Medically reviewed by Dr. Ehtesham Ghani, Internal Medicine & Bariatric Medicine (ASBP). Last reviewed June 2026.
Wegovy and Ozempic are two of the most recognized names in modern weight management, and both contain the same active ingredient: brand semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. At ThinFast MD, brand semaglutide is one tool within a fully physician-supervised program, prescribed only when it is clinically appropriate and always paired with diet, exercise, and ongoing medical oversight. This page explains what these medications are, how they differ, what the clinical research actually shows, and why an in-person medical evaluation in Illinois matters more than a mail-order shortcut. Individual results vary.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand-name semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk, but they carry different FDA approvals and are dosed differently. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults (and certain adolescents aged 12 and older) who meet specific body-mass-index criteria. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes; while many people do lose weight on Ozempic, using it specifically for weight loss is considered off-label. Understanding that distinction is part of why a real medical exam matters: a physician reviews your history, your goals, and your insurance situation to determine which medication, if any, fits you. To understand how semaglutide works mechanically, see our overview of GLP-1 semaglutide.
How does semaglutide help with weight loss?
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone your body releases after eating. It slows how quickly the stomach empties and acts on appetite-regulating centers in the brain, which can reduce hunger and help you feel full sooner. The result, for many people, is that it becomes easier to follow a reduced-calorie eating plan. It is important to understand that semaglutide is not a standalone solution. In clinical trials, the medication was studied alongside lifestyle changes, and at ThinFast MD it is always used with diet, exercise, and medical supervision rather than on its own.
How much weight can you lose on Wegovy?
According to the Wegovy prescribing information and the STEP clinical trial program, adults taking semaglutide 2.4 mg lost on average approximately 15% of their body weight (about 14.9% in the STEP 1 trial) over about 68 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This is an average from a controlled clinical trial, not a guarantee. Some people lose more, some lose less, and some do not respond well to the medication at all. We never promise a specific number of pounds or a specific outcome. Your physician at ThinFast MD will set realistic, individualized expectations and monitor your progress over time. Individual results vary.
How is Wegovy or Ozempic taken?
Both medications are taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pen device, typically self-administered at home. Dosing usually starts low and is gradually increased over several weeks to help reduce the chance and severity of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation, which often ease over time. There are also important warnings and contraindications, which is exactly why semaglutide should be prescribed and monitored by a physician who knows your full medical history rather than dispensed sight-unseen.
Who should not take Wegovy or Ozempic?
Brand semaglutide carries an FDA boxed warning based on rodent studies showing thyroid C-cell tumors. Because of this, Wegovy and Ozempic are contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and in people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It is unknown whether semaglutide causes these tumors in humans. The medications are also not for anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, and they should be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy, or kidney problems. This is precisely why a thorough medical history matters: a physician screens for these conditions before prescribing and watches for warning signs throughout your program. Tell your doctor about all medical conditions and medications, including whether you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. This page does not replace individualized medical advice.
Why choose an in-person clinic over a mail-order or telehealth-only provider?
Many online services will ship a GLP-1 medication after a brief questionnaire and a video call. ThinFast MD takes a different, more thorough approach. Brand semaglutide affects your metabolism, appetite, and potentially your cardiovascular and digestive systems, so we believe it deserves a genuine medical foundation. Our program can include an in-person history and physical exam, baseline labs, an EKG when indicated, and a metabolism review, so your care is built on real data rather than a checkbox form. We have been delivering physician-supervised medical weight loss since 1984, and our medical director, Dr. Ehtesham Ghani, practices Internal Medicine and Bariatric Medicine and is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. That continuity also means someone is watching for side effects and adjusting your plan as you go.
Where can I get Wegovy or Ozempic in Illinois?
ThinFast MD has four Illinois locations to serve patients across the region: Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Brookfield, and Rockford. We also offer telehealth and online consultation options for established care where appropriate, along with programs for men, weight-loss maintenance, and corporate wellness. Whether you are exploring brand semaglutide, considering whether a different GLP-1 fits you better, or simply want a professional opinion, our team can walk you through the options. To compare brand semaglutide with another popular GLP-1, read our guide on semaglutide vs. tirzepatide. To start, call us at (708) 485-4050.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic FDA-approved for weight loss?
No. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Weight loss with Ozempic is considered off-label. Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient, is the version FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
How much weight can you lose on Wegovy?
In the STEP 1 trial reflected in the Wegovy prescribing information, adults lost on average about 15% (roughly 14.9%) of their body weight over about 68 weeks alongside diet and exercise. This is a clinical-trial average, not a guarantee, and individual results vary.
Who should not take Wegovy or Ozempic?
They carry a boxed warning and are contraindicated in anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or a prior serious allergic reaction to semaglutide. A physician reviews your full history before prescribing.
How often do you take Wegovy or Ozempic?
Both are once-weekly injections, usually self-administered at home. The dose is typically increased gradually over several weeks under medical supervision to help limit side effects.
What does Wegovy or Ozempic cost at ThinFast MD?
Pricing and insurance coverage are reviewed individually at your consultation, since coverage and program details differ from person to person. Call (708) 485-4050 to discuss your options.
Do I need an in-person visit to start?
ThinFast MD emphasizes an in-person medical evaluation, which can include a history and physical, labs, EKG when indicated, and a metabolism review, so prescribing is based on your real health data. Telehealth options are available for appropriate situations.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Brand semaglutide and other weight-loss medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate, after a medical evaluation, and are used together with diet, exercise, and ongoing medical supervision. Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Talk with a qualified clinician about your individual situation.
Find your nearest ThinFast MD clinic
We serve patients across the Chicago suburbs and Rockford. Choose your nearest location — Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Brookfield, or Rockford — or call (708) 485-4050 to book. See all service areas.
