Wegovy

Semaglutide 2.4mg

Service reviewed by Aans Memon, GPhC-registered pharmacist (GPhC - 2085817)
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Important: Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine. A pharmacist will assess your suitability during a consultation. This page provides factual information only and is not intended as a promotion.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and is licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with:

  • BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), or
  • BMI of 27 kg/m² or above (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidaemia

It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Reduces Appetite

Wegovy acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping you feel full sooner and reducing cravings.

Slows Gastric Emptying

The medication slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you feel satisfied for longer after meals.

Regulates Blood Sugar

GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion when blood sugar is high, helping to maintain stable glucose levels.

Clinical Evidence

STEP Clinical Trial Programme

The efficacy of Wegovy was studied in the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) clinical trial programme, which included over 4,500 participants.

14.9%

Average weight loss after 68 weeks (STEP 1 trial)

86%

of participants achieved at least 5% weight loss

20%

reduced risk of cardiovascular events (SELECT trial)

From £139

per month starting dose at participating pharmacies

Source: Wilding JPH, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.

Prices are set by each pharmacy. Treatment requires an in-person consultation — your prescriber will decide whether it is clinically appropriate for you.

Dosing Schedule & Pricing

Wegovy is started at a low dose and gradually increased over 16-20 weeks to reduce gastrointestinal side effects:

PeriodWeekly DosePurposePrice/Month
Weeks 1-40.25mgInitial dose to minimise side effects£139
Weeks 5-80.5mgFirst dose increase£139
Weeks 9-121.0mgContinued titration£149
Weeks 13-161.7mgApproaching maintenance£179
Week 17+2.4mgFull maintenance dose£199

Note: Prices are set by each pharmacy, are indicative and may vary. Your pharmacist will discuss the full pricing schedule during your in-person consultation.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

May affect more than 1 in 10 people

  • Nausea (especially during dose escalation)
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you experience

  • Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Kidney problems (in patients with existing issues)
  • Allergic reactions (rare)
  • Changes in vision (in diabetic patients)

Contraindications

Wegovy should not be used if you:

  • Are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients
  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
  • Have a history of pancreatitis

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about weight management treatment

About Wegovy

Wegovy is a prescription-only injectable medication licensed specifically for weight loss in adults. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and help you eat fewer calories.
They contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they are licensed for different uses and come in different strengths. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes and typically goes up to a 1.0mg dose. Wegovy is licensed for weight management and goes up to a higher maintenance dose of 2.4mg to maximize weight loss results.
Clinical trials (the STEP program) showed that adults taking Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This was significantly higher than the placebo group, who only relied on diet and exercise alone.
Wegovy works on the appetite receptors in your brain to reduce hunger and cravings. It also slows down "gastric emptying" (how fast your stomach empties food), keeping you feeling fuller for longer after meals.
No, Wegovy is a treatment for weight management, not a cure. It works while you are taking it to control appetite. Clinical data suggests that if you stop the medication without maintaining strict lifestyle changes, it is common to regain a significant portion of the lost weight.

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