Wegovy (semaglutide) injections

What is Wegovy?

If lifestyle changes alone haven’t worked, Wegovy can provide the assistance you need to get the weight loss results you want.

Injected once a week in the comfort of your own home, it can help you achieve your goals safely and sustainably as part of wider weight loss plan.

By reducing your appetite and making you feel full for longer, Wegovy weight loss injections can remove barriers to success, helping you tackle things like emotional eating, portion control, and food noise.

You’ll start at the lowest 0.25mg dose. If that works for you, you can stay on it dose as long as you want. However, many people find more noticeable weight loss at higher doses. You can talk to a clinician about increasing your dose after 4 weeks at your current strength.

How does Wegovy work?

The active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, mimics the hormone GLP-1, which is naturally released by your body after you’ve eaten to tell you you're full.

Once you start your injections, the semaglutide in Wegovy gets to work immediately, signalling to your brain you’re full while slowing down how quickly your stomach digests food. Semaglutide can also help keep your blood sugar under control, even though Wegovy itself isn’t licensed as a diabetes treatment.

This means the treatment can reduce the amount you’re thinking about food, while physically making you feel fuller, even as you eat less.

How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?

Taken consistently, Wegovy is very effective at helping with weight loss. Clinical studies have shown that, on average, people lost 21% of their starting weight on the treatment – with many seeing even stronger results.

However, the level of weight loss you achieve on Wegovy will depend on:

• your starting weight
• your chosen dose
• your diet
• your level of physical activity
• your underlying health
• how long you stay on the treatment

Weight loss injections help you take control of your relationship to food and physical activity, meaning you can lean into the kind of lifestyle changes that produce the best results.

How long do I need to stay on Wegovy?

As long as your clinician agrees it’s safe and effective for you to do so, you can stay on Wegovy long-term. Once you hit your target weight, you can either stop your treatment or continuing taking a ‘maintenance’ dose. That’s the strength of Wegovy that allows you to maintain your current weight, rather than producing further weight loss.

Benefits of Wegovy beyond weight loss

“Wegovy’s benefits go far beyond weight loss. For example, it's the first weight loss medication in the UK approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and established heart disease. In fact, it can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20%.

“Since semaglutide was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic, it may also support healthier blood sugar levels.

“And that’s not all. Losing weight in general can positively impact so many different areas of your life, from sleep to mental health to personal confidence.

“That’s why it's so important not just to focus on numbers when you’re on your weight loss journey, but the ways it makes you feel.”

Aniyah Mansuri, weight loss expert

Am I eligible for Wegovy injections?

To get Wegovy with myWeightLoss, you’ll need to:

• be 18 and over
• have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 and above alongside other weight-related health conditions, like type 2 diabetes

You can use our BMI calculator below to get a quick idea of whether or not you're eligible.

Wegovy on the NHS

While it is available, it’s harder to access Wegovy on the NHS than through a specialist provider like myWeightLoss. This is because the NHS has a much higher set of eligibility criteria.

To get Wegovy on the NHS, you need:

• a BMI of 35 or more, or 32.5 or more if you’re of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin
• a BMI of 30 to 34.9, or 27.5 to 32.4 if you’re of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin, and you meet other criteria to be treated by a specialist weight management service

Wegovy prices

Like with other weight loss injections, the price of Wegovy increases with the strength of the treatment. This means that the lowest dose, 0.25mg, is cheaper than the maximum dose, 7.2mg.

Each pen contains 4 doses, meaning it will last you 4 weeks (with the exception of 7.2mg, which comes as four single-dose pens). That’s why the cost of weight loss injections is often framed as the ‘price per month’.

With myWeightLoss, the monthly cost includes your Wegovy pen, discreet delivery, and support on every step of your journey from experts at our partner myBMI.

weeks

Ordering Wegovy with myWeightLoss

1. Answer some questions: this is so our clinicians can get the full picture of your health. You’ll also need to submit a photo so we can confirm your weight and identity – this will only be seen by the reviewing clinician, no-one else.

2. Be reviewed by an expert: once we have your answers, an expert clinician will go through your consultation to make sure Wegovy is the right option for your body.

3. Wait for your treatment: if you’re approved, your Wegovy pen will be delivered in discreet packaging, using our tracked and signed-for service.

Ongoing support with myWeightLoss

Our service doesn’t end once your pen has been delivered. Through our partner pharmacy myBMI you’ll have:

• access to our patient support group
• regular reviews and ongoing advice from your prescriber
• resources to help you manage diet, exercise, and mindset
• side effects advice and treatment

Wegovy dosing information

There are currently 6 doses of Wegovy available:

• 0.25mg
• 0.5mg
• 1mg
• 1.7mg
• 2.4mg
• 7.2mg

Everyone’s Wegovy dosing schedule is individual to them, and how their body reacts to the treatment. However, there are certain rules in place to make sure you stay safe while taking the medication.

1. Everyone starts at 0.25mg: this is the lowest dose available. By starting on the lowest dose, it helps minimise side effects.

2. You can only increase your dose every 4 weeks: you have to be on your current dose for at least 4 weeks before you increase your dose. This helps reduce the chance of side effects by allowing your body time to adjust and build up a tolerance for the treatment. This is easy to track, as each pen contains 4 doses designed to be taken over 4 weeks.

3. You can’t skip a dose: for example, you can’t jump from 0.25mg to 1mg without first using 0.5mg. This is to make sure you’re increasing your dose in a safe and sustainable manner.

4. Everyone’s maintenance dose is different: for example, some people may hit their target weight on 1.7mg and choose to stay at that strength as their maintenance dose. Other people, however, may need to increase to 2.4mg, or 7.2mg, to see the weight loss they want.

If you want to increase your dose of Wegovy, you can request the next strength with myWeightLoss after 4 weeks at your current dose. A clinician will then review your request to make sure it’s suitable.

Can you choose which dose of Wegovy you start at?

No, you can’t choose which dose of Wegovy you start at. Everyone starts at 0.25mg, so you have a chance to get used to the medication before potentially moving up to a higher dose. This gradual start gives your body time to adjust and helps reduce the likelihood of side effects.

Why would you increase your dose of Wegovy?

“You don’t have to increase your dose of Wegovy. If you’re happy with your weight loss on 0.25mg, for instance, you can remain at that dose. However, people often see more significant weight loss at higher doses. So, if your weight loss has plateaued, or you’re not seeing the results you want, you could consider increasing your dose.”

Aniyah Mansuri, weight loss expert

What happens if you miss a dose?

What you do when you miss a dose of Wegovy depends on how long it’s been since your scheduled injection.

If it’s 5 days or less since you were meant to inject, take it as soon as possible and then take your next dose on your usual day.

If it’s more than 5 days since you were meant to inject, skip the missed dose and then take your next dose on your usual day.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed injection.

How to take Wegovy

1. Choose your injection site. When injecting Wegovy, you can pick between your stomach (two inches away from your belly button), thighs, or upper arm (but only if someone else is injecting you). Make sure to rotate your injection site each week to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Wash your hands to reduce the chance of infection and skin irritation.

3. Make sure your Wegovy pen isn’t damaged or frozen.

4. Look through the pen window and make sure the medication is clear and colourless. Do not use the pen if it isn’t.

5. Attach a new needle by tearing off the paper tab, pushing the needle straight onto the pen, and turning until it is tight. You must use a new needle every time you inject.

6. Pull off the outer needle cap and keep it for later, then pull off the inner cap and throw it away.

7. If it’s your first injection with a new pen, turn the dose selection so the flow check symbol and dose pointer line up. Hold the pen so the needle is facing upwards and press the dose button until the dose counter returns to ‘0’. A drop of medication should appear at the end of your needle.

8. Turn the dose selector until the counter stops, and the window shows your current dosage.

9. Insert the needle into your skin and press the dose button until the dose counter shows ‘0’. Counting to 6 can help make sure you get your full dose.

10. Remove the needle and press on the injection site if any blood appears.

Always read the instructions that come with your treatment before injecting Wegovy.

How to take Wegovy 7.2mg

Wegovy 7.2mg comes as four single-dose pens that you'll inject once per week (one pen per week, four for one month's supply).

You won't need to insert the needle yourself; it'll already be in the pen.

Dispose of each pen after one use.

You can use the same injection site for all 3 injections, as long as the injections are 5cm apart.

When should you take Wegovy?

“It’s recommended that you inject Wegovy at the same time and day every week. Not only will this help you build a routine, it keeps the level of medication consistent in your body to maximise its effectiveness while spacing out your treatment to minimise the risk of side effects.”

Aniyah Mansuri, weight loss expert

Wegovy storage information

Before using your pen, Wegovy should be stored in a fridge, to keep the medication between 2°C and 8°C.

After first use, the pen can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 42 days.

How to dispose of your pen

There are two parts of your pen that require different disposal methods:

• Needles: you must dispose of the needles you use for injection in a dedicated sharps bin. This sharps bin will then need to be collected by your local authority or returned to a participating pharmacy or GP service.
• Pens: you can throw your used pens, minus the needle, into your normal waste bin.

How to get the most out of Wegovy

You’ll get the most out of your Wegovy weight loss injections by combining your treatment with a considered approach to dosing, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and, above all else, consistency.

Dosing

If your weight loss has plateaued after seeing initial results, it might be worth considering increasing your dose. By talking to your clinician, you can get a better idea of what needs changing, whether that’s your dose or another aspect of your plan.

Nutrition

Making positive changes to your diet is one of the best ways you can get the most out of your treatment, while also minimising any side effects you may experience.

• Keep it balanced: you want a good mix of lean proteins (like chicken, Greek yoghurt and eggs), high-fibre fruit and veg (from broccoli and Brussel sprouts to pears and bananas), complex carbohydrates (including chickpeas and oats) and healthy fats (found in things like cashews, salmon and olive oil).
• Keep it regular: by creating a mealtime routine, you stand a better chance of making sure you’re full enough to avoid unnecessary snacking.
• Stick to small portions: this can help you manage potential side effects like nausea and bloating. It’s better to eat small and often, to give your stomach time to digest your food.
• Stay hydrated: making sure you’re drinking enough water, as it can help with many of the most common Wegovy side effects.
• Limit your alcohol intake: reducing how much alcohol you drink can help avoid making any side effects worse, while removing unnecessary calories from your diet.

Physical activity

Exercise can be a scary word. But physical activity can take many different forms, especially at the start of your journey.

Gradually finding something you enjoy, that you can fit into your new routine, is better than going to the gym every day in your first week and never going again.

You could try:

• going for a walk after dinner, to help digest your food
• focusing on mobility exercises to improve your comfort in your own body
• taking a beginner class, for example yoga or water aerobics

Get more guidance on creating the best weight loss programme with myBMI.

Consistency

Consistency is the key to losing weight on Wegovy. But it’s not always easy. To help, you can consider:

• setting a reminder to make sure you inject at the same time every week
• tracking your weight loss in a journal or app, so you can see your progress
• keeping a food diary, to get a better idea of your eating habits
• keeping an exercise log, to track how you improve
• starting your journey at the same time as someone else, so you have that extra level of support

Monitoring your own progress, and seeing the results you’ve achieved, can give you the resilience to keep going in those harder moments.

Managing Wegovy side effects

There’s always the chance of experiencing side effects when taking a new medication, and Wegovy is no different. Side effects are often mild and usually improve over time, although this varies from person to person.

You’re most likely to experience the side effects of Wegovy when you first start your treatment, and when you increase your dose. This is because your body needs to get used to the medication.

The most common Wegovy side effects are those that affect more than 1 in 10 people and are usually easy to manage.

• Headaches: making sure you’re well hydrated is one of the best ways to help with headaches on Wegovy. You can also take painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol to manage your discomfort if they’re appropriate for you. Speak to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
• Nausea and vomiting: eating smaller portions of plain foods like rice and crackers is a good way to manage nausea. And if your nausea turns to vomiting, make sure to drink plenty of water (but in small sips!) afterwards.
• Diarrhoea: like with nausea, plainer foods that are easier to digest are recommended if you’re dealing with diarrhoea. It’s also important to stay hydrated, potentially using rehydration sachets that can top up your electrolytes.
• Constipation: hydration, and a high-fibre diet, are two of the best ways to combat constipation. You could also consider over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners.
• Stomach pain: whether it’s bloating, indigestion or gas, sticking to smaller portions of plain food can help ease your stomach pain. Physical activity, even just a light walk, can also assist with digestive issues.
• Feeling weak or tired: you may feel tired in the first weeks of your treatment, as your body adjusts to the medication and you start eating less. Try to get enough sleep, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that’s giving you what you need, and don’t push yourself too hard.

For more information on Wegovy side effects, visit our partners at myBMI.

Wegovy 7.2mg side effects

There’s a greater risk of certain side effects when you’re on the maximum 7.2mg dose of Wegovy:

• Dysesthesia: an altered skin sensation that can feel like burning, tingling or electric shocks. Most cases are mild or moderate and will go away on their own.
• Gastrointestinal issues: side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea may be more frequent or intense.

When to seek medical help

You should seek urgent medical assistance if you experience:

• signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, or swelling in your face, tongue or throat
• signs of pancreatitis (severe, prolonged stomach pain that may move to the back)
• kidney and bladder stones
• sudden changes to your eyesight

You should also speak to your clinician or GP if your side effects aren’t going away on their own.

Wegovy warnings

Always tell your clinician about the medication you are taking before taking Wegovy, or any changes to your medication while on the treatment.

You shouldn’t take Wegovy if you:

• are under 18
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

You should speak to your clinician before taking Wegovy if:

• you've previously had pancreatitis
• you have a problem with your eyes (diabetic retinopathy or macular oedema)
• you're using another diabetes medication or insulin to treat your condition

Alternatives to Wegovy

Wegovy isn’t the only weight loss injection available. You could also consider:

• Mounjaro: contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, and offers average weight loss of 22.5%.
• Saxenda: contains the active ingredient liraglutide, and offers average weight loss of around 10%.

There are also weight loss tablets if injections aren’t the right fit. These include Mysimba, Orlistat, and Xenical.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

The main alternative to Wegovy is Mounjaro. They are the two most popular weight loss injections, as they offer the greatest average weight loss.

While studies show that Mounjaro offers slightly higher weight loss on average, Wegovy is notably cheaper.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Whether Mounjaro hasn’t been as effective as you hoped, or you’re looking for a cheaper treatment, you can switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy.

In order to switch, you should:

1. Speak to your clinician to make sure it’s the right option for you.

2. Stop taking Mounjaro. While the manufacturer recommends waiting 30 days before starting Wegovy, you may want to switch sooner. If so, wait for at least 7 days between treatments.

3. Start your new dose. If you were on Mounjaro 2.5mg, 5mg or 7.5mg, you’ll start at Wegovy 0.5mg. If you were on Mounjaro 10mg, 12.5mg or 15mg, you’ll start on Wegovy 1mg.

Sources

• Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet. EMC. [Accessed 30 March 2026].
• Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. (2023). The New England Journal of Medicine. [Accessed 30 March 2026].
• Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide 7.2 mg in Obesity—STEP UP Trial. (2025). American Diabetes Association. [Accessed 30 March 2026].
• Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. (2022). New England Journal of Medicine. [Accessed 30 March 2026].
• How Saxenda® Works | Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3mg. Saxenda. [Accessed 30 March 2026]