Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Differences for Dubai Users in Dubai ?

Residents in Dubai often face the decision between Wegovy and Ozempic when considering options for managing weight. Both medications, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, contain semaglutide as their active ingredient, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Despite this similarity, they differ significantly in their approved indications, dosages, and formulations, leading to distinct use cases.

Key Contrasts: Approved Uses in the UAE The primary difference lies in their official approvals by health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and international bodies like the FDA.

Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4 mg): Primary Use: Chronic weight management. Wegovy is specifically sanctioned for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) who have at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is also approved for adolescents (12 years and older) with obesity.

Cardiovascular Benefit: Importantly, Wegovy is also authorized to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight & Wegovy injection in Dubai UAE . This was demonstrated in the SELECT trial.

Dosage: Tailored for weight loss, Wegovy is available in higher dosages, titrated up to a maximum of 2.4 mg once weekly.

Ozempic (Semaglutide up to 2.0 mg): Primary Use: Type 2 Diabetes. Ozempic is approved to enhance blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.

Cardiovascular Benefit: It is also sanctioned to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 Diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Dosage: Ozempic is typically titrated up to a maximum of 2.0 mg once weekly for managing diabetes.

The "Off-Label" Aspect in Dubai: Although Ozempic is primarily for Type 2 Diabetes, its notable weight loss effect has led to widespread "off-label" prescription for weight management, especially before the increased availability of Wegovy. In Dubai, this practice exists, but healthcare professionals increasingly prefer prescribing Wegovy for weight loss when appropriate, given its specific approval and higher effective dose for that purpose.

Comparison of Weight Loss Effectiveness As both medications contain semaglutide, they function similarly to suppress appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and slow gastric emptying. However, due to the variance in maximum approved dosages:

Wegovy generally yields more substantial weight loss: Clinical trials for Wegovy demonstrated an average weight loss of around 15-17% of initial body weight over 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg dose.

Ozempic also results in weight loss, but typically to a lesser extent: In studies for Type 2 Diabetes, patients on Ozempic often experienced weight loss ranging from 5-10% of their body weight. The primary reason for this difference in average weight loss outcomes is the higher dose of semaglutide in Wegovy (2.4 mg compared to Ozempic's 2.0 mg maximum).

Cost Comparison in Dubai The cost of both medications in Dubai is generally self-funded for weight loss, as standard health insurance plans rarely cover them for this purpose.

Wegovy Cost: Typically ranges from AED 1,800 to AED 2,500 per month (for a pen containing 4 weekly doses), with higher doses usually incurring higher costs.

Ozempic Cost: Tends to be slightly lower, generally ranging from AED 1,600 to AED 2,200 per month.

These prices may vary depending on the specific pharmacy or clinic offering comprehensive packages that include consultations and support.

Comparison of Side Effects As both drugs contain the same active ingredient, their side effect profiles are very similar. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Severity: Due to Wegovy's higher dosage, some patients may experience these side effects more intensely, particularly during the initial dose escalation phase. However, these side effects are typically temporary and tend to diminish as the body adapts.

Serious Side Effects (Rare but Possible for Both):

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder issues

• Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors

• Kidney problems

Why a Dubai Resident Might Choose One Over the Other: Select Wegovy if:

• Primary objective is weight loss

• Have established Cardiovascular Disease (without diabetes)

• Prefer a dedicated weight management medication

Choose Ozempic if:

• Have Type 2 Diabetes

• Have Type 2 Diabetes and established Cardiovascular Disease

• Doctor recommends it off-label for weight loss

The Ultimate Decision in Dubai: Ultimately, the decision rests with a DHA-licensed healthcare professional in Dubai. They will consider your complete medical history, existing health conditions, weight loss goals, and individual tolerability to determine whether Wegovy, Ozempic,