Ozempic and Wegovy: what are they for and what are the differences?

Both drugs are popular when it comes to weight loss, but care should be taken when using them.

According to the National Health Survey, there are 96 million overweight adults in Brazil. In addition, other data also attract attention: 6.4 million children are in this situation, according to the 2021 Ministry of Health.

Since Anvisa’s approval of Wegovy’s use as an alternative for the treatment of obesity and overweight, the drug has become a hot topic among the medical community and those determined to achieve their ideal weight.

Applied by means of a “pen” under the patient’s skin, Wegovy has semaglutide as the active ingredient and is not yet available for purchase in the Brazilian market.

Together with physical exercises, a balanced diet and mental health care, it can be an excellent ally to combat this comorbidity safely and effectively. Nonetheless, Estela Oliveiranutritionist and specialist in integrative medicine, warns against the indiscriminate use of drugs.

“If it falls to the same standards as other semaglutide medicines, such as Ozempic, indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and used ‘off label’ for the treatment of obesity and overweight, Wegovy will not need a supervised prescription to the commercialization This easy access can generate a delicate topic, as there is an increase in eating disorders and self-image, mainly due to the models disseminated by the media and social networks, which can lead to an inappropriate and trivialized use of drug,” he explains.

Therefore, it emphasizes that no medicine should be used without medical supervision, even if it does not require the purchase of a controlled prescription. “That way, you manage side effects, adjust doses, and have proper guidance on when and how to stop,” he says.

Difference between Wegovy and Ozempic

Like Wegovy, Ozempic has semaglutide, an analogue of a substance in the body called GLP-1, which has the function of showing the brain that we are already fed and controlling the desire to eat. Both are injectable and need to be applied weekly.

However, while Wegovy is officially indicated for obesity, Ozempic is intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Although it is not recommended for weight loss, as it increases the feeling of satiety, Ozempic is widely used by those who want to lose extra pounds, often without medical advice, which can cause serious side effects.

According to the nutrilogist, the dosage is another feature that differentiates the two drugs. “Ozempic can be found in presentations of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg. In Wegovy’s case, in addition to these, there are also 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg,” she points out.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.