Is Ozempic (semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight loss?

No, Ozempic® is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but it is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. You may have heard of Ozempic being used for weight loss, and in that case it is considered off-label use because it is being used for a non-FDA-approved indication. The active ingredient of Ozempic, semaglutide, is also the same active ingredient as Wegovy® which is FDA-approved for weight loss. Therefore, if Wegovy is not available to patients due to issues with supply or insurance coverage, medical providers may prescribe Ozempic to patients as an alternative. Aside from the FDA-approval, the other differences between these medications are the doses. For example, Ozempic has a maximum dose of 2mg and Wegovy’s is 2.4mg. 

Learn more about Ozempic at Form Health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate

‍Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.

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Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.