Reviewed by Dr Mitra Dutt

Novo Nordisk has recently released a new, higher dose of the weight loss treatment Wegovy, 7.2mg.

You may be familiar with Wegovy as a weight loss injection but may be wondering what this new dose is and how it compares to existing weight loss treatment.

In this article, you'll find out:

• The latest information on Wegovy 7.2mg – What is it, where it’s available, and if you qualify for it
• Differences and benefits of Wegovy 7.2mg – Pen numbers, average weight loss and side effects
• Frequently asked questions about Wegovy 7.2mg - Cost, switching treatments and how Wegovy works

What is Wegovy 7.2mg?

Wegovy 7.2mg is the new, highest dose of the weight loss treatment Wegovy. It has been developed by the manufacturers of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk.

Wegovy is a weekly injection with the active ingredient semaglutide. This mimics the hormone GLP-1 (usually released after eating) and activates the receptors in the brain affecting appetite and blood sugar regulation. This helps to slow digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.

The 7.2mg dose is stronger than Wegovy’s current ‘maintenance dose’ – 2.4mg – and is intended to be used by patients that are tolerating the 2.4mg dose and need a higher dose for weight management. Find out more information on when to increase your Wegovy dose if you’re unsure.

Do you take Wegovy 7.2mg differently than other doses?

Wegovy 7.2mg comes in three separate 2.4mg pens, so will have to be administered differently to a regular single Wegovy pen.

As with a regular pen, the 2.4 pens can be injected into sites like the thighs, upper arms (you may need help reaching these with the pen) and the abdomen. If you are using the same site for multiple injections, make sure they’re spaced at least 5 cm apart.

Make sure you do the following to get your full dose:

• Inject one full dose from each of the three pens
• Use all three pens on the same day
• Give the injections in three different locations (i.e. don’t inject multiple times into the same site)
• Change to a new needle before each injection

“You can use the same general body area to inject if you’d like (for example, the abdomen), but should be at least 5cm apart. Once all three injections are done, your weekly dose is complete. You’ll then repeat this once weekly, on the same day each week" - Dr Mitra Dutt

Why did Novo Nordisk create a higher dose now?

This new higher dose has been created to provide a new option for patients dissatisfied with the rate of weight loss – either slowing or plateauing – on Wegovy 2.4mg.

How effective is Wegovy 7.2mg?

Compared to the current highest dose of Wegovy, 2.4mg:

How much weight can I lose on Wegovy 7.2mg?

According to clinical trials, patients lost around 20.7% of their initial body weight over 72 weeks on average. However, the rate of weight loss on Wegovy can vary from patient to patient, depending on reaction to the weight loss treatment and lifestyle changes.

“While Wegovy can assist in weight loss, you’re likely to get better results if you take it while on a low-calorie diet and exercising more. Make sure you take the right steps to make sure your weight loss journey is as efficient as possible.” – Dr Mitra Dutt

Who can take Wegovy 7.2mg?

You are eligible to take Wegovy 7.2mg if you are an existing Wegovy patient who has been on the 2.4mg dose for more than 4 weeks.

Can I switch to Wegovy 7.2mg from my current weight loss treatment?

As we have written previously, you are able to switch your weight loss treatment to Wegovy from Mounjaro. However, when this occurs your clinician will determine a suitable dose for you depending on your medical history. Currently this will only go up to 2.4mg on Wegovy as there is no data on how to switch to the new 7.2mg dose. We will update this information if this changes.

It is recommended that you stay on each dose for 4 weeks before increasing and you do not skip any doses.

Who can't take it?

As per Wegovy’s patient information leaflet, you should not take Wegovy 7.2mg if:

• You are unsuitable for any dose of Wegovy (i.e. you are pregnant, have a BMI below 30 or are allergic to semaglutide)
• You have not used Wegovy or any weight loss treatment before
• You are on a lower dose of Wegovy than 2.4mg – if this is the case you should gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks as per the regular Wegovy dosing strategy if appropriate

Wegovy 7.2mg side effects

As with other weight loss treatments, it is possible to experience side effects while taking Wegovy. These side effects can include:

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Change in taste or skin sensation
• Gallstones
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Reflux or heartburn
• Hair loss
• Complications of diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease)

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Delay in emptying the stomach 
• Jaundice
• Faster heartbeat
• Low blood sugar (in patients who do not have diabetes)
• Inflamed pancreas
• Kidney or bladder stones

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

• Hip fractures
• Anaphylactic reaction
• Angioedema (swelling under the skin)

Unknown frequency

• Bowel obstruction

For more information, read our Wegovy side effects or consult the Wegovy patient information leaflet.

If you experience side effects or feel unwell after taking Wegovy, contact your healthcare provider. If you think you are experiencing a rare side effect like angioedema or anaphylactic reaction, contact your GP immediately. If they are unavailable, ring 111 or 999 or go to A&E.

Do you get different side effects from Wegovy 7.2mg than from other doses?

No – the side effects from the 7.2mg dose of Wegovy should not differ from those you would get from any other dose. Clinical studies showed that patients on 7.2mg experienced more adverse effects than those on 2.4mg, though this was only a 3% difference.