If you're looking into prescription weight loss treatment, you may have come across Wegovy.
Wegovy is a prescription medicine used for weight management. It contains semaglutide, an active ingredient that works in a similar way to a natural hormone involved in appetite regulation. This article covers Wegovy injections for weight management in adults.
But how does it actually work? and what should you expect when starting treatment?
Here's what you need to know:
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medicine used for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance.
It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Wegovy is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
For adult weight management, the licensed indication is based on an initial BMI of:
- BMI of 30kg/m² or more, which is within the obesity range, or
- BMI of 27kg/m² to less than 30kg/m², which is within the overweight range, where there is at least one weight-related health problem.
NICE recommends lower BMI thresholds for NHS treatment eligibility for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African–Caribbean backgrounds. These NHS recommendations are separate from, and do not change, the licensed BMI criteria above. Starting Wegovy for weight management below an initial BMI of 27kg/m² is outside its licensed indication.
Your eligibility should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which acts in a similar way to a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).
GLP-1 is involved in regulating appetite and food intake.
Wegovy activates GLP-1 receptors in areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. This can make you feel fuller and less hungry, while also reducing food cravings.
As a result, you may find that you naturally eat less food.
This reduced energy intake is one of the ways Wegovy helps with weight management.
How often do you take Wegovy?
Wegovy is given as an injection once a week.
You can use it at any time of day, with or without food.
The injection is given under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The injection site can be changed.
Your prescriber or other healthcare professional should show you how to use your pen before you administer Wegovy yourself.
Why does the Wegovy dose increase gradually?
Wegovy treatment starts at a low dose which is gradually increased.
For adults, the usual schedule starts at:
0.25mg once a week
The dose is then increased every four weeks in the following manner:
0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
The usual maintenance dose is 2.4mg once weekly.
For adults with obesity, a further increase to 7.2mg once weekly may be considered, if needed, after at least four weeks on the dose 2.4mg. The maximum dose is 7.2mg once weekly.
The dose should only be increased according to your prescribed treatment plan.
Your prescriber will decide whether a dose increase is appropriate for you.
How quickly does Wegovy work?
Everyone responds differently to treatment.
Wegovy isn't intended to produce a particular amount of weight loss within a set number of days or weeks.
The dose is increased gradually over the first 16 weeks, and your response to treatment can be assessed over time.
Therefore, it is more helpful to evaluate your overall progress over a period of time rather than expecting a consistent weekly change on the scale.
Your prescriber can help assess whether treatment is working appropriately for you.
Is Wegovy just an appetite suppressant?
Wegovy affects the body's natural appetite-regulation pathways, but describing it simply as an ‘appetite suppressant’ doesn't fully explain how it works.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. By activating GLP-1 receptors involved in the appetite regulation, it can regulate hunger, fullness and food cravings.
This can help reduce the amount of food you eat and therefore reduce calorie intake.
Do you still need to diet and exercise with Wegovy?
Yes.
Wegovy is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
This medicine doesn’t replace healthy eating habits or physical activity.
Instead, it forms part of a wider approach to weight management.
This doesn't mean you need to follow a highly restrictive diet.
The aim is to develop healthy eating habits and active lifestyles that are appropriate and sustainable for you.
For practical advice, see our guide: What Can You Eat While Taking Wegovy?
What side effects can Wegovy cause?
Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side-effects, although not everyone experiences them.
The most common side-effects are related to the digestive system and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Other common side-effects can include headache and fatigue.
These side-effects are particularly common while the dose is being increased.
If you experience side-effects that concern you, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.
If vomiting or diarrhoea is significant, it is important to drink enough fluids as these symptoms can cause dehydration.
Is Wegovy suitable for everyone?
No.
As with any prescription medicine, Wegovy isn't suitable for everyone.
Your healthcare professional will assess your medical history, current medicines and individual circumstances before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
You should tell your healthcare professional about any medicines you're taking and any relevant medical conditions.
Wegovy should NOT be used alongside other GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments.
The main thing to remember
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts on pathways involved in appetite regulation.
It can help you feel fuller, reduce hunger and reduce food cravings, which can help reduce the amount of food you eat.
Wegovy is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity as part of a wider approach to weight management.
Treatment starts at a low dose and is gradually increased, with the appropriate dose determined by your prescriber.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wegovy used for?
Wegovy is used for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in eligible adults.
What is the active ingredient in Wegovy?
The active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
How often do you inject Wegovy?
Wegovy is injected once a week, ideally on the same day each week. It can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food.
What dose of Wegovy do you start with?
The usual starting dose for adults is 0.25mg once weekly. The dose is gradually increased every four weeks according to the recommended schedule.
What is the highest dose of Wegovy?
For adults with obesity, the maximum dose is currently 7.2mg once weekly. The 7.2mg dose may be considered after at least four weeks of using 2.4mg and used only if needed.
Does Wegovy make you less hungry?
Wegovy acts on GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite regulation. This can make you feel less hungry, fuller and experience fewer food cravings.
Do you still need to exercise while taking Wegovy?
Yes. Wegovy is intended to be used alongside increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet.
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Considering Wegovy?
If you're considering prescription weight management treatment, Genmeds offers an online consultation where a prescriber can assess whether treatment is appropriate for you.
If prescribed, Wegovy should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
