Wegovy

In the UK, Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only, once-weekly injection licensed for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related health problems. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Wegovy® contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite and fullness, slows stomach emptying, and supports steadier post-meal blood sugar—making it easier to eat less and lose weight when combined with lifestyle changes.

Adults (18+) with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, prediabetes/type 2 diabetes) may be considered after a clinical assessment. Final suitability depends on your medical history and current medicines.

Results vary, but pivotal trials of semaglutide alongside lifestyle changes showed meaningful average weight loss across 68 weeks. Your outcome depends on dose, adherence, nutrition, activity and individual response.

Typical titration: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg for 4 weeks, 1.0 mg for 4 weeks, 1.7 mg for 4 weeks, then up to 2.4 mg once weekly if tolerated. Your prescriber may pause or slow increases to manage side effects.

Inject subcutaneously (under the skin) into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites weekly and avoid injecting into areas that are tender, bruised, scarred or hardened.

You may change your dosing day if there are at least 48 hours between injections. Once you pick a new day, keep it weekly and consistent. For the most up-to-date information, always check your medication's leaflet.

If you’re ≤5 days late, take the dose as soon as you remember and continue your usual schedule. If >5 days late, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your usual day. If you miss 2 or more doses, contact your prescriber—you may need to re-titrate. For the most up-to-date information, always check your medication's leaflet.

Many people feel reduced appetite within 2–4 weeks. Visible weight change often appears after 4–8 weeks and tends to increase as the dose is gradually stepped up.

The most frequent are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating/burping, headache, dizziness and fatigue. These are usually mild-to-moderate and improve as your body adjusts.

Stop and seek urgent help for severe, persistent upper-abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), signs of gallbladder problems (pain under right ribs, fever, jaundice), severe dehydration, or allergic reactions (swelling, rash, breathing difficulty). Discuss any concerns promptly with your clinician.

Eat smaller, slower meals; favour low-fat, simple foods; sip water regularly; avoid large or spicy/fatty meals near your dose; remain upright after eating; consider ginger or peppermint. If symptoms persist, ask about dose timing changes, anti-nausea options, or a slower titration.

Increase fluids, fibre (veg, oats, pulses), and daily movement. Consider short-term fibre supplements or stool softeners if needed. If constipation is severe or persistent, contact your prescriber—dose adjustments can help.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is not known to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Unlike tirzepatide, additional barrier contraception is not routinely required during dose changes. If you have vomiting/diarrhoea soon after taking the pill, follow your pill’s missed-dose advice.

Moderate alcohol is not strictly prohibited but can worsen stomach side effects and, in some people, affect blood sugar. Limit intake, avoid drinking near your dosing time, and hydrate well.

Wegovy is licensed for weight management (not for glycaemic control). If you have diabetes and take insulin or a sulfonylurea, your prescriber may adjust doses to reduce hypoglycaemia risk. Do not combine Wegovy with another GLP-1 medicine.

Both contain semaglutide but are licensed and packaged differently. Wegovy is licensed for weight management at higher maintenance doses; Ozempic® is licensed for type 2 diabetes. Your clinician will recommend the right option for your needs.

They are different medicines. Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist; Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Some studies suggest larger average weight loss with tirzepatide at higher doses, but individual suitability, side-effect profiles, costs and availability matter.

Wegovy is intended for long-term management. Many people remain on a maintenance dose to help sustain results. Your clinician will review benefits, side effects and goals at intervals and may adjust or pause therapy as appropriate.

Plateaus are common. Review protein intake, fibre, sleep and resistance training; reduce liquid calories/alcohol; track portions accurately. Discuss whether a slower titration, reaching/holding maintenance dose, or supportive medicines for GI symptoms could help you stay consistent.

Semaglutide itself is not known to directly cause hair loss, but rapid weight loss from any cause can trigger temporary shedding (telogen effluvium). This usually settles as weight and nutrition stabilise. Prioritise protein, iron-rich foods and overall nutrient density.

Many common medicines (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen, PPIs, most antibiotics) can be used, but semaglutide slows gastric emptying which may affect the timing/absorption of some oral drugs. Always list all medicines and ask your prescriber about timing if you’re unsure.

Keep unopened pens refrigerated (2–8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from heat and light. When travelling, use a cool pack and avoid direct contact with ice. Check the current Patient Information Leaflet for how long a pen may be kept at room temperature before use.

Many people can fast safely with planning. You don’t need to take Wegovy with food. Prioritise hydration and gentle, lower-fat meals during non-fasting hours. If you have diabetes or other conditions, discuss an individual plan with your clinician.

Yes—combine aerobic activity with 2–3 weekly resistance sessions to preserve lean mass. If you feel queasy after a dose, opt for lighter sessions, hydrate, and consider dosing after training days.

Eligibility is based on BMI and clinical criteria rather than specific diagnoses like PCOS or menopause. If you meet criteria, Wegovy may be considered; your prescriber will review your full health picture.

Do not use if you have a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN-2. Use caution with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe GI disease, or kidney problems. Discuss all conditions and medicines during your assessment.

If you vomit shortly after injecting, do not re-dose. Focus on hydration with small sips and bland foods. If vomiting persists or you’re worried the dose wasn’t delivered, contact your prescriber for advice.

No. Wegovy pens are single-use (single dose). Use a new pen for each weekly injection and dispose of used needles safely in a sharps container.

Baseline checks and periodic reviews are often recommended—especially if you have diabetes, thyroid issues, gallbladder disease or kidney concerns. Your clinician will advise on any monitoring needed.

Complete a secure online consultation. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and, if suitable, issue a private prescription. Your medicine is then dispensed by a registered pharmacy and delivered discreetly.