weight loss
3 minute read
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
It might appear that Wegovy and Ozempic are different medications. But they both contain the same drug; semaglutide. So what makes them different?

weight loss
∙5 minute read
Whether it’s due to side effects, cost, a change in your goals, or simply following your clinician’s advice, many people make the switch from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to Wegovy (semaglutide). It's a straightforward process, made simpler with the input from clinicians and health coaches.
One of the biggest questions people have is: Do I need to take a break between medications?
The answer is no, there’s no need for a “washout” period. Once you’ve taken your final dose of Mounjaro, you can start Wegovy the following week. This helps you avoid gaps in treatment, meaning your results won’t stall.1
When switching, keep the same weekly injection day. Take your first Wegovy dose one week after your last Mounjaro dose, on your usual injection day. For example, if you normally inject on Mondays and your last Mounjaro dose was on a Monday, start Wegovy the following Monday.1
Even if you were on a high dose of Mounjaro, everyone starting Wegovy begins at 0.25 mg once weekly. This is because your body needs time to adjust to the new medication.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy work in similar ways, but they’re not identical. Starting at a higher dose could increase your chances of side effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort. This gentler start allows your body to settle in, making the switch much easier.
Just like Mounjaro, Wegovy is increased step-by-step over time:
Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly
Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly
Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg weekly
Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly
Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose)
This slow build helps your body adapt and reduces the risk of side effects. If you do experience symptoms, your dose increase can be delayed by letting the Numan clinical team know through the app.
There are several reasons you might move from Mounjaro to Wegovy:
Side effects: Everyone responds differently. Some people find Wegovy easier to tolerate, while others experience fewer symptoms on Mounjaro.
Progress: If your weight loss progress has been limited due to unwanted side effects, then switching can maybe help get you back on track.
Cardiovascular benefits: Wegovy is currently the only GLP-1 treatment licensed in the UK to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes in people with obesity and established heart disease.
Practical reasons: This could include supply issues, cost differences, or personal preference for one over the other.
Not necessarily. Some people are able to move from Mounjaro to Wegovy without undoing the results they’ve worked for.
If side effects have been holding you back, or if you’ve struggled to reach higher doses on your previous medication, the switch may provide a fresh start and open the door to more consistent progress. Even practical factors like better access or cost savings could make it easier to stay on track.1
It’s worth remembering that weight loss isn’t always a straight path. Some people notice a brief pause in their results while their body adapts, but this is usually temporary. What matters most is maintaining the habits you’ve already built, from your eating routine to your activity levels, so you’re ready to make the most of your new treatment. With the right support and a steady plan, switching is less of a setback and more of a step forward.
If you’re a current Numan patient:
Submit a medication change request through the app.
Our clinicians will review your medical history, current dose, and any side effects.
If approved, your Wegovy prescription will be sent directly to you.
If you’re new to Numan:
Start with our online consultation.
Mention that you’re currently on Mounjaro and would like to switch to Wegovy.
Once reviewed, your treatment plan will be approved, and your medication delivered.
For most people, the transition is smooth, especially since there’s no break between treatments. That said, you may notice:1
Mild side effects in the first few weeks: These can include nausea, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. This is normal and usually settles as your body adapts.
Steady progress: Weight loss may continue at a similar pace to Mounjaro, though individual results vary.
A familiar routine: Both medications are taken once weekly, so your habits and schedule can stay the same.
If anything feels off or your symptoms become difficult to manage, you can contact the Numan clinical team at any time through the app.
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s no treatment gap, everyone starts at 0.25 mg, and your dose is increased gradually over a few months. This slow, steady approach gives your body time to adjust while keeping side effects manageable, so you can focus on your weight management goals without unnecessary disruption.
Almandoz JP, Lingvay I, Morales J, Campos C. Switching between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: Rationale and practical guidance. Clinical diabetes: a publication of the American Diabetes Association. 2020;38(4): 390–402.
Taylor P. High-dose semaglutide ramps up weight loss, says Novo. pharmaphorum. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/high-dose-semaglutide-ramps-weight-loss-says-novo [Accessed 15th August 2025].