Semaglutide vs. Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

By now, most people are familiar with Ozempic, but semaglutide is still a bit of a mystery to many. Ozempic is a patented form of semaglutide (think of it as the brand-name version), offering similar benefits for managing weight and diabetes. So when it comes to semaglutide vs. Ozempic, what’s really the difference?

At Victory Men’s Health, we prefer to offer semaglutide because it allows us to control the dose more precisely than with Ozempic. This enables us to tailor the treatment plan specifically to each patient, ensuring the most effective and personalized care.

Today, our health experts are breaking down everything you need to know about both. 

Before we dive in, let’s address the elephant in the room: there’s a stigma around these medications. Some see them as the “easy way out” for weight loss or diabetes management simply because they’re highly effective. However, there’s no shame in using effective tools to achieve your health goals. What matters most is doing what’s best for your well-being.

In a recent podcast episode, Victory Men’s Health CEO Amy Stuttle and fitness expert Mike Dolce debunked common misconceptions surrounding semaglutide. Contrary to popular belief, using semaglutide doesn’t have to mean sacrificing muscle mass. With the right guidance, you can effectively shed body fat while also gaining muscle. 

So, Ozempic vs. semaglutide—how are they different? And are they right for me? In today’s blog post, that’s exactly what we’re going to help you figure out. 

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, acts by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, enhancing insulin release and supporting weight loss. 

While semaglutide offers incredible weight loss benefits, there are potential barriers such as insurance coverage limitations. However, reputable compound pharmacies provide accessible alternatives, offering semaglutide at a fraction of the cost of brand-name options like Ozempic. 

When you work with us, we’ll help you explore all available avenues to determine the most practical and beneficial option for your specific situation. 

How to Take Semaglutide

Semaglutide is administered via a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. The medication targets visceral fat, the fat surrounding organs, and fat in the belly, which is often a crucial marker for health.

When taking semaglutide, it’s important to closely monitor your body composition and macronutrients to prevent unintended muscle mass loss. High doses can inadvertently lead to muscle depletion, which is why it’s best to work with a healthcare professional who can create an individualized treatment plan. 

It’s also crucial to emphasize the role of protein intake and a healthy lifestyle to ensure a successful semaglutide regimen.

How much weight can you lose with Semaglutide/Ozempic?

One of the most attractive things about semaglutide and Ozempic is how effective they are for weight loss. Studies show that people taking these medications can lose a significant amount of weight—typically around 10-15% of their starting weight over the course of their treatment.

Semaglutide Weight Loss Timeline

The timeline for weight loss with semaglutide or Ozempic varies from person to person. Most people start noticing weight loss within the first few weeks of treatment, with more significant results happening over several months. Here’s a general outline of what you might expect:

• First Month – Initial adjustments and gradual weight loss begin as your body adapts to the medication.
• Three Months – More noticeable weight loss, often around 5-7% of initial body weight.
• Six Months – Continued weight loss, with many individuals reaching 10-15% of their initial body weight.
• Beyond Six Months – Sustained weight loss with continued use, combined with lifestyle changes for long-term results.

Are you a candidate for semaglutide?

Wondering if semaglutide is the right fit for you? At Victory Men’s Health, we take a comprehensive approach to your health, looking at more than just your weight. 

While weight is undoubtedly a key factor, we consider several aspects, including your medical history, goals, and body fat percentage. Even outside of obesity, understanding your body fat percentage is helpful in metabolic and inflammatory conditions.  Semaglutide is often recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health concern, such as:

• High cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome issues
• Osteoarthritis

While Ozempic and other GLP-1s can be prescribed under these diagnostic criteria, these are flawed as BMI isn’t always a good tool for measuring metabolic health. If you don’t fall within these criteria but are still struggling to lose weight, these medications might still be a good option for you. 

In the podcast, Amy and Mike stressed the significance of personalized treatment plans. This means not only focusing on medication but also committing to a healthy exercise regimen to stimulate your muscle growth and overall well-being.

What symptoms does semaglutide or Ozempic treat?

Recognizing the symptoms that semaglutide or Ozempic can treat is the first step toward making informed decisions about your health. Here are some common signs that these medications might be beneficial for you. 

• Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels can make you need to urinate more often which is a sign of diabetes.
• Increased Thirst: You may feel constantly thirsty due to your body losing more water through frequent urination, which is also a sign of diabetes.
• Difficulty Losing Weight: Despite diet and exercise efforts, you may struggle to shed pounds due to metabolic challenges.
• Shortness of Breath: Carrying excess weight can make it harder to breathe, especially during physical activity.
• Joint Pain: Extra weight can put stress on your joints, leading to discomfort and pain. Beyond extra weight, joint pain and arthritis are inflammatory conditions and these medications help decrease that inflammatory response.
• Sleep Apnea: Obesity increases the risk of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
• High Blood Pressure: Excess weight can contribute to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

If you feel like you would benefit from semaglutide or Ozempic, the next step would be to meet with a healthcare provider or men’s health specialist who can help you determine whether it’s the right move for you. 

What’s the difference between Ozempic and semaglutide?

Choosing between Ozempic and semaglutide can be challenging since both medications belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Let’s compare them. 

Administration frequency is the same for both. 

• Ozempic: Administered once a week via a subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Semaglutide: Also administered once a week through a subcutaneous injection, following a similar administration method to Ozempic. Sometimes, we recommend dividing the dose and taking it more frequently to reduce the side effects.

Insurance coverage can vary. 

• Ozempic: Often covered by insurance, but only when prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes per FDA guidelines. 
• Semaglutide: While it shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic, coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider. Many providers will not cover weight loss medication, which is where sourcing your medication through a reputable compound pharmacy can be helpful in reducing the monthly cost. 

Semaglutide offers more dosing flexibility.

• Ozempic: Offers a convenient once-weekly dosing regimen, providing consistent blood sugar management and weight loss benefits.
• Semaglutide: Allows more flexibility in dosing, allowing for customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Both medications have the same side effects.

Semaglutide and Ozempic may cause similar side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and hypoglycemia. Whether you take one or the other, you should experience the same side effects if you’re getting a quality compound since the raw materials are the same. It’s essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

Personal preferences play a role in which one to choose.

Ultimately, the choice between Ozempic and semaglutide depends on your unique health goals, preferences, and insurance situation. Our men’s health experts can help you navigate your options and determine the most suitable treatment plan for your needs.

Semaglutide vs. Ozempic: The Role of a Healthy Lifestyle

While semaglutide can help your weight loss journey, it’s not a standalone solution. By combining medication with healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and personalized support from healthcare professionals, you can achieve lasting success in your weight loss journey while safeguarding your overall health and well-being.

Do you lose muscle or fat on semaglutide?

When you begin a weight loss journey with medications like Semaglutide and Ozempic, it’s natural to wonder whether you can expect to lose muscle or fat. While these medications can lead to a reduction in overall body fat, there may also be some accompanying loss of muscle mass. However, with our individualized treatment plans, we prioritize strategies to help you maintain and even gain muscle while on these medications.

Our comprehensive approach to weight loss goes beyond simply watching the scale. We focus on optimizing your body composition to promote long-term health. With our support, you can achieve a balanced transformation that prioritizes both muscle retention and fat loss, setting you up for success on the path to optimized health and vitality. 

So, should I choose semaglutide or Ozempic?

As you consider your options with semaglutide vs. Ozempic, remember that you’re not alone on this journey. At Victory Men’s Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or are ready to take the next step toward a healthier you, our compassionate team is just a phone call or a click away. 

Let’s work together to create a personalized plan that helps you achieve your weight loss goals and reclaim your health and vitality. Contact us today and let’s start this journey together.

We’re sharing it all on the podcast.

If you’re interested in learning more, we invite you to check out the Women Want Men Strong podcast hosted by Amy Stuttle, the founder and CEO of Victory Men’s Health, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

For those living in Missouri and Illinois, taking the first step towards optimizing your hormones is easy with Victory Men’s Health. Whether through telehealth or in-person visits, our team is ready to assist you with a comprehensive panel to identify where you might be lacking and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Your first visit is $99, this fee includes a confidential consultation with one of our medical providers, PSA testing, testosterone assessment, body composition analysis, and a customized “test dose” of our proven medication if needed.