In our earlier article Injectable Weight Loss Medications – What you need to know in 2025 our Surry Hills doctors & GPs discussed the increasing use of injectable weight loss medications, potential side effects and various injectable options. In this article, we will focus on the similarities and differences between Wegovy and Ozempic, both containing the medication semaglutide.
Although Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, they are approved for different medical conditions and used at different doses.
For patients in Surry Hills, understanding the differences between these medications can help determine which treatment may be appropriate. Doctors at Crown St Medical Centre provide medical weight-loss consultations for patients considering GLP-1 treatments such as Wegovy or Ozempic.
What is Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
GLP-1 medications work by:
- Reducing appetite signals in the brain
- Slowing stomach emptying
- Increasing satiety after meals
- Improving insulin secretion
Because of these effects, they are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Key difference
| Medication | Primary indication | Active ingredient |
| Wegovy | Chronic weight management | Semaglutide |
| Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes | Semaglutide |
Although both medications contain semaglutide, Wegovy uses a higher dose specifically designed for weight loss.
Typical Dosages of Wegovy vs Ozempic
Both medications are weekly injections, but the dosing schedules differ slightly.
Wegovy dosing schedule
Patients gradually increase the dose over about 16–20 weeks:
- Week 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly
- Week 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly
- Week 9–12: 1 mg weekly
- Week 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly
- Maintenance dose: 2.4 mg weekly
Ozempic dosing schedule
Ozempic is generally used at lower doses:
- Week 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly
- Week 5 onward: 0.5 mg weekly
- Maintenance: 1 mg weekly
- Some patients increase to 2 mg weekly
Because Wegovy uses the higher 2.4 mg dose, it tends to produce greater weight loss results.
Clinical Trial Results Comparing Weight Loss
STEP Trials (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) using Wegovy
The STEP 1 clinical trial studied semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with obesity.
Key results:
- Average weight loss: ~14.9% of body weight
- Duration: 68 weeks
- Over 86% of participants lost at least 5% of body weight
These trials involved nearly 2,000 patients and demonstrated clinically significant weight loss compared with placebo.
Ozempic trials
Studies in patients with type 2 diabetes show:
- Weight loss around 4–7% of body weight
- Approximately 3–6 kg weight loss depending on dose
In Summary
| Medication | Average weight loss |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg | ~15% body weight |
| Ozempic 1–2 mg | ~4–7% body weight |
Because of the higher dose, Wegovy generally produces greater weight reduction.
Costs of Wegovy vs Ozempic in Australia
Cost is often one of the biggest considerations for patients seeking medical weight loss treatment.
Typical private prescription costs
| Medication | Estimated cost per month |
| Wegovy | ~$320 – $450 |
| Ozempic | ~$130 – $260 |
However, Ozempic may be subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Typical PBS pricing:
- ~$31 per prescription
- ~$7.70 with concession card
Wegovy is currently largely private prescription in Australia, although subsidy discussions are ongoing.
Government Plans to Subsidise GLP-1 Medications
Health policy discussions in Australia have considered expanding access to GLP-1 medications for patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease risk.
Potential future PBS criteria may include:
- BMI ≥ 30–35
- Obesity with cardiovascular disease
- Failure of lifestyle treatment
If approved, this could significantly reduce the cost of Wegovy to approximately PBS pricing levels for eligible patients.
Such policy changes could expand access to obesity treatment across Australia in 2026.
Safety and Side Effects
Because Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same medication, their safety profiles are similar.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
These symptoms usually occur during the dose escalation phase and settle with time.
Less common but serious risks
Rare complications may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney injury
- Diabetic retinopathy worsening
Some studies have also investigated rare vision complications such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients using semaglutide medications. Patients should always discuss risks with a qualified GP before starting treatment.
Which Medication Is Better?
The best medication depends on the patient’s health goals.
Wegovy may be better if:
- The main goal is significant weight loss
- BMI ≥ 30
- Lifestyle changes alone have not worked
Ozempic may be better if:
- The patient has type 2 diabetes
- Blood sugar control is the primary concern
- PBS subsidy eligibility reduces cost
Because both medications affect metabolism and appetite, they should only be prescribed after medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Wegovy stronger than Ozempic?
Yes. Wegovy contains the same medication but at a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg) compared with Ozempic’s 1–2 mg dose.
- How much weight can you lose on Wegovy?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of about 15% of body weight over 68 weeks.
- Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, but it is often prescribed by doctors off-label for weight loss.
- Are GLP-1 medications safe?
Most patients tolerate them well, but gastrointestinal symptoms are common when starting treatment.
Rare complications include pancreatitis, gallstones and kidney problems, so medical supervision is important.
- Is it safe to obtain compound Semaglutide from a compound pharmacy?
Whilst there is an emerging trend for telehealth providers to offer compounded semaglutide-like products. Compounded semaglutide-like products are ‘unapproved’ therapeutic goods and have not been evaluated by us for safety, quality and efficacy. They can contain incorrect dose, potential contaminants and the quality is not verified, potentially increasing the risk of side effects and infection. The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Australia) recommended that these medications be reserved for exceptional clinical circumstances.
- Do patients regain weight after stopping?
Weight regain can occur if medication is stopped without lifestyle changes. Long-term weight management usually requires diet, physical activity and medical support.
Weight Loss Doctors in Surry Hills
Patients in Surry Hills and Inner Sydney seeking medical weight loss advice can speak with our team of GPs about:
- GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic
- Medical assessment for obesity treatment
- Nutrition and lifestyle strategies
- Ongoing monitoring for medication safety
At Crown St Medical Centre, our Surry Hills doctors provide personalised weight-loss consultations and medical guidance for patients exploring GLP-1 treatments. Conveniently located in the heart of Surry Hills on Crown St, our GPs service patients across Paddington, Centennial Park, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Waterloo and Redfern.
Book a Consultation with a Surry Hills Doctor
If you would like to discuss medical weight loss, lifestyle support, or emerging treatment options, our experienced doctors are here to help. At Crown St Medical Practice – Surry Hills trusted local medical centre, we provide evidence-based care for patients searching for a Surry Hills doctor or Surry Hills medical practice.
Our compassionate team is committed to helping you achieve sustainable health outcomes.
Last medically reviewed: 17 March 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hills’ trusted Medical Practice
Location: Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW
