Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medicine. It acts like a natural gut hormone that tells your brain you are full. It also slows how fast your stomach empties and helps control blood sugar. Most people feel less hungry and have fewer food cravings.
Wegovy, Ozempic and the Wegovy pill: what is the difference?
| Brand | Form | FDA-approved for |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Weekly injection, up to 2.4 mg | Weight loss, lowering heart attack and stroke risk in people with heart disease, and MASH liver disease |
| Wegovy pill | Daily pill, 25 mg maintenance dose | Weight loss and lowering heart risk. Approved December 2025 |
| Ozempic | Weekly injection, up to 2 mg | Type 2 diabetes and lowering heart and kidney risk in diabetes |
| Rybelsus | Daily pill | Type 2 diabetes |
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same medicine. The difference is the dose and what each one is approved for. For weight loss, Wegovy is the approved choice.
How much weight do people lose on semaglutide?
In the STEP 1 trial, adults on Wegovy injections lost about 15 percent of their body weight on average over 68 weeks. In the OASIS 4 trial, the 25 mg Wegovy pill led to about 14 percent average weight loss over 64 weeks. Many people also see better blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Starting semaglutide with Dr. Siddiqui
- A medical visit and labs to make sure semaglutide is safe for you.
- A low starting dose that goes up about every four weeks.
- Coaching on eating smaller meals, getting enough protein and drinking water.
- Check-ins to manage side effects and adjust the dose.
- A long-term plan once you reach your goal.
The Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, then you wait 30 minutes before eating. Some people find the weekly shot easier. We help you choose.
Side effects and safety
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and belly discomfort. They are usually worst when starting or raising the dose and often fade. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and dehydration that can affect the kidneys.
Semaglutide injections carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 should not use it. As an endocrinologist, Dr. Siddiqui screens for this carefully.
The FDA declared the semaglutide shortage over in February 2025 and has warned about dosing mistakes with compounded products. We can help you switch to an FDA-approved option.