How Much Weight Can You Lose With Ozempic?

Interest in Ozempic has been increasing in recent months because of its effects on weight loss. However, it is not available in the UK for weight loss. Instead, its active ingredient, semaglutide, under the brand name Wegovy is available to help you lose weight.

In this guide, we explore how much weight you can potentially lose with Ozempic and how this compares with other weight loss injections, like Wegovy. We also discuss how you can get the most out of weight loss medication with subtle lifestyle changes.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic contains the active ingredient, semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These medications can be used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is licensed to manage very high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients in the UK, but it can also have promising effects for weight loss. That’s why it has been prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Ozempic works for weight loss by:

• slowing down how fast food travels through your digestive system, keeping you feeling fuller for longer 
• suppressing your appetite
• reducing the amount of food you eat

Together, these actions contribute to weight loss in some people. Because Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient, Wegovy works in the same way to help you lose weight. However, for both medications to be effective, you must make several important lifestyle changes, including eating a calorie-controlled diet and increasing your exercise output.

How much weight can you lose with Ozempic?

At the highest maximum maintenance Ozempic dose of 2 mg per week, Ozempic can help you lose up to 7kg of your starting body weight after 40 weeks.

However, Ozempic is licensed only in the UK for type 2 diabetes. Instead, you will need an alternative weight loss medication like Wegovy.

Ozempic vs Wegovy for weight loss

Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy has been approved in the UK for weight loss. It is available in a higher maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week compared to the 2 mg/week Ozempic dose. This slightly increased dose is believed to increase the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss.

Wegovy can help people lose up to 15% of their initial body weight at the maximum maintenance dose over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with a placebo. You can get a prescription for Wegovy, even if you do not have type 2 diabetes if you meet the following criteria:

• a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
  a BMI of 27 or more and a weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure

Ozempic vs Mounjaro for weight loss

Mounjaro contains a different active ingredient to Ozempic. It contains tirzepatide and is approved for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. While Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro acts as a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist.

Mounjaro also looks to be the most effective weight loss medication currently available. That’s because it can help you lose up to 22.5% of your starting body weight at the maximum maintenance dose after 72 weeks, compared to 2.4% with a placebo.

How can you maximise weight loss with weight loss medication?

Eating a healthy, balanced, diet that is rich in whole foods and low in fat, sugar, and calories is the most effective way to lose weight with any weight loss medication. If you request weight loss injections from Prescription Doctor, once you have been approved, you will have access to resources to help you get the most out of your treatment, including guidance on:

• the foods and drinks to eat with semaglutide
• 5 ways to increase weight loss with Wegovy
• foods to avoid with Mounjaro
• Mounjaro diet plan

Getting regular exercise on most days of the week is an effective way to encourage weight loss; it can also boost your mood and help you easily meet your targets. The NHS states that adults aged 19 to 64 should try to:

• complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise  or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week
• do some strength-based activities, working all the major muscle groups, at least twice a week
• spread exercise out across 4 or 5 days or every day
• minimise the time spent sitting or lying down by breaking up long periods of inactivity with some exercise or movement

If you qualify for weight loss injections, like Wegovy or Mounjaro, it is important to use them exactly as they are prescribed. This will help to lower the risk of side effects. It's also important that you follow the proper storage guidance so that you prolong the life and effectiveness of your medication.

Summary

Ozempic is not available in the UK solely for weight loss, instead, it is available to treat type 2 diabetes. A suitable alternative is Wegovy, an approved weight loss medication that contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and works in exactly the same way.

If you think Wegovy might be a good weight loss solution for you, start an online consultation with one of our clinicians. 

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 27/02/2025

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 27/02/2025