Wegovy
Semaglutide
Wegovy is a prescription weight-management injection containing semaglutide. It helps you feel full sooner and stay satisfied for longer, making it easier to eat less and reduce cravings. It works best alongside a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behaviour change.
| Dosage | Price |
|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | £149 |
| 0.5 mg | £159 |
| 1 mg | £169 |
| 1.7 mg | £199 |
| 2.4 mg | £249 |
Product Details
Active Ingredient
Semaglutide
Brand
Novo Nordisk
Drug Class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Administration
Injection – subcutaneous (once-weekly)
Prescription Status
Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
Dosage Form
Pre-filled pen for weekly injection
Strengths Available
0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg
How Wegovy Works
Mechanism of Action
Product Manual- Reduces appetite by mimicking natural GLP-1 signals after meals, helping you feel full with smaller portions.
- Slows gastric emptying so you stay satisfied longer and snack less.
- Improves insulin response and helps stabilise blood sugar, reducing hunger spikes.
Key Actions
- Reduces appetite: mimics natural GLP-1 signals after meals.
- Slows gastric emptying: you stay satisfied longer.
- Improves insulin response: stabilises blood sugar, reducing hunger spikes.
Clinical Effectiveness
Average Weight Loss
Clinical studies show people can lose up to ~17% of body weight over ~15 months when semaglutide is used with lifestyle support.
In the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial, weekly semaglutide reduced major cardiovascular events by ~20% versus placebo. Individual results vary based on dose, adherence, diet, activity, medical history and support.
Key Clinical Trials
STEP-1 (NEJM, 2021)
Duration & Size
Adults with obesity/overweight + lifestyle support
Highest Avg Weight Loss
Up to ~17% mean weight loss
Common Side Effects
Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation
Key Takeaway
Significant weight loss compared to ~2.4% with placebo + lifestyle
SELECT (NEJM, 2023)
Duration & Size
17,604 adults with CVD and overweight/obesity
Highest Avg Weight Loss
~20% lower risk of MACE
Common Side Effects
Nausea, Diarrhoea, Vomiting
Key Takeaway
Reduced risk of CV death, MI, or stroke versus placebo
STEP UP (phase 3b)
Duration & Size
Explored higher unlicensed 7.2 mg dose
Highest Avg Weight Loss
Weight loss up to ~20.7% over ~1 year
Common Side Effects
Nausea, Diarrhoea, Vomiting
Key Takeaway
Higher dose showed increased efficacy (dose not UK-licensed at time of writing)
Dosing Information
Wegovy is injected once weekly on the same day each week. Doses are increased gradually ('titration') to help your body adjust and reduce side-effects.
| Weeks | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25 mg | Once a week |
| 5-8 | 0.5 mg | Once a week |
| 9-12 | 1.0 mg | Once a week |
| 13-16 | 1.7 mg | Once a week |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg | Once a week |
Important: You may remain longer at a lower dose if still losing weight or adjusting to side-effects. Your prescriber may step the dose down if adverse effects are troublesome. Maintenance can be at 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg depending on response and tolerance.
Additional Information
Onset of Action
Appetite often reduces from the first dose. Early weight loss of ~5-6 lb is possible in Month 1, though varies. By 3 months, ~4-6% body-weight loss is common. With lifestyle support, many reach ~8-10% loss by 6 months, and up to ~17% by 12-15 months.
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Eligibility & Access
Private Prescription
Available privately in the UK following an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber who confirms suitability and safety.
NHS Access
NHS access is available for eligible adults under NICE guidance and local implementation policies; access may be phased and prioritised for those at highest clinical need.
Rollout Information
Final suitability is determined by a prescriber after reviewing your health, medicines, and goals.
Injection Sites
abdomen
Common and convenient site (≥5 cm from navel).
upperArm
Back of upper arm; may require assistance.
thigh
Front of thigh as an alternative site.
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
Wegovy can cause side effects. This is especially common when first starting treatment as your body gets used to the medication. These side effects can happen to over 10% of people who take them. Less common side effects include upset stomach, burping, bloating, acid reflux, and indigestion.
- •Headaches
- •Constipation
- •Diarrhoea
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Feeling weak or tired
- •Stomach pain
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are extremely rare, but it is important to know the signs so you can get help if you need it.
ⓘAcute pancreatitis
Symptoms include long-lasting pain in your stomach or back which can be severe, long lasting, or both.
ⓘKidney or bladder stones
Symptoms include a change in urine colour or difficulty urinating and pain in your lower back and abdomen.
ⓘBowel obstruction
This is a severe form of constipation with symptoms like stomach aches, vomiting and bloating.
ⓘSevere allergic reaction
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have breathing problems, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, swelling, dizziness or weakness.
How to Manage Side Effects
- ✓Eat small, regular meals
- ✓Avoid greasy, fatty foods
- ✓Avoid alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks
- ✓Make sure you are eating enough food
- ✓Stay hydrated
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
Side effects are especially common when first starting treatment as your body gets used to the medication. Most side effects improve over time as your body adjusts. If side effects persist or worsen, speak to your prescriber.
Long-Term Safety
Yes, Wegovy has been shown to be safe and effective for long-term use in clinical trials. It is approved for weight management and maintenance, so people can keep taking it as long as needed to help maintain weight loss. Studies show Wegovy is safe to use for over 2 years. Ozempic, the same drug at a different dose, has long-term data. There is also long-term safety data on Ozempic (which uses the same active ingredient), giving regulators even more confidence in its long-term use.
Storage & Travel
Storage Instructions
Store pens in a refrigerator 2-8°C before first use. After first use, pens may be stored refrigerated or at room temperature below 30°C for up to 42 days. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight; never freeze.
Travel Guidelines
Carry pens in hand luggage; use a cooling case in warm climates. Do not use pens that have frozen or been exposed to excessive heat; seek pharmacist advice.
Diet & Lifestyle
Lifestyle Considerations
- High-protein, high-fibre, minimally processed foods work best.
- Increase daily movement (walks, stairs, light strength work). Exercise improves weight loss, preserves muscle, and supports energy and mood.
- Alcohol is generally safe in moderation but can worsen nausea and add calories; limiting alcohol supports results.
Muscle Mass Consideration
Risk: Rapid weight loss can include reduction in lean muscle mass.
Advice: Include protein, strength-training and regular exercise to preserve muscle during weight loss. Discuss supplements with your prescriber if needed.
Benefits of Weight Loss
- Improved cardiovascular health and reduced stroke/heart-attack risk
- Better blood pressure and cholesterol control
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes or improved glycaemic control
- Less joint pain and better mobility
- Improved sleep and reduced sleep apnoea risk
- Higher energy, mood and overall wellbeing
Comparison with Alternatives
| Product | Active Ingredient | Mechanism | Dose | Weight Loss Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | GLP-1 agonist | Up to 2.4 mg once a week | ~15-17% over 15 months |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Dual GIP + GLP-1 agonist | Up to 15 mg once a week | ~21-22% over 15-18 months |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | GLP-1 agonist (daily injection) | — | ~5-8% over 12 months |
Note: Choice should be guided by your clinician based on suitability, side-effect profile and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the product. If you have more questions, please contact our support team or book a consultation with one of our clinicians.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Suitability, dosing, monitoring and side-effects must be determined by a UK-registered prescriber following MHRA/NICE guidance.