How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy (semaglutide) mimics GLP-1, a hormone involved in appetite control:
- Reduces hunger and food cravings
- Slows digestion to prolong fullness
- Supports better blood sugar regulation
- Helps reduce daily calorie intake
With lifestyle changes, Wegovy weight loss results are typically 10–15% of initial body weight, sometimes higher — especially at the 2.4 mg dose.
Wegovy in focus
✔️ Weekly injection
✔️ Flexible pre-filled pen
✔️ Long-acting effect (7 days)
✔️ Used for weight loss & long-term weight maintenance
Wegovy doses
The dosage of Wegovy is increased gradually to minimize side effects:
|
Week |
Dose |
|---|---|
|
1-4 |
0.25 mg once weekly |
|
5-8 |
0.5 mg once weekly |
|
9-12 |
1.0 mg once weekly |
|
13-16 |
1.7 mg once weekly |
|
From week 17 |
2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance dose) |
🛈 Do not increase more quickly than prescribed.
🛈 Take your weekly dose on the same day, each week.
Who is Wegovy approved for?
- Adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²);
- Overweight adults (BMI of ≥ 27 kg/m² to < 30 kg/m²) and at least one weight-related comorbidity;
- Adolescents aged 12 and over who are obese and have a body weight of over 60 kg.
Additional requirements:
- Past unsuccessful non-medicinal weight loss attempts
- Willingness to participate in nutritional and exercise therapy
- No contraindications – do not order Wegovy unless clearly prescribed
When should Wegovy not be used?
Do not use Wegovy if:
- Pregnant / breastfeeding
- Personal or family history of MEN-2 or medullary thyroid cancer
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
- Allergy to semaglutide
⚠️ Caution if you have:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Kidney problems
- Pancreatitis history
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Diabetes medication causing low blood sugar
Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or vision changes.
How should Wegovy be injected correctly?
Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) using a pre-filled Wegovy pen:
Wegovy injection sites:
- Abdomen (at least 5 cm away from the navel)
- Thigh (front)
- Upper arm (only if another person is injecting)
Instructions for use:
- Once a week on the same day of the week
- Do not mix, do not administer intravenously
- Change the injection site with each use of Wegovy
- Dispose of the Wegovy pen after use (single use)
What are the side effects of Wegovy?
Typical Wegovy side effects are:
|
Very often |
Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue |
|
Frequently |
Complications of diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease) |
|
Rarely |
Gallbladder problems, pancreatitis |
Note: Before deciding to buy Wegovy, please read the package leaflet carefully.
Wegovy & medication interactions
Caution regarding:
- Diabetes medications (risk of hypoglycaemia)
- Blood sugar lowering medications
- Medications that require rapid gastric emptying
⚠️Avoid alcohol excess: Wegovy and alcohol may worsen nausea and impair weight-loss progress.
What happens after stopping Wegovy?
After stopping the weight-loss injections, weight often increases again – many patients regain a large portion of the lost weight (up to two-thirds) within a year, sometimes even returning to their starting weight.
Recommendations:
- Cease Wegovy injection not abruptly, but gradually over several weeks
- Consciously intensifying nutrition and exercise
- Check your weight regularly
- Discuss switching to a maintenance dose or an alternative like Mounjaro or Saxenda
Many specialists view Wegovy as a long-term therapy, since obesity is a chronic disease.
Wegovy price
The cost of Wegovy depends on the dosage and pack size and varies considerably between suppliers and retailers.
Searching reputable UK providers helps compare Wegovy UK price and offers.
Is Wegovy in the UK available without a prescription?
No. You cannot buy Wegovy in the UK without a prescription.
Attempting to order Wegovy online without a prescription (encouraged by the advertisement "Buy Wegovy online without a prescription ") is illegal and dangerous.
Which doctor prescribes Wegovy?
Wegovy prescription can be issued by:
- GPs (with relevant experience)
- Endocrinologists (hormone and metabolism specialists)
- Obesity specialists & Nutritionists
Treatment should be monitored by an experienced clinician.
Experiences with Wegovy
Users frequently report:
- less appetite
- greatly reduced portion sizes
- continuous weight loss with Wegovy
- noticeably less craving
|
Negative aspects include reports of unpleasant Wegovy side effects, especially at the start of therapy, as well as discussions about the high Wegovy cost and its inconsistent availability.
Wegovy alternatives
Other prescription medicines for weight loss:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, often more effective
- Saxenda (liraglutide) – daily injection
- Orlistat – reduces dietary fat absorption
The doctor determines which therapy is suitable based on the patient's BMI, any accompanying illnesses, and their previous dietary experiences.
Wegovy storage
- Store in the refrigerator at 2–8 °C
- Do not freeze
- Once opened: store according to package instructions.
- Store out of reach of children
Further information
To read the full prescribing information and instructions for use of Wegovy Flextouch, please click here.