Where to buy Wegovy in the UK

Like other weight loss injections, Wegovy is a highly effective weight loss treatment, especially for those who have struggled with weight gain and weight loss for some time.

Are you wondering where you can access the weight loss drug Wegovy in the UK? We're here to explain everything you need to know about this weekly injection, who Wegovy is suitable for, what side effects you can expect as well as where to purchase it in the UK.

Let's dive in.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weight loss medication that belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Containing the active ingredient semaglutide, Wegovy is an injectable prescription medicine that is used for chronic weight management for adults with obesity [1].

Wegovy comes in a pre-filled pen containing a single dose that is injected once a week under the skin either in the abdomen, the upper arms or the thigh and can be taken with or without meals.

Wegovy is prescribed to help those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over or those with a BMI of 27 or over who also have weight-related conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol [1].

Can Wegovy help with weight loss?

Yes — Wegovy is an effective weight loss treatment backed by science and has shown significant results in clinical trials.

Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is naturally produced by the gut, pancreas and nervous system. This helps regulate one's appetite, which in turn helps you consume less food and lose weight [2].

The GLP-1 receptor agonist also targets areas of the brain that are involved in regulating appetite, especially after eating, and slows down stomach emptying to make you feel fuller for longer and increasing the production of insulin [2].

But, like all weight loss medicine, Wegovy demonstrates effective weight loss results when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise.

Let's take a look at what the research says.

In 2021, a large clinical trial involving 1961 obese adults showed that 86% of participants receiving a weekly dose of semaglutide in combination with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise lost 5% of their initial body weight. 32% of the participants lost 20% of their body weight [3].

When compared to the placebo group, where only 32% of participants lost 5% of their body weight and only 2% lost 20% of their body weight [3].

How long does it take to lose weight with Wegovy?

Weight loss looks different for everyone, so the length of time it takes to lose weight will differ from person to person. Research does show that weight loss can start within the first 4 weeks of your Wegovy dose, but the full benefits of Wegovy won't appear for a few months after starting treatment.

Clinical trials have shown that over 68 weeks people lost an average of 15.9kg or roughly 15% of their body weight, compared to 2.7kg or 2.5% of their body weight in the placebo group [4].

Other clinical trials showed that by 12 weeks, people lost an average of 6% of their starting body weight, 10% of their body weight at 20 weeks, and 15% of their body weight after one year [3].

Where can you buy Wegovy in the UK?

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine, licensed for weight loss treatments and it's available in the UK to people who have a body mass index of 30 or over and to those who have a body mass index of 27 or over who also have weight-related health problems including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

You can access Wegovy through a prescription in person or via telehealth clinics online. Juniper uses Wegovy 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.

What are effective alternatives to Wegovy?

There are other weight loss treatments out there that have shown effective results. The best approach to weight loss is a holistic treatment plan that uses both medication and behavioural approaches to change your lifestyle to help you lose weight.

Juniper clinicians prescribe Wegovy in our Weight Reset Programme. With the help of clinically-proven medicine, Juniper's weight loss treatment gives your body a biological reset that targets areas of the brain that regulates appetite and lowers your body's set point, which helps you achieve your weight loss goals.

Our clinical team is also involved in the weight loss journey with you, giving you all the support you need to achieve weight loss in a healthy and sustainable way. Our health coaches guide you with helpful and actionable advice and changing your habits will help you keep the weight off in the long term.

Plus, our weight loss service connects you with other women who are on the weight loss journey with you, which has been shown by several studies to motivate greater weight loss than those doing it alone [7].

Ultimately, achieving a healthy weight can be challenging for many people. But, thanks to modern medicine and holistic approaches to weight loss, losing weight doesn't have to be as difficult. And, you don't need to do it alone.