Wegovy® (semaglutide) weight loss injections

If you are considering switching your weight loss treatment from Mounjaro to Wegovy, please read our article on changing treatments.

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight loss injection, taken once a week with a convenient pre-filled pen. This medication works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps manage your appetite, making it easier for you to achieve sustainable results over time.

Wegovy can be used to help people lose up to 20.7% body weight. Results reflect the 7.2mg dose.

Wegovy at a glance

What is Wegovy® (semaglutide)?

Wegovy® is a prescription weight loss injection containing semaglutide, part of a group of medications called a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These mimic a hormone, normally found in the small intestine, that plays a key role in appetite control and digestion. By targeting the receptors in the body involved in hunger and food intake, Wegovy helps you feel fuller sooner, and stay full for longer. 

Wegovy is taken once a week using an injection pen designed to support long-term weight management in adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with related health conditions. 

While Wegovy can be highly effective, it’s not a standalone solution. It works best when combined with a reduced-calorie, nutritious diet and regular physical activity.

Used consistently, Wegovy weight loss injections can help reduce cravings, suppress appetite, and support long-term, healthy weight management. 

Who is eligible for Wegovy?

Wegovy is designed to help with weight loss for adults who meet certain health and BMI criteria. 

You may be eligible for Wegovy® in the UK if you are: 

• Obese, with a BMI of 30 or above 
• Overweight, with a BMI of 27 or above, and you have at least one weight-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnea

Wegovy isn't for everyone. You shouldn't use it if you: 

• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Suffer from severe digestive problems, such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
• Are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy®

Always speak to a healthcare provider before starting Wegovy to make sure it's safe and appropriate for your personal health needs.

How does Wegovy® work?

Wegovy® works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, food intake, and digestion. 

When you take Wegovy® once a week, it activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive system. This helps to:

• Suppress appetite, making you feel fuller sooner and for a longer period.
• Reduce cravings, so you're less likely to snack or overeat.
• Slow down digestion, meaning food stays in your stomach longer. This helps you feel satisfied for a longer period after meals.

These combined effects can lead to a natural reduction in how much you eat, which supports gradual and sustained weight loss over time.

Wegovy® works best when used as part of a healthy lifestyle. Around 85% of users lost at least 5% of their weight after taking Wegovy for 68 weeks, as opposed to 34% who has only made changes to their lifestyle and diet

“Wegovy® is a weekly injection which suppresses your appetite and slows digestion. Combined with a reduced-calorie diet and becoming more physically active, this should help you on your weight-loss journey.” - Dr Bhavini Shah

What receptors does Wegovy® affect?

Wegovy® works by activating GLP-1 receptors throughout the body, particularly in the brain and digestive system.

• In the brain, GLP-1 receptors play a key role in controlling your hunger and food intake. When you take semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, it activates these receptors, which sends signals that help you feel less hungry and more satisfied after meals. 
• In your stomach and intestines, activating the GLP-1 receptors helps slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, meaning food moves more slowly from your stomach into your intestines. This helps you feel fuller after eating for longer periods. 
• By targeting these specific GLP-1 pathways, Wegovy supports safe, steady weight loss, especially when used with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How effective is Wegovy® for weight loss?

When taken as prescribed and combined with healthy lifestyle changes, Wegovy can be a very effective treatment for weight loss. In clinical trials, people who used Wegovy® once a week, and with a healthier diet and more exercise, experienced noticeable and lasting weight loss over time. 

Key clinical findings:

• Around 85% of people lost more than 5% of their body weight
• 66% of people lost more than 10% of their body weight
• 48% of people lost more than 15% of their body weight
• 30% of people lost more than 20% of their body weight 

These results show that Wegovy® doesn't just support short-term changes, it can play a major role in achieving long-term, sustainable weight loss when used consistently and correctly.

Wegovy® vs. other weight loss injections 

Wegovy® is one of several weight loss injections available via prescription. Other popular treatments include Mounjaro® and Ozempic®. Even though Ozempic® has the same active ingredient as Wegovy®, it can only be prescribed off-book as it is intended to be used for type-2 diabetes. We’ve highlighted the key differences between the injections below:

*Ozempic® does not have a value as it has not been tested as a weight loss drug.

“There are many different options for weight loss. You can compare the different treatments and our clinicians will help to find out what works best for you.” - Dr Bhavini Shah

How to use Wegovy® injections

Using Wegovy weight loss injections is easy once you get the hang of it. You’ll need to take the injection once a week using a pre-filled pen, so there’s no fussing with measuring, vials, or mixing required.

We have an easy step-by-step guide to show your how to use your Wegovy pen correctly. Follow the steps listed there and remember the following:

Before you inject

• Choose a consistent day of the week (e.g. every Monday morning)
• Take your pen out of the fridge 30 minutes before use to bring it to room temperature
• Wash your hands thoroughly

Where do you inject Wegovy?

You can inject into:

• The front of your thigh
• Your belly
• The upper arm (if someone else is giving you the injection)

After the injection

• Rotate your injection site each week to avoid irritation
• Keep any unopened pens in the fridge, away from light
• If you happen to miss a dose, take it within 5 days or skip it and resume on your schedule on the next day.

Wegovy® Dosage and Schedule

Wegovy® is taken once a week. The dose starts low and is gradually increased over time, so your body can adjust while keeping side effects to a minimum. This gradual increase is important because it helps your body get used to semaglutide and reduces the chances of feeling nauseous or having digestive issues.. Find out how to know when to increase your dose.

Everyone begins with a lower dose and works their way up through the treatment, until they hit the full maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, as long as they can handle it.

What happens if you miss a dose of Wegovy®?

If you miss a Wegovy injection, don't panic. What to do next depends on how long it's been since your last dose:

If your last Wegovy® injection was 5 days ago or shorter
Inject Wegovy® as soon as possible. After that, return to your original dose schedule.

If your last Wegovy® injection was longer than 5 days ago
Skip your missed dose and take your next dose on your regular injection day as usual. Do not take a double dose of Wegovy®. This will not ‘make up’ for the dose you’ve missed – you’re just increasing the likelihood of suffering from side effects like nausea or vomiting. Always follow your treatment plan.

Wegovy® side effects: what to expect

Like any medication, Wegovy® (semaglutide) may cause side effects in some people, especially during the first few weeks or when the dose increases. Most are mild and temporary, but it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not.

If you start experiencing any side effects, please talk to your GP. For more information about Wegovy®, read the patient information leaflet or our guide to Wegovy®.

Side effects and dosage

Side effects are more common when increasing your dose (e.g. from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg). That’s why your treatment plan includes gradual increases, it helps your body adjust. If side effects worsen or don’t settle after a few weeks, speak to your prescriber.

Requesting Wegovy® from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

If you’re interested in Wegovy weight loss injections as a part of your weight loss journey, getting started is simple and discreet through LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Everything happens online, from consultation to delivery.

Here's how it works:

• Begin your online consultation by answering a few questions about your health, weight, and lifestyle.
• Clinical Review: A qualified clinician in the UK will evaluate whether Wegovy is suitable and safe for you.
• Prescription and Delivery: If approved, your Wegovy pen will be prescribed and delivered directly to your door. 

You'll need to meet specific BMI and health criteria to be eligible. Your prescriber will guide you through the next steps if another treatment is more suitable.