Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5 mg and 1 mg) is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes, not for weight management. It is not the same product as Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg), which is licensed for weight loss. Prescribing Ozempic off-label for weight management in people without type 2 diabetes is not in line with its licence and is not a service offered at Newdays Pharmacy. If you are seeking weight loss treatment, Wegovy or Mounjaro are the appropriate licensed options. |
One of the most common questions at Newdays Pharmacy in Berkshire is whether patients can get Ozempic for weight loss. The confusion is understandable: Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide and are made by the same manufacturer, and media coverage has not always made the distinction clear. This article explains exactly what Ozempic is, what it is licensed for, and why the distinction from Wegovy matters clinically and legally.
What Is Ozempic and What Is It Licensed For?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide at doses of 0.5 mg and 1 mg (and a 2 mg dose licensed more recently for type 2 diabetes). It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is licensed by the MHRA specifically for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It works by activating GLP-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce blood glucose. The same mechanism that makes it effective for diabetes also reduces appetite, which is why patients using Ozempic for diabetes noticed significant weight loss in clinical practice.
What Is the Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy?
| Ozempic (Semaglutide)Doses: 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mgLicence: Type 2 diabetesNot licensed for weight managementShould not be prescribed for weight loss in non-diabetic patientsPrescribing off-label for weight loss in non-diabetic patients is not within licence | Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg)Dose: 2.4mg maintenanceLicence: Chronic weight managementMHRA approved specifically for obesityAvailable at Newdays Pharmacy following clinical assessmentThe correct, licensed option for non-diabetic weight management |
Why Has Ozempic Become Associated With Weight Loss?
Ozempic became associated with weight loss in the media and on social media from 2022 onwards when high profile figures reported using it for weight management rather than for diabetes. This generated enormous demand, leading to supply shortages that affected people with type 2 diabetes who genuinely relied on the medicine for blood glucose management.
There is multiple guidance released strongly discouraging off-label prescribing of Ozempic for weight management in non-diabetic patients, partly because of the supply impact and partly because it creates clinical risks when patients use a diabetes medicine without the appropriate diabetes monitoring and support framework.
So What Should I Do If I Want a Semaglutide Weight Loss Injection?
If you are seeking semaglutide for weight management and do not have type 2 diabetes, Wegovy is the appropriate licensed product. If you have type 2 diabetes and need weight management support, your prescriber can assess whether Ozempic (within its licensed indication for diabetes) or Mounjaro (tizepatide dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) (licensed for both type 2 diabetes and weight management) is appropriate for your situation.
At Newdays Pharmacy, we offer a pharmacist led weight management service at our branches in Eton, Twyford, Reading, and Lane End. Our prescribers can assess your suitability for Wegovy or Mounjaro following a full clinical consultation.
| Book Now: Book a Travel Health Consultation or Weight Management Appointment: We serve patients from Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Newdays Pharmacy does not prescribe Ozempic for weight management in people without type 2 diabetes. The licensed semaglutide medicine for weight management is Wegovy (2.4 mg), which is available following a clinical assessment to determine whether it is suitable for you.
Wegovy contains a higher maintenance dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) than Ozempic (up to 2 mg) and is specifically licensed for weight management. The higher dose has been shown to produce greater weight loss in clinical studies. Although both contain semaglutide, they are licensed for different medical conditions and are not interchangeable.
Buying Ozempic from unregulated online sources for weight loss can be unsafe. There is a risk of counterfeit medicines, incorrect dosing and a lack of appropriate medical supervision. Always obtain MHRA-licensed weight management medication through a qualified prescriber following a full clinical assessment.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |