What is Wegovy?

Wegovy® is a prescription injectable weight management treatment containing the active ingredient semaglutide. It is approved for adults who meet specific BMI criteria and is used as part of a structured weight loss programme alongside healthy lifestyle changes.

Who Is Wegovy® Suitable For?

Wegovy® may be prescribed if you meet one of the following criteria:

• A BMI of 30 or above

• A BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or raised cholesterol

Wegovy® may also be suitable for people with a BMI of 27 or higher and established cardiovascular disease, as it can help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.

If you have Type 2 diabetes and a BMI below 27, Wegovy® cannot be prescribed solely for weight loss.

How Wegovy® Works

Wegovy® works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone released in the gut after eating. This hormone helps regulate appetite by signalling fullness to the brain.

By enhancing these natural signals, Wegovy® helps reduce hunger and supports better portion control, making it easier to maintain long-term dietary changes.

How Effective Is Wegovy®?

Clinical studies show that Wegovy® can support significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Over 85% of people using Wegovy® lost weight. Around two-thirds of participants lost more than 10% of their body weight, and nearly one-third lost more than 20%. On average, users lost more than 15 kg.

Individual results vary, and outcomes are generally improved when Wegovy® is used consistently alongside healthy habits.

Using Wegovy® Injection Pens

Wegovy® is supplied as a pre-filled injection pen and is taken once weekly, on the same day each week.

Injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Wegovy® can be used with or without food and at any time of day. Using it at a similar time each week helps maintain consistent levels in the body.

The pen is designed to be easy to use, with very fine needles that most people find comfortable. Clear instructions are included with each pen, and additional guidance is available if needed.

Finding the Right Dose for You

Treatment begins with a low starting dose of 0.25 mg once weekly, allowing your body time to adjust.

Your dose may be increased gradually based on how well you tolerate the medication and how you respond. There is no single “correct” dose, the goal is to find the level that balances comfort, effectiveness, and your personal health goals.

Your clinician will review your progress regularly to ensure treatment remains appropriate.

Adjusting Your Dose

Some people remain on a lower dose long-term, while others move up gradually. Over time, you may also reduce your dose to help maintain results or manage side effects.

All dose changes are reviewed by a clinician to ensure they are safe and sustainable.

Possible Side Effects

Like all prescription medicines, Wegovy® can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Side effects are most common when starting treatment or increasing the dose and often improve as your body adjusts.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, stomach discomfort, headache, fatigue, dizziness, indigestion, bloating, and mild injection-site reactions.

Less common effects may include gallstones, low blood pressure, changes in taste, hair thinning, kidney stones, increased heart rate, or low blood sugar, particularly in people with diabetes.

Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis (severe and persistent abdominal pain, sometimes spreading to the back) and severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Seek urgent medical attention if these occur.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, rapid improvements in blood sugar control may temporarily worsen diabetic eye disease. Contact a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in vision.

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting treatment and speak to a healthcare professional if you have concerns or experience side effects.

Storage Instructions

Store below 30°C, preferably refrigerated. Do not freeze. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect from light.