Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 13, 2024 · 13 min read
A beginner’s guide to Wegovy for weight loss
Wegovy is a popular name popping up around the UK for those looking to shed some weight. It's not a pill but an injection. People keen on losing weight are giving it a go. It's essential to know the right amount to use, and if you're on other medicines, to check they work well together. In this article, we will answer some questions people may have about the medication including what it is, who can use it, what dosage people should take, whether it interacts with other medications people may be using, and where you can purchase it from.
Key Takeaways
Wegovy is an Injection for Weight Loss
Wegovy, a weight loss medication, uses semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, to help reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness. Administered weekly by injection, it’s designed to support weight loss alongside diet and exercise.
Prescription-Only Medication
Wegovy is only available with a prescription in the UK. You must meet specific health criteria to be eligible, such as a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with related health conditions. A healthcare provider or an online consultation service, like UK Meds, can assess your suitability.
Availability and Ordering Options
Wegovy cannot be bought over the counter, but it can be ordered online through trusted services like UK Meds, where you’ll need to complete an online consultation. This ensures safe and convenient access if Wegovy is right for you.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for the medication semaglutide (Ghusn et al, 2022), which is a medication that is specifically formulated for weight management. It's designed to help people lose weight when it is used alongside a healthy diet as well as regular exercise. The medication was created by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which also produces Ozempic and Saxenda.
What is the active ingredient in Wegovy?
Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These are medications that mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone (Meier, 2021). In our bodies, the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone helps to regulate blood sugar levels and slows down the emptying of the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness.
What form does Wegovy come in?
Wegovy comes in the form of a subcutaneous injection, which means it's injected just under the skin. It's provided in pre-filled pens/syringes for ease of administration. Users should always follow their healthcare provider's guidance on how and where to inject, as well as how often to administer the medication.
Who is Wegovy suitable for?
Wegovy is usually suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or for people with a BMI of 27 or above who have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. You will need to complete our online consultation that checks you are suitable for the medication. A registered prescriber will review your consultation and the decision to prescribe will lie with them.
Who is Wegovy typically used by?
Wegovy is typically used by adults who are either overweight or obese. It's especially considered for those who have weight-related medical problems or for those who have been unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. In some cases, it might also be recommended for individuals with certain health conditions that benefit from weight reduction.
Can adults use Wegovy?
Yes, Wegovy is primarily designed for adults. It's used by adults who are overweight or obese, especially those with weight-related medical problems. Before starting any weight management medication, including Wegovy, it's essential for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it's suitable for their specific circumstances.
Can children use Wegovy?
The treatment of obesity in younger individuals often requires a comprehensive approach, including dietary modifications, physical activity, behavioural changes, and sometimes, medication. If considering any medication for a child or adolescent, it's imperative to consult with a paediatrician or specialist in childhood obesity to discuss potential risks, benefits, and appropriate treatments.
Can pregnant women use Wegovy?
No, pregnant women should not use Wegovy. There is insufficient information to ensure that Wegovy is safe for the baby during pregnancy. Those planning to become pregnant should cease using the medication at least two months before actively trying to conceive. If you believe they might be pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider promptly, as the medication will need to be discontinued.
Is Wegovy approved by the MHRA?
Yes, Wegovy is approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This approval means that Wegovy has been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness and is deemed suitable for prescription use in the UK. However, it’s only available to those who meet specific criteria for weight management.
How do you use Wegovy?
Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Here's a general guideline on how it's used:
Preparation: Before using, always check the medication to ensure it's clear and free from particles. Do not use it if it appears cloudy or has particles.
Storage: Store Wegovy in the refrigerator. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make the injection more comfortable.
Injection Site: Choose a site for injection, commonly the abdomen, thigh, or the back of the arm. Ensure the site is free from skin abnormalities like wounds or rashes. Rotate the injection sites to reduce the risk of skin problems.
Sanitise: Clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry.
Administering the Injection: Using the prescribed syringe or pen, pinch a fold of skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Push the plunger slowly to administer the medication.
Post-Injection: Once you've injected the full dose, remove the needle and dispose of it safely in a sharps container.
Frequency: The frequency of administration will depend on your healthcare provider's advice, but typically, it's once weekly.
Dosage: Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for you, which may be adjusted over time based on how your body responds.
Missed Dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take double doses.
When should Wegovy be used?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is typically administered once a week. The specific day and time can be chosen based on what is most convenient and easy for the patient to remember. It's essential to choose a specific day of the week and stick to it for your injections to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your system.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
Wegovy is designed to work gradually within the body, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and aid in weight management. Once administered, Wegovy starts to work in the body almost immediately, interacting with receptors in the pancreas and brain. However, its noticeable effects on blood sugar control or weight might not be immediate.
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, improvements in blood sugar levels can often be seen within a few weeks of starting treatment (Mahapatra et al, 2022). Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to track the drug's efficacy and adjust the dosage if needed.
Weight loss results will typically be more gradual. Some people might notice a decrease in appetite or food intake relatively quickly, but significant weight loss will generally occur over months. Clinical trials have shown that many patients experience noticeable weight loss after 16-20 weeks of therapy, with the most substantial weight loss results seen after a year of consistent treatment.
What is the typical dosage of Wegovy?
The dosing of Wegovy (semaglutide) should always be determined by a healthcare professional based on an individual's specific health circumstances. In general, dosage instructions are:
Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week.
Dose Increase: After 4 weeks, the dose is typically increased to 0.5 mg once a week.
Maintenance Dose: Depending on the individual's tolerance and the response to the medication, the dose may be further increased. The maximum recommended dose is 2.4 mg once a week.
What to do if you miss a dose of Wegovy?
If you miss a dose of Wegovy (semaglutide), here's what you should do:
Take the Missed Dose: If you realise you've missed your dose within 5 days of when it was due, you should inject the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Return to Regular Schedule: After taking the missed dose, you can then continue with your regular weekly dosing schedule from the day of the missed dose.
If More Than 5 Days Have Passed: If more than 5 days have passed since your missed dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your regular weekly dosing schedule.
Never Double Up: You should never take two doses of Wegovy in the same week to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects.
Does the severity of obesity affect how much Wegovy to take?
Typically, the dosing for Wegovy begins with a lower dose, which is gradually increased over several weeks to minimise potential side effects. This step-up dosing approach helps patients acclimatise to the medication. The response to the medication might vary depending on an individual's specific health profile, including the degree of obesity.
How Wegovy works in weight management
Wegovy works by reducing appetite and helping people feel full faster, making it easier to eat smaller portions. It’s an injectable medication, self-administered once a week, designed to gradually reduce body weight over time. Many people find that they have more control over their food choices with Wegovy, which helps in long-term weight management.
How effective is Wegovy in treating weight loss?
In clinical trials, Wegovy has been shown to significantly reduce body weight in individuals with obesity (Wilding et al, 2021). Participants, on average, achieved a weight reduction of around 15-20% of their initial body weight over a year. Alongside the reduction in body weight, participants also experienced improvements in some cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How can the effectiveness of Wegovy be improved?
Improving the effectiveness of Wegovy (semaglutide) in promoting weight loss doesn't solely rely on the medication itself. Instead, a comprehensive approach that involves lifestyle modifications can optimise its results. Ensure you follow a healthy, balanced diet, as well as making sure you get plenty of regular exercise. To get the best results when using Wegovy, it's crucial to follow the prescribed dosage of Wegovy and not miss doses. If you're unsure about the dosing schedule or face side effects, consult your healthcare provider.
Does how often you take Wegovy affect how well it works?
Yes, the effectiveness of Wegovy (semaglutide) can be influenced by how consistently and accurately it is administered. Like many medications, Wegovy has a recommended dosage schedule. Adhering to this schedule ensures that the drug maintains therapeutic levels in the bloodstream, thereby maximising its efficacy. Skipping doses or not taking the medication as prescribed can result in fluctuating drug levels in the body, which can diminish its effectiveness. This is particularly crucial for drugs like Wegovy that are intended to maintain consistent levels for optimal functioning.
Does Wegovy have any side effects?
Like all medications, Wegovy may cause some users to experience side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea or tiredness, especially when first starting. These side effects often lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. Always discuss potential side effects with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re fully informed before starting Wegovy.
Does Wegovy interact with other drugs?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) can potentially interact with other drugs, which might influence the way it or the other medications work, or increase the risk of side effects. Wegovy can slow down gastric emptying, meaning it can potentially delay the absorption of orally administered medicines. This is especially important for medicines that need to be absorbed quickly, such as oral contraceptives or antibiotics.
If you are taking insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs alongside Wegovy, there might be an increased risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications to prevent this.
Can you buy Wegovy over the counter?
No, you cannot buy Wegovy over the counter in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only medication. It is meant to be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure it is used safely and effectively. You can complete our free online consultation form that determines whether or not Wegovy is suitable for you if you are thinking about using it.
Is it more convenient to buy Wegovy online?
Purchasing Wegovy online is far more convenient for some individuals. Here are some reasons why:
Accessibility: For those who may not easily be able to visit a high street pharmacy, ordering online offers a solution.
Discreetness: Some people may feel more comfortable ordering medication online due to the privacy it offers.
Delivery: Medications can be delivered directly to your door, saving you a trip to the pharmacy.
Where can I buy Wegovy online in the UK?
If you are looking to purchase Wegovy online, it can be difficult to find a reputable UK retailer that actually has stock. This is why you should order online from UK Meds. At UK Meds, we have Wegovy, as well as a number of other weight loss medications and medications for other conditions, that you can order online.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy
Mounjaro is another medication that helps with weight loss and is often compared to Wegovy. Both use different active ingredients and work in unique ways, but they aim to support people struggling with weight management. While Wegovy uses semaglutide, Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, another effective option for weight management. Your doctor can help you decide which option might be more suitable based on your individual circumstances.
How does the process to order Wegovy work at UK Meds?
If you’re considering Wegovy for weight loss, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to understand if it’s suitable for you. In the UK, Wegovy is only available through a prescription and all requests for supply are subject to an online clinical consultation. If approved, Wegovy can be a valuable tool to help in your weight loss journey.
If you decide you would like to purchase Wegovy online from UK Meds, our order process is fast, efficient and completely safe. Simply select the medication you would like to order, complete our free online consultation form that determines your suitability for the medication you would like to order, and then complete your purchase. After that, let us handle the rest and get your order shipped to you.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always seek advice from a medical professional before starting any new medication.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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