Your complete guide to using Wegovy for weight loss

Embarking on a weight loss journey can be overwhelming, especially if you've tried it all: going to the gym, eating a reduced-calorie diet, drinking plenty of water... but you're yet to see the results you were hoping for.

If this is what you're currently going through, it may be time to look into new ways to approach weight loss.

Wegovy is an exciting development in the field of weight management with the potential to enhance your weight loss efforts and, more importantly, improve your quality of life in the long run.

Learn all about Wegovy and how it can help you achieve sustained weight loss.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, an active ingredient commonly used to stabilise blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.

It has been studied and trialled as a weight management drug, and when used alongside a calorie deficit and exercise routine, it can be an effective aid to weight loss.

Wegovy is just one of the weight loss medications that has been approved for use in the UK. It is suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above or 27 and above, with weight-related health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, PCOS, asthma, or high cholesterol.

How does Wegovy work?

When we eat, our bodies release a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (otherwise known as GLP-1), which releases insulin, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and induces satiety. In other words, it lets our brains know that we're full and that it's time to stop eating.

Semaglutide, the main ingredient present in the Wegovy weight loss injections, can mimic this natural hormone, helping to regulate your appetite and slow down your gastric mobility.

This is why Wegovy is such an effective medication for weight management [1]. But, what exactly does it mean?

In short, it means that the food you eat stays in your stomach for longer, so you don't experience hunger as often as usual and are less likely to consume snacks and larger meals. As a result, you consume fewer calories and, ultimately, reduce your body weight.

While Wegovy starts working at a hormonal level quite quickly, visible weight loss can take time. Read more about how long Wegovy takes to work and what to expect in the first few weeks.

How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?

As a higher-dose injection of semaglutide, Wegovy has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective for weight loss than some of its alternatives [2].

A study from 2021 looked at 1,961 obese and overweight adults who were randomly assigned Wegovy injections or a placebo [2]. The results speak for themselves: after 68 weeks, those taking Wegovy lost an average of 33.7 lbs, whereas the placebo group lost an average of 5.7 lbs.

It's important to mention that the participants also implemented lifestyle changes, particularly in their diet and exercise habits, which helped enhance the impact of Wegovy as a weight loss drug.

What are the benefits of Wegovy?

The biggest benefit of Wegovy lies in its ability to deliver sustained weight loss. Since you feel more satisfied between meals, you experience fewer cravings and can adopt a healthier diet that you're able to stick to.

Additionally, although it is not technically an antidiabetic drug, Wegovy can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight or obese people [3].

Wegovy can also be beneficial for women with hormonal conditions like PCOS, helping with weight-related symptoms and overall management.

What Wegovy dose should I take?

The recommended dose for Wegovy is 2.4mg in weekly injections.

However, it is common for clinicians to prescribe Wegovy injections at a lower dose to start with and gradually increase it over time. This helps your body get used to the medication, which, in turn, minimises the risk of side effects (which we'll get to shortly).

Everyone’s body responds to Wegovy differently, but many people start to notice subtle changes early on, even at the lower doses. You can learn more about when Wegovy typically starts working and what signs to look out for in the first few weeks.

When and how to take Wegovy

Wegovy is designed to be taken once a week, and it’s important to choose a day and time that fits easily into your routine.

Some people prefer taking it in the morning, while others find evenings more manageable — there’s no universal “best” time of day to take Wegovy, but consistency is key.

If you accidentally miss a dose or go more than a week without taking it, there are specific guidelines on how to safely resume your schedule.

Wegovy vs Saxenda

Although the weight loss treatments are both GLP-1 receptor agonists — meaning they work in similar ways to minimise your appetite — there is one fundamental difference between Wegovy and Saxenda: their active ingredients.

Instead of semaglutide, Saxenda contains liraglutide, a prescription medication that also mimics the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1.

Due to this difference in active ingredients, Saxenda is a daily injection, rather than weekly, which for some people can lead to more (yet less intense) side effects.

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Wegovy and Ozempic are similar in many ways, as both are injectable medications containing semaglutide and are commonly used for weight management.

However, there are a couple of key disparities between these medications.

For starters, each has a different medical license. Wegovy was originally trialled as a treatment for obesity, whereas Ozempic was studied as an antidiabetic medication. Although Ozempic can be prescribed in the UK for patients wanting to lose weight, this practice is considered "off-label" prescribing, as weight loss wasn't the original purpose of this drug.

Additionally, Ozempic and Wegovy are administered in different dosages. Ozempic is currently supplied in dosages up to 1mg per week, while the second can go up to 2.4mg per week.

While they contain the same active ingredient, differences in storage can sometimes trip people up, particularly if you’re switching between brands like Saxenda, Ozempic, or Wegovy. Knowing how to store your injection pens properly ensures the medication remains effective.

Other weight loss alternatives

Mounjaro

Another popular alternative is Mounjaro, which works slightly differently from Wegovy.

If you’re curious about the differences or considering a switch, we’ve covered how Mounjaro compares to Wegovy — and what to know about transitioning from Wegovy to Mounjaro.

Orlistat

If you're looking for an oral alternative to weight loss injections, there is another medication sometimes used for weight loss called Orlistat, though it works very differently from GLP-1s like Wegovy. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Orlistat and Wegovy.

Whether or not you can take Wegovy and Orlistat together should be determined by your medical provider, as the potential downsides may outweigh any benefits for weight loss.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Different people respond to weight loss drugs differently, and as is the case with most medications, there are side effects associated with Wegovy.

The good news is that these are typically mild and tend to disappear a few weeks into the treatment.

Common side effects

Some of the potential side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and gas buildup
• Fatigue
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Often, these symptoms occur as your body is adjusting to the drug (hence why they're usually temporary), and there are a few simple ways you can manage them:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods
• Eat small meals regularly
• Maintain a healthy level of physical activity by going on regular walks
• If needed, take painkillers to relieve discomfort
• Be mindful of alcohol intake, as it can sometimes worsen side effects like nausea and reflux

Other side effects

Some people also report experiencing symptoms like heartburn, a metallic or weird taste in the mouth, or occasional leakage at the injection site. These are less common but worth being aware of.

In extreme and very rare cases, Wegovy can result in an allergic reaction with symptoms like swelling of the face and difficulty breathing and swallowing, in which case you should seek immediate emergency medical help.

If you experience ongoing side effects after taking Wegovy, you must speak to your prescriber. They will help you understand why your body is responding this way to the medication and how you can best address the symptoms.

Early experiences and appetite changes

Many people notice that their appetite begins to change within the first few months of using Wegovy.

While this is a sign that the medication is working, it’s not always predictable — some people may still feel hungry despite increasing doses, especially in the early stages.

If you’re wondering why you’re still experiencing hunger or not losing weight on Wegovy, some explanations can help put your mind at ease.

Women's health and hormones

Hormonal changes can also play a role in how your body responds to weight loss medication. Some women report changes to their menstrual cycle or have questions about the safety of Wegovy while breastfeeding, even though this isn’t yet fully understood in clinical guidelines.

How do I get Wegovy in the UK?

In 2022, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved and recommended Wegovy as a safe option for weight management in the UK [4]. Since then, Wegovy has become available and can now be prescribed by doctors and pharmacists across the country.

Since Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine, it isn't available over the counter. However, it can be accessed through telehealth clinics, select pharmacies, and some GP practices throughout the UK.

You can also buy Wegovy in the UK from Juniper, as part of its Weight Reset Programme, which also includes dietitian-led coaching and support as well as 1:1 health tracking and access to a private community of women on the same journey as you.

Simply complete the free online quiz to understand if you’re eligible. Our specialists will review your answers and recommend the best plan for you.

Is Wegovy available on the NHS?

Alongside Saxenda, Wegovy is one of two weight loss medications available on the NHS.

Meeting the criteria for a prescription for Wegovy through the NHS England, however, may differ from that of getting a private prescription.

To access weight loss injections like Wegovy through the NHS England, you will need a referral to an NHS specialist weight management service and complete the wait times to see if you are eligible.

Buying Wegovy outside of the UK

Wegovy was also approved for weight loss in Scotland by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) in October 2023, following England’s approval in March of the same year.

The SMC reviewed and accepted Wegovy as a suitable weight management medication for people who meet certain criteria, based on plenty of evidence that Wegovy is a solid treatment for losing weight when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity.

How much does Wegovy cost?

According to NICE, the list price of semaglutide (Wegovy) 2.4 mg is £175.80 per pack, for 1.7 mg is £124.53 per pack, and for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg is £73.25 per pack. Each pack comes with 1 pre-filled pen [5]. This price is referencing the price that wholesale suppliers charge to the NHS for the medication.

It doesn’t account for the associated costs of prescribing, dispensing, delivering, and support from our clinical team of dietitians and prescribers who are here to help you manage side effects and implement long-term habits to help you lose weight for good.

Is Wegovy safe?

Like all prescription medications, Wegovy is considered safe when used as directed and under medical supervision. Still, it’s important to understand how your daily habits may interact with the treatment and influence how your body responds.

If you’re unsure how Wegovy fits into your lifestyle — from managing side effects to establishing new eating habits — Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme offers personalised, expert-led support.

With guidance from clinicians and dietitians, you’ll feel more confident using Wegovy safely and effectively while building long-term routines that support sustained weight loss.