Evidence-graded answer
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Same active molecule (semaglutide), different FDA indications and maximum doses. Ozempic = type 2 diabetes, max 2 mg/week. Wegovy = chronic weight management, max 2.4 mg/week. Insurance pathways are very different.
Ozempic was FDA-approved in 2017 for T2D; Wegovy in 2021 for weight management — both made by Novo Nordisk.
Insurance: diabetes plans almost universally cover Ozempic. Weight-management coverage for Wegovy is more variable and usually requires PA documenting BMI + comorbidity.
Off-label Ozempic prescribing for weight loss is common but technically off-label — Wegovy is the on-label semaglutide for weight management.
Source: FDA Wegovy approval, accessdata.fda.gov