Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy works due to its active ingredient, semaglutide, which regulates appetite and helps with feeling fuller for longer by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, signalling feelings of fullness and subsequently reducing hunger.

Semaglutide also relaxes the muscles in the gut, delaying the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine to help with feeling fuller for longer.

In addition to this, semaglutide increases insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion when blood sugar levels are high. This helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing sudden fluctuations that can cause food cravings.

The combination of these effects helps the individual using Wegovy reduce their calorie intake, which results in weight loss.

Yes, Wegovy starts to work immediately after taking the initial starting dose, as its active ingredient, semaglutide, quickly binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive system.

Once administered, semaglutide is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it begins to activate these receptors within hours.

This triggers a reduction in hunger signals and slows gastric emptying almost immediately, leading to a feeling of fullness and a subsequent reduction in appetite shortly after taking the first dose.

Noticeable weight loss can be observed within 8 to 12 weeks of treatment with Wegovy, provided doses are taken correctly and on time according to the prescribed schedule.

It is worth noting that this time frame can vary depending on the individual’s diet, lifestyle, starting weight, the speed of dose escalation, and individual responses to treatment.

Wegovy can be taken by adults with a BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m², or by adults with associated risk factors (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart failure) and a BMI equal to or greater than 27 kg/m².

With that said, the decision to allow an individual to take Wegovy ultimately rests with the prescriber.

If you are unsure whether you can take Wegovy, complete our free online consultation for weight loss treatment to get started.

Wegovy can be a highly effective weight loss treatment, provided it is used in combination with a calorie-restricted diet and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

According to a recent study, using Wegovy once a week helped overweight and obese adults lose approximately 15% of their total body weight after 68 weeks of treatment.^[1]

Wegovy has been approved as a safe and effective weight loss treatment by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency.

Always use Wegovy as instructed, adhere to the prescribed dosage schedule, and refer to the patient information leaflet before use to maximise safety.

Wegovy comes with a self-injectable pen that should be used to inject the upper legs, stomach area (abdomen) or upper arms.

You should inject into different areas on a weekly rotation, as repeat injections in the same place can cause localised skin irritation or lipodystrophy, which is where fatty tissue hardens under the skin.

It is recommended to inject the initial starting dose of Wegovy (0.25mg) into the stomach, as it tends to have more fat and fewer nerves, making it less uncomfortable and easier for self-administration.

The dosage adjustment follows a fixed escalation schedule but may be adjusted at the discretion of the prescriber, after considering factors such as the patient’s response to the treatment.

Always take Wegovy according to the instructions provided to you by the prescriber.

You should take Wegovy once a week on the same day each week. You can give yourself the injection at any time of day, regardless of meals.

Wegovy does not guarantee weight loss for everyone, though results can be maximised by taking the medication while following a calorie-restricted diet and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, they are used for different purposes.

Ozempic is specifically approved to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is an approved weight loss medication.

Wegovy and Saxenda are weight loss medications that contain different active ingredients and are administered differently.

Wegovy contains semaglutide and is administered via a weekly injection, while Saxenda contains liraglutide and requires daily injections.

While both treatments are classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists, Wegovy is more effective than Saxenda. According to clinical trials^[2], individuals taking Wegovy (semaglutide) lost an average of 15.8% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

In comparison, those taking Saxenda (liraglutide) lost an average of 6.4% of their body weight during the same time frame.

Orlistat is an oral weight loss medication containing the active ingredient orlistat, which reduces the amount of fat absorbed by the body from food.

This mechanism differs from Wegovy, which is an injectable weight loss medication that reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying and prevents excessive food cravings.

You should not take Wegovy and Orlistat together.

Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from food, while Wegovy reduces cravings and slows gastric emptying.

Although they work through different mechanisms, taking them together can increase the risk of side effects such as digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, irritability and dizziness.

Always consult a pharmacist or GP before starting any weight-loss treatment.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are two types of injectable weight loss medications that contain different active ingredients.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics a hormone called GLP-1 to help regulate appetite and slow down stomach emptying.

Wegovy also improves insulin sensitivity, stabilises blood glucose levels, and prevents sudden blood sugar spikes and crashes to prevent food cravings.

In contrast, Mounjaro contains the active ingredient, tirzepatide, which mimics GLP-1 in the same way as semaglutide, but also mimics a second hormone known as GIP to further enhance insulin release by the body.

Women should not take Wegovy (semaglutide) during pregnancy, as there is limited data on its safety, and its ingredients could have an impact on developing children.

If you are planning a pregnancy, stop taking Wegovy at least two months before you plan to conceive.

If you become or are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby when using this medicine, talk to your doctor immediately, as your treatment will need to be stopped.

You can use Wegovy (semaglutide) as long as needed for weight loss, so long as your doctor agrees it is safe and you are able to tolerate the side effects.

If you stop taking Wegovy, you are likely to feel hungrier more often and eat more, as the medication’s effects on appetite regulation wear off. This may cause you to regain some of the weight you lost while taking the medication.

Like any medication, Wegovy can cause some side effects during treatment, including dizziness, headaches, nausea or constipation. These side effects typically improve over time as the body adjusts to the treatment.

If you experience severe side effects, stop using Wegovy and speak with a doctor as soon as possible. If you cannot reach a doctor before your next dose, it may be best to delay the dose until you’ve received medical advice.

Some patients have reported that Wegovy affected their menstrual cycle and period timing.

This is because fat tissue in the body produces the hormone oestrogen, which helps regulate the timing and menstrual flow of periods.

When Wegovy suppresses appetite and causes fat loss, less oestrogen is produced in the body. This imbalance may cause irregular periods, lighter flow or missed cycles.

1. Wilding et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity, New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), pp. 989-1002. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.

2. Rubino et al. (2021). Effect of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs daily liraglutide on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes: The STEP 8 randomized clinical trial, JAMA, 325(14), pp. 1414-1425. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.1831.