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Wegovy® is a prescription medication that is used to help adults with obesity or overweight lose weight and keep it off. It is a once-weekly injection that works by mimicking the action of a gut hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 helps to control appetite and make you feel full after eating. Wegovy® also helps to slow down the movement of food through your digestive system, which can help you feel full for longer.
Wegovy® was approved by the FDA in June 2021 for the treatment of obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Wegovy® works by mimicking the action of a gut hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 is released after eating and
helps to control appetite and make you feel full after eating. Wegovy® also helps to slow down the movement of food through your digestive system, which can help you feel full for longer.
Wegovy® works by mimicking the action of a gut hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 is released after eating and
helps to control appetite and make you feel full after eating. Wegovy® also helps to slow down the movement of food through your digestive system, which can help you feel full for longer.
Wegovy® is a very effective weight loss medication. In clinical trials, people who took Wegovy® for 68 weeks lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, compared to 2.4% for people who took a placebo. This is a significant amount of weight loss, and it is more than what is typically seen with other weight loss medications. Click here to read more about Wegovy®
Here are the results of the weight loss results from the STEP 1 clinical trial of Wegovy®:
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist
or nurse if you are not sure.
The recommended dose is 2.4 mg once weekly. Your treatment will start at a
low dose which will be gradually increased over 16 weeks of treatment as follows:
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
The recommended dose is 2.4 mg once weekly. Your treatment will start at a
low dose which will be gradually increased over 16 weeks of treatment as follows:
You will be required to follow the table below
Our team will check-in on you regularly during your treatment and pass on
details of your progress to the doctor, who will evaluate your
needs before proceeding to the next dosage.
You will be required to follow the table below
Our team will check-in on you regularly during your treatment and pass on
details of your progress to the doctor, who will evaluate your
needs before proceeding to the next dosage.
Adults aged between 18-75 years old can use Wegovy® as long as they meet the criteria. The criteria is a BMI over 30 but if a person has a BMI over 27, they can be approved Wegovy® if they have a weight related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, depression or high blood pressure etc.
Adults aged between 18-75 years old can use Wegovy® as long as they meet the criteria. The criteria is a BMI over 30 but if a person has a BMI over 27, they can be approved Wegovy® if they have a weight related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, depression or high blood pressure etc.
There are several reasons for those who are unable to take
Wegovy®. Some of these include the following:
There are several reasons for those who are unable to take Wegovy®. Some of these include the following:
Dr Rajeswaran
Consultant Physician (Obesity, Diabetes & Endocrinology)
Dr C. Rajeswaran (A.K.A Dr Raj) is a Consultant Physician in diabetes, obesity & endocrinology working in the United Kingdom. He has clinics across the country including several clinics in Nuffield, Leeds, Spire Claremont, Sheffield and also runs the reputed ‘The London Obesity Clinic’ at 10 Harley Street, London. He is extremely passionate about helping people with weight management, particularly for those with diabetes. His specialist interests include complex severe obesity, diabetes, and diabesity with over 25 years experience in these areas.
Dr Rajeswaran
Consultant Physician (Obesity, Diabetes & Endocrinology)
Dr C. Rajeswaran (A.K.A Dr Raj) is a Consultant Physician in diabetes, obesity & endocrinology working in the United Kingdom. He has clinics across the country including several clinics in Nuffield, Leeds, Spire Claremont, Sheffield and also runs the reputed ‘The London Obesity Clinic’ at 10 Harley Street, London. He is extremely passionate about helping people with weight management, particularly for those with diabetes. His specialist interests include complex severe obesity, diabetes, and diabesity with over 25 years experience in these areas.
Like all medications, there are some potential side effects from this medication.
These include the following:
Read our articles on Wegovy & semaglutide if you would like to learn more about the benefits, the research and case studies.
What is the recommended BMI for Wegovy®
You may be eligible to take Wegovy® if your BMI is >30 kg/m2 or your BMI falls between 27-30 kg/m2 with any added comorbidity such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidaemia, stroke etc. For individuals of Asian origin, the BMI cut off is reduced by 2.5kg/m2.
Always consult your physician before starting Wegovy®.
Is Wegovy® safe to take if below the recommended BMI?
No, Wegovy® is not recommended if you fall below the recommended BMI. Please contact your specialist for further advice regarding Wegovy®.
How long do I need to stay on Wegovy® for?
Wegovy® can be used for weight loss in the long term. Wegovy® is a semaglutide approved by the FDA. GLP-1 group of drugs has been in use for more than 10 years for weight loss. You may take Wegovy® in the long term but it is always advisable to speak to a medical practitioner for advice regarding how long you need to stay on Wegovy®.
What do I do if I see no weight loss with Wegovy®
If you have been taking Wegovy® along with consistent changes to diet and lifestyle and yet you are not losing weight, please speak to your healthcare provider. They may be able to assess and treat if you have any underlying hormone problems, drug interactions or you may need a combination of medications for weight loss.
How much weight will I lose with Wegovy®
The amount of weight you will lose will depend from individual to individual. Some tend to lose more weight in the first month while some may lose considerably less weight. Based on research, people lost around 15% of weight. Please speak to your doctor for the best advice regarding Wegovy®.
How often do I need to inject the medication?
You need to inject the medication once a week at the same time. If you miss a dose of Wegovy®, make sure you take it as soon as you remember. But there must be a minimum of 3 days gap between your missed dose and your next dose. Please speak to your specialist if you need advice on Wegovy®.
How long does 1 pen of Wegovy® last for ?
Each pen is intended for single use which will last you 4 weeks. Please contact your doctor for instructions
Can I go to a higher dose to start with of Wegovy®
No, your doctor will gradually increase your Wegovy® dose. Do not start with a higher dose of Wegovy® without knowing how you tolerate it. Always start with a low dose of Wegovy® as prescribed by your doctor and contact your specialist for any queries.
Who should not take Wegovy®
If you fall in any of the below categories, you may not be eligible to take Wegovy®:
Please speak to your health care provider to understand the suitability of Wegovy®.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy®
If you miss a dose of Wegovy® because you were busy, you can take it whenever you remember. It is ideally taken on the same day each week at the same time. If the gap between your missed dose and next dose is less than 3 days away, you can simply take the next dose. Please speak to your provider regarding any queries regarding the mode of use of Wegovy®.
Why don’t I feel full with Wegovy®
The way Wegovy® works is by improving satiety and reducing your appetite. It is not natural if you don’t feel full with Wegovy®, some people feel full at a smaller dose and some people feel full with a larger dose. If you do not feel full with a larger dose, please speak to your doctor for any information regarding Wegovy®. Recent studies also shows, people do not feel full with Wegovy® if they are on it for more than a year.
What diet should I follow whilst on Wegovy®
You can follow a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits when you are on Wegovy®. Avoid high calorie fatty food and too much spice in your diet. Drink plenty of water and stay active. Such modifications can help boost your weight loss process when on Wegovy®. Please speak to your doctor or a dietitian for personalised advice when you are on Wegovy®. Wegovy® must always be taken under medical supervision.
How much water should I drink whilst on Wegovy®
Staying hydrated when you are on Wegovy® is important. You must drink at least 2-3 Litres of water every day. Always take Wegovy® under medical supervision. Excess water consumption is not advisable for people with kidney, liver and heart failure.
Can I take Contraceptive pills with Wegovy®
Yes, you can take contraceptive pills when you are on Wegovy® but it may not be very effective in every one and is advisable to adopt other contraceptive measures like the barrier method. The action of Wegovy® may hinder the activity and absorption of contraceptive pills. Please speak to your doctor to understand more about Wegovy®.
Can I take Wegovy® If I am pregnant?
No, you cannot take Wegovy® if you are pregnant as there is insufficient evidence as far as we know. Please speak to your doctor for any other suitable alternative. Wegovy® must be taken under medical supervision.
Can I take Wegovy® if I am breastfeeding?
No, you cannot take Wegovy® if you are breastfeeding as there is insufficient evidence as far as we know. Please speak to your doctor for any other suitable alternative. Wegovy® must be taken under medical supervision.
Can I take metformin with Wegovy®
Yes, you can take metformin with Wegovy®. Please speak to your doctor to understand if you need to adjust your dose of medication. Wegovy must always be taken under medical supervision.
Can I take insulin along with Wegovy®
You can take insulin along with Wegovy® after you have been prescribed by your doctor. If you are already on insulin and you have been prescribed Wegovy®, you need to be aware that your blood glucose may reduce or you may have hypoglycaemic episodes. You may need to decrease the dose of insulin when you start Wegovy®.
Always inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking before starting Wegovy®.
Can I take medications for diabetes along with Wegovy®
If you have type 2 Diabetes and you are taking medications, starting Wegovy® may lower your blood glucose or you may have hypoglycaemic episodes, more so if you are on medications like glimepiride or gliclazide.
Always inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking before starting Wegovy®.
If I am planning to have an endoscopy, colonoscopy or any surgery can I take Wegovy®
If you are planning to have endoscopy, colonoscopy or any surgery under general anaesthesia you should stop Wegovy® at least 7-10 days before the procedure.
Some people who have had these procedures have had aspiration pneumonia as food is remaining in their stomach. Wegovy® slows down the movement of food and in some people the food remnants can get into the lungs during or after the procedure
Always inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking before any surgery.
Is Wegovy better than weight loss surgery ?
Wegovy® is an injection and it is non-invasive whereas surgery is invasive and irreversible. In some surgeries like gastric band, weight loss is less while in gastric bypass, weight loss is more. Weight regain is seen both with post-weight loss surgery and after discontinuing Wegovy®. It is always better to consider Wegovy® before any weight loss surgery. Please speak to your doctor to understand more about Wegovy®.
Can I continue to smoke when I am on Wegovy®
Generally smoking is not advisable especially if you are trying to lose weight and improve your lifestyle habits, whether you take Wegovy® or not. To quit smoking please contact your healthcare provider.
Can I continue to drink alcohol when I am on Wegovy®
Our experience shows that people who are on Wegovy® are not able to consume too much alcohol. It is advisable to significantly reduce your alcohol intake.
Can I skip meals with Wegovy®
Yes, you can skip meals with Wegovy® especially if you are busy or planning to do intermittent fasting. If you are skipping meals for a long time you may experience heartburn.
Can I do intermittent fasting with Wegovy®
Yes, you can practise intermittent fasting alongside Wegovy®. It can benefit your weight loss journey too. Please speak to your doctor and dietitian for further advice.
How should Wegovy® be stored?
Wegovy® should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 °F and 46 °F (2 °C and 8 °C). Once opened, Wegovy® can be stored between 46 °F and 86 °F (8 °C and 30 °C) in the original carton for up to 28 days. Never freeze your Wegovy® pens.
Can I take Wegovy® if I am travelling?
Yes, you can take Wegovy® with you when you are travelling. Make sure you store it in a cool place in your carry on or hand baggage. Do not keep it in your check in baggage. You may need a letter from your specialist if you plan to travel abroad.
How should I carry Wegovy® when I am travelling?
When travelling by road, train or air, it is always recommended to carry Wegovy® in a cool bag. Ensure you have spare needles and also a sharps bin, to dispose of used needles. Once you have reached your destination, take the Wegovy® pen and keep it in the fridge.
What are the common side effects of Wegovy®
The common side effects of Wegovy® you may experience are –
Please contact your specialist if you experience any symptoms
What are the rare side effects of Wegovy®
The rare side effects of Wegovy® individuals experience are –
Please go to the nearest accident and emergency if you experience any of the above symptoms
Can I get constipation with Wegovy®
Yes, some individuals who take Wegovy® may experience constipation. Including fibre rich food and plenty of water can help reduce constipation. If you face chronic constipation, please speak to a health care provider.
Can I get diarrhoea with Wegovy®
Yes, some individuals who take Wegovy may experience diarrhoea especially when the dose of Wegovy is increased. Please speak to your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea.
Can I get heartburn or rotten eggy burps with Wegovy®
Yes, heartburn is a fairly common symptom. This is usually due to Wegovy® slowing down the intestinal movement.
Rotten egg burps (unpleasant sulphur-like odour in burps or flatulence) are a less common side effect, but possible side effect of Wegovy®. It usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Please talk to your doctor about other ways to manage them.
To avoid heartburn or rotten egg burps, reduce the portion size of food, avoid spicy food and fried food. Also ensure you are well hydrated. If despite these precautions, you still have heartburn or eggy burps please contact your doctor.
Is thyroid cancer common with with Wegovy®
No, thyroid cancer is a rare condition found in animal models. Wegovy® can possibly increase the risk of thyroid cancer in animal models.
Obesity on its own is a risk factor for thyroid cancer. Hence it is very important to talk to your doctor before you consider Wegovy®. It is advisable not to have Wegovy® if there is a family history of any thyroid cancer or you have had any form of thyroid cancer. Please speak to your health care provider to understand your suitability for Wegovy®.
How common is pancreatitis with Wegovy®
Pancreatitis is a rare side effect of Wegovy®. If you have a history of Pancreatitis, you may not be suitable to take Wegovy®. Please speak to your doctor to understand the suitability if Wegovy®. If you have abdominal pain, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency care to rule out Pancreatitis.
Can I have hair loss with Wegovy®
Hair loss is a possible side effect of Wegovy®, but it is not a common one. There are a few possible reasons why Wegovy® might cause hair loss:
But If you are concerned about hair loss while taking Wegovy®, talk to your doctor. They can help you to determine whether the hair loss is caused by the medication or by another underlying condition.
Can I get a headache with Wegovy®
Headaches are not a common side effect of Wegovy®, However, it is possible that you may experience headaches while taking this medication. Headaches caused by Wegovy® usually subside on their own within a few weeks. If your headaches are severe or do not subside, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose of Wegovy® or switch to a different medication. In some people, the headache may be because of a relative drop in blood sugar when on Wegovy®.
How common is gastroparesis with Wegovy®
Wegovy® may be an influencing factor of Gastroparesis but it can be because of the other factors also. In Diabetes, gastroparesis is common due to nerve damage of stomach muscles.
Gastroparesis with Wegovy® is a rare complication but always a possibility. If you feel any gastrointestinal discomfort, please speak to your doctor to take necessary steps. Always take Wegovy under medical supervision.
Can I get an Ozempic® face with Wegovy®
Ozempic® face may occur due to the rapid loss of fat in the face leading to sagging facial muscles. Please speak to your doctor if you feel any discomfort in the way you look and feel. Both Ozempic® and Wegovy contain semaglutide.
Will I get low blood glucose with Wegovy®
Wegovy® normally does not cause low blood glucose. But if you are on insulin, gliclazide or glimepiride etc. you may experience low blood sugar. Low blood glucose is a serious but rare side effect of Wegovy®. Please speak to your doctor if you are taking other Diabetic medications with Wegovy® and you experience symptoms like fatigue, rapid heart rate, sweating, trembles etc.
Can I take Wegovy® if I have retinopathy?
Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes which can lead to vision loss. No you cannot take Wegovy® if you have retinopathy as it may worsen your condition. Please speak to your doctor and take Wegovy® under medical supervision.
Can I take Wegovy® with kidney failure?
No, you must not take Wegovy® with moderate to severe kidney failure as it may worsen your condition but some doctors may recommend Wegovy® if your eGFR is >30mL/min/1.73m2 under strict medical supervision. Please speak to your doctor if you want to know more about Wegovy®.
Will I lose muscle mass when taking Wegovy®
Yes, you may lose muscle mass when taking Wegovy®. It is important to exercise and have sufficient good quality proteins in your diet. Please speak to your doctor and dietitian for suitable advice.
Does Wegovy® reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke?
Yes, Wegovy® helps reduce cardiovascular risk factors. This can be because of weight loss caused by Wegovy. Please speak to your doctor if you plan to take Wegovy®. Wegovy® must always be taken under medical supervision.
Will PCOS get better with Wegovy®
Wegovy® can help you lose weight. Weight loss tends to regularise the menstrual cycle which improves fertility and PCOS. Always consult your doctor if you plan to start Wegovy®.
Does Wegovy® reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
There are few studies going on to determine if GLP-1 analogies can reduce the incidence and severity of Alzheimer’s disease. At this point in time Wegovy® cannot be used as a treatment for Wegovy®.
Can I regain weight after stopping Wegovy®
Yes, you may regain weight if you stop Wegovy®. It is suggested to continue to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle habits with Wegovy®. Please speak to your doctor and dietitian for further advice.
Your hunger and lack of fullness may return. Some people say they start to feel hungry and are able to eat larger portions. You may not only regain weight you may also have an increase in blood pressure with weight regain.
It is therefore important to ensure before you stop Wegovy®, you should have adapted a good lifestyle and are able to sustain the new healthy lifestyle.
If you do have weight regain, consult your doctor to restart Wegovy® or another GLP-1 analogue.
How long can I have Wegovy®
Obesity is a chronic condition. Wegovy® is licensed for chronic weight management. Wegovy® can be taken long term to lose weight and maintain weight.
People stop Wegovy® for several reasons including cost and side effects.
The NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) in the UK has recommended Wegovy® to be used for up to 2 years only. The reason they cite is due to lack of evidence for long term use of Wegovy®.
Always discuss with your doctor on how long to continue Wegovy®. It is important that you do not regain weight and lose all the benefits of weight loss.
How to wean off Wegovy®
There is no recommended protocol to wean off Wegovy®. Some people stop Wegovy® abruptly.
Some people on Wegovy® reduce the frequency of injections from one to week to 10 days or to a fortnight and gradually reduce the frequency of injections.
Others go down on the dose of Wegovy®.
Please consult your doctor if you are planning to wean off Wegovy®.
What is the difference between Wegovy® and Mounjaro®
Wegovy® contains semaglutide which is a GLP-1 (Glucagon like Peptide – 1) analogue while Mounjaro® contains tirzepatide which has GLP-1 (Glucagon like Peptide – 1) analogue and GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
What is the difference between Ozempic® and Mounjaro®
Ozempic® contains semaglutide which is a GLP-1 (Glucagon like Peptide – 1) analogue licensed for Type 2 Diabetes only. Mounjaro® contains tirzepatide which has GLP-1 analogue and GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and can be used for weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes.
What is the difference between Ozempic® and Wegovy®
Ozempic® and Wegovy® both contain semaglutide. Ozempic® is licensed for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus whereas Wegovy® is licensed for weight loss.
Can I have Wegovy® prescribed if I am HIV positive?
Yes, some studies show that Wegovy® may be safe in people with HIV. Weight loss helps to reduce visceral fat and cardiovascular risk
You should be aware of any lipohypertrophy fat or lipoatrophy at the injection sites
Always inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking before starting Wegovy®.
Like all medications, there are some potential side effects from this medication.
These include the following:
All consultations and prescriptions are carried out by GMC registered medical practitioners.
All dispensing and shipping of medicines are completed by a UK licensed, GPhC registered Pharmacy no: 9011284.
CloudRx is our partner pharmacy and prescribing service.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person depending on individual engagement and commitment to the programme.
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health related condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare provider.
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