Wegovy® for weight management
Wegovy® is a prescription-only medication used to support long-term weight management in adults, alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. It is supplied as a pre-filled pen and contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the naturally occurring gut hormone involved in appetite regulation and feelings of fullness.
Wegovy® is administered once a week as a subcutaneous injection. Each pen contains 4 doses. Treatment begins as a low dose, and is gradually increased over several weeks until the recommended maintenance dose is reached. This helps improve tolerability and reduce the likelihood of side effects.
How to Wegovy® through DoktorABC
To access Wegovy®, you need to complete an online questionnaire. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and if necessary conduct an online assessment. If Wegovy® is considered appropriate, a prescription will be issued.
Important information. DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered prescribers . DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.
What is Wegovy®?
Wegovy® is a prescription-only medicine authorized by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) for weight-management for adults in the UK. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, acts on appetite-regulating centres in the brain, helping to increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger.
What is the active ingredient in Wegovy®?
The active ingredient in Wegovy® is semaglutide, which is structurally similar to GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) - a hormone naturally released by the gut after eating. It targets receptors involved in appetite regulation and energy intake supporting a reduction in overall calorie intake.
Who is Wegovy® suitable for?
Wegovy® is intended for adults aged 18 years and over who meet one of the following criteria:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above A BMI of 27 to 29.9who also have at least one weight-related health condition
In clinical studies, adults who are overweight or obese and are treated with a 2.4mg dose of semaglutide once a week alongside lifestyle changes achieved significantly significant weight loss compared with placebo, including those with type 2 diabetes. These results are provided for informational context only, and do not represent expected or guaranteed outcomes for individual patients.
Available dosages and dose escalation
Wegovy® must be used under medical supervision alongside a structured diet and physical activity programme, maintained throughout treatment.
If you experience significant side effects such as persistent nausea or vomiting, speak to your UK-registered prescriber, they may recommend slowing the dose escalation or temporarily reducing your dose.
Can I change my dose?
Dose changes should always be made in consultation with your UK-registered prescriber - do not adjust the dose on your own. Following the prescribed schedule is important to ensure safe and effective use of Wegovy®.
What should I do if I use too much?
If you think you may have taken more than your prescribed dose, seek medical advice promptly. Taking too much may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration.
How is Wegovy® used?
Wegovy® is injected once weekly as a subcutaneous injection, at any time of day, regardless of meals. . It is recommended to inject on the same day each week to help establish a routine. Injection needles are supplied with the pre-filled pens and do not need to be purchased separately.
Where should Wegovy® be injected?
Wegovy® is given as a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated to avoid skin irritation. Wegovy® should not be injected into a vein or muscle. Full instructions for self-injection are included in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and should be read carefully before use.
How to get the best results with Wegovy®
Wegovy® is most effective when combined with long-term lifestyle changes. A balanced, calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity are central to effective weight management, and your UK-registered prescriber or dietician can help you develop a plan that works for you.
Clinical studies indicate that semaglutide is more effective at reducing body weight than placebo and some alternative treatments when used alongside lifestyle interventions. These findings are provided for informational context only and do not represent expected or guaranteed outcomes for individual patients.
Good to know: If treatment with Wegovy® is discontinued, its effects on appetite and weight regulation will not persist. Maintaining the lifestyle changes made during treatment is important for supporting long-term weight management.
As with any long-term treatment, research into the extended use of semaglutide, including the effects of stopping treatment, is ongoing.
When should Wegovy® not be used?
Wegovy® should not be used if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredient listed in the patient information leaflet. It may also not be suitable for people who:
- Are currently taking other weight loss medications.
- Have type 1 diabetes.
- Have severely impaired kidney or liver function.
- Have severe heart failure.
Possible side effects of Wegovy®
Like all medicines, Wegovy® can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Serious side effects
Common (up to 1 in 10 people):
Worsening of diabetic retinopathy in people with diabetes. Seek medical advice if you notice changes in your vision.
Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people):
Acute pancreatitis, which may present as severe and persistent abdominal pain that spreads to the back. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Rare (up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Severe allergic reactions may include difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or loss of consciousness. These require urgent medical attention.
Other side effects
Very common (more than 1 in 10 people):
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue or weakness
Common (up to 1 in 10 people):
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Inflammation of the stomach lining
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Gallstones
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Injection site reactions
- Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people):
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness when standing up
- Palpitations
- Increased pancreatic enzymes
- Delayed gastric emptying
If you have diabetes, your UK-registered prescriber can advise you on recognising and managing symptoms of low blood sugar.
Good to know: In people without diabetes, the risk of clinically significant low blood sugar is generally low when using Wegovy® alone.
Expert perspective
Semaglutide works by mimicking a naturally occurring gut hormone that influences appetite and feelings of fullness. Its effect on appetite regulation is considered central to its role in weight management. Gastrointestinal side effects are thought to be related to slowed stomach emptying and the way the medicine acts on appetite signals in the brain.
Ingredients and manufacturer
Active ingredient
Other ingredients
- Disodium phosphate dihydrate
- Propylene glycol
- Phenol
- Hydrochloric acid / sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
- Water for injections
Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer
Novo Nordisk A/S
Bagsværd, Denmark
