
Active ingredient
Semaglutide
Semaglutide
Approved use in SA
Weight loss
Type 2 diabetes
Max dose
2.4mg weekly
1mg weekly
Average weight loss
15–17%
10–12%
Injection frequency
Weekly
Weekly
Launch in SA
2025
2019
Which One Should You Choose?
If your primary goal is weight loss, Wegovy is the right choice. It’s approved in South Africa for this purpose, offers higher doses, and produces greater weight loss on average.
If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is usually prescribed, as it is specifically registered for diabetes management and improves blood sugar control.
If cost or availability is a concern, some patients may still use Ozempic off-label for weight loss, especially while the supply of Wegovy increases.
Availability and Costs in South Africa (2025)
Wegovy: Just launched, expected to be in limited supply at first. Pricing will likely be higher than Saxenda and Ozempic.
Ozempic: Already available, but demand often causes stock shortages.
Currently, neither drug is widely covered by South African medical aids for the treatment of obesity, but this could change as demand increases.
Conclusion
Both Wegovy and Ozempic are powered by semaglutide, a breakthrough GLP-1 treatment. The key difference lies in what they’re approved for and the doses available.
Wegovy = weight loss
Ozempic = diabetes (with some weight loss benefits)
If you’re looking for weight management in South Africa, Wegovy is now the gold-standard option. If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic remains highly effective.
Always consult a registered South African healthcare provider before starting either medication, and only use products dispensed by SAHPRA-approved pharmacists to avoid unsafe counterfeit versions.
Frequently asked questions
Both contain Semaglutide, but they’re approved for different conditions.
Wegovy is approved for weight loss in South Africa
Ozempic is approved for type-2 diabetes but may be prescribed “off-label” for weight loss.
Wegovy is more effective for weight loss because it allows higher doses (up to 2.4 mg weekly). On average, Wegovy patients lose 15–17% of their body weight compared to 10–12% with Ozempic
Yes. Wegovy launched in August 2025. in South Africa. However, availability may be limited at first due to high demand and global shortages.
Pricing varies depending on the pharmacy, prescription, and supply. Wegovy is generally more expensive than Ozempic because it’s newer and uses higher doses of semaglutide.
Medical aids do not yet routinely cover these drugs for obesity treatment
Yes — some doctors prescribe Ozempic “off-label” for weight loss. However, Ozempic pens available in South Africa only go up to 1 mg, which may limit weight loss compared to Wegovy.
The most common side effects are similar for both drugs:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation or diarrhoea
Stomach discomfort
These usually improve over time as your body adjusts.
Wegovy is typically prescribed if you have:
A BMI ≥30, or
A BMI ≥27 with a weight-related health condition
(e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol).
Yes, but only through licensed telehealth providers and SAHPRA-approved pharmacies. Be cautious: fake and unsafe versions are sold online. Always check that your prescription is from a registered
South African doctor
These are long-term treatments. Most people regain weight if they stop. Doctors may recommend ongoing use, combined with lifestyle changes, to maintain results.
