Your complete guide to using Wegovy for weight loss
Wegovy is an exciting development in the field of weight management.

Key takeaways
- Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone to regulate appetite and slow digestion. This helps reduce calorie intake and supports sustained weight loss when combined with a calorie deficit and exercise.
- Clinical trials show Wegovy can lead to significant weight loss, with patients losing up to 20.7% of their body weight on the highest possible dose. It also helps manage blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, and can benefit conditions like PCOS.
- Wegovy is available in the UK through private prescriptions, telehealth clinics, and the NHS for eligible individuals. It is safe when used under medical supervision, with side effects typically mild and temporary.
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].
In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight — showing that it can be highly effective when used consistently and with the right support [6]. This higher dose of Wegovy isn’t available just yet, but it’s expected to launch in the UK soon.
With Juniper, Wegovy is delivered as part of a complete programme that includes expert care, coaching, and tracking tools — to help you get the most from your treatment.
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.
Plus, Wegovy is generally a more affordable option; it's been available for longer than many newer medications, making it more accessible and cost-effective over time.
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 Mounjaro
Another popular alternative is Mounjaro, which works slightly differently from Wegovy.
While Wegovy contains GLP-1, Mounjaro contains GLP-1 and GIP receptors (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonists), meaning it uses two digestive hormones to regulate glucose, improve blood sugar control and register feelings of fullness in the brain.
While Mounjaro mimics two hormones, and Wegovy mimics one, both medications are considered the gold standard in weight loss treatment and their weight loss outcomes are comparable. In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight [6], compared to 20.9% with Mounjaro at its highest dose [7].
However, from September 1, 2025, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), will increase its UK list price to align with other developed countries [1]. This nationwide change applies to providers including pharmacies, private clinics, and digital platforms.
In response, we’ve lowered the price of our Wegovy programme by 25%, and we’re making it easier for patients to switch without starting over, so that effective treatment remains within reach for as many people as possible.

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy
It is both safe and straightforward to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy. To begin, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss the transition process.
If you've decided to move medication providers, you can inform your new prescriber of what weight loss medications and dosages you're using and they'll be able to advise you on next steps.
At Juniper, you simply need to answer some quick questions about your medical history and goals, then choose whether to continue on your current medication or switch to an equivalent dosage in the same trusted GLP-1 class of medications.
It's important to note that Wegovy and Mounjaro aren't interchangeable medications, so there is a short period of time where you come off one before starting the other. However, we only require a 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose — unlike most providers, who require 28 days.
And, if you've recently been on Mounjaro, you'll likely be able to start Wegovy at a higher dose, rather than beginning from scratch. Your Juniper clinician will review your treatment history and be able to advise on your circumstances.
Juniper’s clinical switching protocol is designed to make the change simple and safe:
- Review — Your clinician assesses your treatment history and dose tolerance.
- Match — If eligible, you start on an equivalent high dose to avoid losing progress.
- Transition — Only a 7-day window is required between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose (most providers require 28 days).
- Support — Pharmacist check-ins, dose adjustments, and lifestyle guidance keep you on track.
Start your Wegovy switch today →
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.
Wegovy vs 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 access Wegovy in the UK from Juniper, as part of our tailored weight loss programme. You can also add on 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?
The cost of Wegovy depends on what dose you are taking. If you are prescribed Wegovy for the first time, or you’ve had a break from the medication, you will most likely start at the lowest dosage, 0.25mg, to give your body time to adapt to the medication. You can then increase the dosage every month. 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg are priced at £189. It is optional to increase your dosage to 1.7mg or 2.4mg which are priced at £219, and £239 respectively.
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 — the Juniper Programme includes access to proven weight loss medication tailored to your health history and goals. You also gain access to an integrated app where you can track your weight and habits, stay connected to your care team, and access unlimited medication adjustments and personalised support. We also provide structured tools to help you build lasting habits and offer ongoing support once you reach your goal weight.

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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/71/Supplement_1/2-LB/145910
- https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/nice-recommends-new-drug-for-people-living-with-obesity
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875/chapter/2-Information-about-semaglutide
- https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=915087
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038