Semaglutide vs. Ozempic: Comparing Popular Weight Loss Drugs
When it comes to losing weight, sometimes we can do everything right but still see no results. You can be eating the right foods, watching your calorie intake and participating in daily exercise but feel like you’re stuck in a rut of not losing weight. In recent years, we’ve seen amazing development in a new and exciting field that was innovated in order to support those who are struggling to lose weight – the field of medical weight loss. This medical division embodies a variety of safe and effective methods to help patients lose weight and maintain a healthier body weight long-term, from surgery to medications.
When thinking about the world of medical weight loss and the amazing support options now available on the market, one of the most popular choices is that of weight loss medications. These medications are recent additions to this field, embodying a wide selection of options to support patients with varying needs and health concerns. From injections to oral pills, there are a myriad of weight loss medications now available for patients and professionals to choose from.
If you’ve delved into the world of medical weight loss, chances are high that you’ve already come across two of the most popular medications – Ozempic and Semaglutide. These two prescription weight loss medications are safe and effective to use to help patients lose weight and keep it off. But what is the difference between semaglutide and Ozempic? Is one medication better than the other? How can I determine which weight loss medication is right for me? If you’ve been asking yourself these questions and more about weight loss drugs, we’re happy to help you find the information that you need. Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of both Ozempic and Semaglutide as well as their key differences.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a name-brand injectable GLP-1 indicated medication that is used to treat Diabetes Type II and obesity. This medication is available in injectable form and is administered once per week. Ozempic works in the body through mimicking the presence of a hormone that triggers the brain to think that you are ‘full’ while slowing down the digestive process. This, in turn, will lead to patients consuming less food and fewer calories overall, which encourages weight loss.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a generic GLP-1 indicated medication that is most often used to treat both obesity and Type II Diabetes. This medication is a generic of the name-brand Ozempic and is available in both oral pill and injectable form. Like Ozempic, Semaglutide works in the body by mimicking the presence of a specific hormone that leads the brain to think that you are ‘full’ while slowing down digestion. Because you feel full for longer, you are less inclined to eat and thus consume fewer calories, encouraging weight loss.
Ozempic vs. Semaglutide
Now that we’ve nailed down what Ozempic and Semaglutide actually are, let’s get into the differences between each weight loss drug.
The Benefits
As we already mentioned, Ozempic and Semaglutide are essentially the same medication under different names, with Ozempic being brand-name and Semaglutide being generic. Because of this, you can expect many of the same benefits with both medications. In addition to safe and effective weight loss, both Ozempic and semaglutide can also help treat Type II Diabetes, working in the body to help balance out blood sugar levels.
The Side Effects
When it comes to Ozempic side effects and Semaglutide side effects, you can expect the same thing. Both medications can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. How severe these side effects are differ from patient to patient and can be directly affected by patient lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise levels.
The Weight Loss
Because both Ozempic and Semaglutide are essentially the same medication, you can expect the same level of weight loss with both medications. While the true effectiveness does vary from patient to patient, on average you can expect to lose approximately 4 – 5 pounds per month. This, however, can be directly affected by your current lifestyle practices, including diet, exercise, and stress levels. In order to maximize your weight loss, it’s important to participate in a comprehensive medical weight loss program alongside using Ozempic or Semaglutide.
The Format
One of the key differentiating factors between Ozempic and Semaglutide is the method in which you can take each medication. Ozempic is an injectable medication that you use once per week at a dosage level determined by a supervising medical professional. On the other hand, Semaglutide can be administered in the same manner as Ozempic or taken as an oral medication. If you’re not sure which type of weight loss drug format will work best for you, consult the prescribing medical professional to help determine which suits your needs, your lifestyle, and your goals.
The Cost
When comparing Ozempic and Semaglutide, the biggest difference lies in the overall cost. Because Ozempic is a name-brand weight loss drug, the cost per dose is often higher than that of Semaglutide, a generic. However, both medications can potentially be covered by insurance plans, depending on the individual patient and their insurance provider.
If you’re not sure whether your insurance company will help cover the cost of your weight loss medication, we’re happy to help at Angelic Lift. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to determine if insurance covers medical weight loss under your current plan. And if it does not, we’ll also be able to assist in helping you find the right medication to fit your needs and your budget, whether it’s Ozempic or Semaglutide.
When it comes to weight loss, you don’t have to struggle to reach your goals all on your own anymore. With the recent innovations in the world of medical weight loss, you can effectively utilize a variety of safe and effective methods to finally lose weight. Two popular weight loss drugs that are making waves in this field are Ozempic and Semaglutide. Both options offer amazing support to those who are struggling to lose weight with similar side effects and results, making them great options for those who are considering pursuing medical weight loss.
If you’re considering taking the plunge and diving into the world of medical weight loss, we’re happy to help you get started. Our expert team at Angelic Lift is well-versed in this field and the different weight loss drugs available on the market. We can work with you to determine which medication best-suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget, as well as create an in-depth medical weight loss program to support you along the way. We offer both virtual and in-person appointments with our team of medical professionals to best suit your busy lifestyle. Contact us today and schedule your consultation for a slimmer and healthier you!
