Wegovy®
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Lose up to 21% weight
CVD benefits
Supported weight loss
Lifestyle support
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Wegovy® (Semaglutide) Clinically Proven Weight Loss Injection
Lose up to 21% of your body weight with this once-weekly, self-injectable pen. Wegovy helps curb appetite, reduce cravings, and support long-term weight management by acting on the brain’s appetite control centres.
Buy Wegovy online in the UK with a consultation from our GPHC-registered pharmacy with UK-qualified pharmacist prescribers.
Genuine UK Wegovy pens Trusted, MHRA-approved medication
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What is Wegovy and How Does It Work?
Wegovy is a prescription-only injectable medication developed specifically for weight management and approved in the UK for eligible patients.
It comes as a once-weekly pen device that you self-inject. The active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (incretin mimetics). In simple terms, it mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Patients can buy Wegovy in the UK following an online consultation with a registered prescriber.
Appetite Suppression
Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut, reducing hunger signals and slowing gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves the stomach). This means after eating, you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to reduce cravings and overall calorie intake. By supporting smaller portion sizes, Wegovy helps with consistent weight loss.
Blood Sugar Control
GLP-1 also increases insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion, keeping blood sugar levels more stable. This helps reduce hunger spikes linked to blood sugar fluctuations and provides added benefit for people at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Proven Weight Loss
In clinical trials, patients taking Wegovy lost up to 20% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks, when combined with diet and exercise. This is a significant result compared with lifestyle changes alone. While Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has shown slightly higher weight loss in studies, Wegovy remains one of the most effective single-hormone weight loss injections available today.
Key Benefits of Wegovy
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Once-weekly injection for ease and convenience
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Strong appetite suppression and reduced cravings
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Improved blood sugar control, especially useful for those with prediabetes or metabolic risks
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Clinically proven weight loss when used alongside healthy lifestyle changes
Why Choose Wegovy for Weight Loss in the UK?
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Prescribed through an online consultation with a UK-registered pharmacist prescriber
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Discreet service with safe, regulated medicines
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Trusted option for patients looking for an effective weight loss injection
For many patients, Wegovy helps break the cycle of overeating and makes long-term lifestyle changes more manageable. By reducing cravings and improving satiety, it is a highly effective treatment option when other approaches have not worked.
Patients searching for Wegovy weight loss injections in the UK can expect a reliable and clinically proven option to support their journey.
Who Can Use Wegovy for Weight Loss?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
You may be eligible for Wegovy weight loss treatment if you have a BMI of 30 or above (in the obese range), or a BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight) with a weight-related health condition.
Weight-related conditions can include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or heart disease. These criteria ensure Wegovy is used for those who need medical help to lose weight for health reasons.
Age
You must be 18 or older to use Wegovy.
Health Status
You should not have any medical conditions that would make Wegovy unsafe for you. During the online consultation, you’ll be asked about your health history to screen for this.
For example, Wegovy may not be suitable if you have certain digestive disorders (such as gastroparesis or severe gastrointestinal problems), a history of pancreatitis, or if you are currently taking other medications that could interact (such as other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas). Your current medications will also be reviewed to ensure nothing would adversely interact.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Wegovy. If you are planning to become pregnant, you’ll need to stop Wegovy at least one month before trying to conceive.
Wegovy has not been tested in pregnancy, and because weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, alternative treatment plans would be required.
Consultation and Safety
During your consultation, our pharmacist prescriber will determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to provide accurate medical information.
Live Well Pharmacy’s access to NHS records (with your permission) helps us verify your medication history and ensure Wegovy is a safe choice for you. If Wegovy is not suitable, we will not prescribe it – your safety is our priority.
Who Should NOT Take Wegovy? (Contraindications and Warnings)
Contraindications
Wegovy must not be used if you:
Are allergic (hypersensitive) to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in the injection
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant within the next two months, or currently breastfeeding
Are under 18 years of age
Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
Cautions
Wegovy may not be suitable if you:
Have severe gastrointestinal problems such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
Have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Have significant liver or kidney disease, as dose adjustments and monitoring may be required
Are currently using other GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic, Saxenda, Rybelsus, or Trulicity)
Are taking certain diabetes medicines, particularly insulin or sulfonylureas, as the risk of low blood sugar may increase
Have a history of suicidal thoughts or severe depression, as weight loss treatments can sometimes affect mood
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Wegovy is not safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Weight loss is not recommended while pregnant, and semaglutide has not been tested for safety in these groups. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and stop Wegovy at least two months before planning a pregnancy.
Consultation and Medical Review
Before starting Wegovy, your pharmacist prescriber will review your medical history and current medicines to ensure it is safe and appropriate. If any of the contraindications apply, or if there are medical concerns, Wegovy will not be prescribed.
Your safety is always the priority, and if Wegovy is not suitable, alternative weight management options will be discussed.
How to Use Wegovy - Dosage & Injection Guide
Dosage Schedule
Wegovy treatment follows a gradual dose-escalation schedule. This means you start on a low dose and increase over time, allowing your body to adjust and helping minimise side effects. The typical Wegovy dosage progression is:
Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks – this is the initial starter dose for weeks 1-4.
Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks (weeks 5-8).
Increase to 1 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks.
If needed, increase further to 1.7 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then 2.4 mg once weekly and up to 7.2mg once weekly as the full maintenance dose.
Not everyone will move up to the highest dose. Your prescriber will assess your progress and tolerability at each stage. Many patients achieve good results at 1 mg or 1.7 mg and remain there as a maintenance dose. Higher doses can support additional weight loss but may increase the chance of side effects.
You and your prescriber will decide the optimal maintenance dose based on your progress and how you feel on the medication. Never increase your dose sooner than directed (usually no faster than every 4 weeks) and do not exceed 7.2 mg per week.
Injection Instructions
Wegovy comes in a simple, single-use pen for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. The device is designed for patients to self-administer. You’ll inject Wegovy once a week on the same day each week.
Preparing the Pen
Each Wegovy pen is pre-filled and single-use (one weekly dose only).
Remove the pen from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before injection. This helps reduce any stinging.
Check the pen’s label to confirm the dose and expiry date.
Choosing an Injection Site
Recommended areas: abdomen (stomach), thigh, or the back of the upper arm (if given by someone else).
Most people find the abdomen or thigh easiest for self-injection.
Clean the site with an alcohol swab. Rotate injection sites each week to avoid irritation. Avoid injecting within 5 cm of the navel when using the abdomen.
Injecting
Remove the cap and place the pen firmly against your skin.
Press and hold the injection button until the pen indicator shows the dose has been delivered.
Keep the pen in place for the recommended time (usually a few seconds).
Dispose of the used pen in a sharps container – each pen is single-use only.
After Injection
You may press gently on the injection site with a cotton ball if needed, but do not rub hard.
Most patients find the injection is quick and relatively painless due to the fine needle design.
Our team can provide support or video guidance if you are anxious about self-injection.
Timing
Take Wegovy once a week, on the same day each week. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Pick a day that suits your routine and set reminders for consistency.
If you need to change your injection day, ensure at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since your last dose before adjusting to a new schedule.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose and remember within 4 days (96 hours), inject it as soon as possible.
If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose.
Do not take two doses within the same week.
If you miss doses frequently, speak to your prescriber – we can help with reminders or discuss if adjustments are needed.
Treatment Duration
How long you will remain on Wegovy depends on your weight loss goals and your response to treatment. A trial of 3–6 months usually shows whether it is effective for you. Many patients continue long-term at a maintenance dose to help keep the weight off, similar to other medical weight-loss therapies.
If you reach a healthy weight, your prescriber may recommend tapering off. If you do not achieve adequate weight loss after several months on the maximum tolerated dose, the treatment plan may be reassessed. There is no single fixed course, treatment is individualised.
After Stopping Wegovy
If you stop Wegovy, your appetite will gradually return to normal. Without ongoing healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible to regain weight. We strongly encourage maintaining the healthy eating and exercise routines developed during treatment. Wegovy should be seen as a tool to support those changes, not a permanent replacement for them.
Any side effects you experienced during treatment typically resolve within a few weeks after stopping.
Wegovy Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. Understanding what to expect can help you manage them and know when to seek help. The good news is that for most people, side effects are mild to moderate and improve over time as your body adjusts.
During clinical trials and real-world use, the following side effects have been reported:
Very Common Side Effects
The most frequent side effects are gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. These include:
Nausea (feeling sick)
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Up to a third of patients may experience nausea, particularly when starting or increasing the dose. These effects are usually temporary and often settle as you stay on the same dose. Eating smaller, bland meals and drinking water regularly can help reduce symptoms.
Common Side Effects
These may affect some patients and are generally mild. They include:
Indigestion, stomach pain or cramping
Bloating, excess gas, burping, or heartburn
Decreased appetite (part of how Wegovy works)
Change in taste
Dizziness or fatigue (feeling tired)
Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching
Some patients also report hair thinning or shedding during rapid weight loss. This is thought to be related to the weight loss process rather than the medicine itself, and hair usually grows back once weight stabilises.
Low Blood Sugar (if Diabetic)
If you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin or certain tablets, Wegovy can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Treat with a sugary snack or drink and contact a doctor.
If you are not taking other blood-sugar-lowering medicines, Wegovy alone does not usually cause low blood sugar.
Uncommon or Rare Side Effects
Gallstones: These can occur with significant weight loss or when taking GLP-1 medicines. Report any sudden severe abdominal pain (especially on the right side) or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Increased heart rate: A small rise in resting pulse has been noted in some patients.
Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas): Rare but serious. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe, persistent abdominal pain (with or without vomiting).
Allergic reactions: Very rare, but serious reactions can occur. If you experience swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing, or signs of anaphylaxis, call 999 for emergency help.
Managing Side Effects
Most side effects occur after a dose increase and then improve. To reduce the risk of stomach upset, always follow the prescribed dosing schedule and do not increase too quickly.
Practical tips include:
Eat smaller, lighter meals and avoid rich or fatty foods to ease nausea.
Try ginger tea or plain crackers if feeling sick.
Drink plenty of water and add fibre to your diet if constipated.
Use oral rehydration solutions if you experience diarrhoea.
Rotate injection sites weekly to reduce skin reactions.
Over-the-counter medicines (such as antacids for heartburn or paracetamol for headaches) can be used if appropriate. Ask our pharmacist if you’re unsure what is safe to take.
When to Seek Help
If side effects are severe, persistent, or worrying, let us know. We may recommend adjusting your dose or pausing treatment. In the rare event of a serious reaction such as pancreatitis or anaphylaxis, seek immediate emergency care.
Important Information
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your Wegovy pen. It lists all known side effects and warnings in detail. A copy will be included with your order and is also available online at Medicines.org.uk.
Keep track of how you feel during your Wegovy treatment and let us know during your check-ins or consultation. Your safety is our priority, and we are here to support you throughout your weight loss journey.
Wegovy vs. Other Weight Loss Injections (Mounjaro, Ozempic, etc.)
With several weight loss injections now available, you might wonder how Wegovy compares to others like Mounjaro or Ozempic. Here’s a clear overview of the differences:
Active Ingredient
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which activates the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors (dual action). Ozempic is also semaglutide, like Wegovy, but at lower doses (up to 1.0 mg weekly) and licensed for type 2 diabetes. Many doctors use Ozempic “off-label” for weight loss when Wegovy isn’t available, but Wegovy is the brand formally approved for obesity treatment at doses up to 7.2mg weekly.
Effectiveness
In clinical trials, Wegovy helped patients lose upto 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.
Mounjaro, at its highest 15 mg dose, showed an average 21-22.5% weight loss over 72 weeks. Experts often highlight that both treatments are capable of very significant results, and the gap between them may not be as large as once thought.
Every patient is different: some respond better to semaglutide, others to tirzepatide. What matters most is tolerability, access, and your overall health goals.
Dosage Schedule
Both medicines are injected once weekly.
Wegovy: fixed dose increase every 4 weeks, from 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg and now 7.2mg
Mounjaro: starts at 2.5 mg and can gradually increase every 4 weeks up to 15 mg.
Mounjaro has more steps between doses, which some patients find helps with tolerability. Wegovy has a simpler fixed titration path.
Approval and Availability
Wegovy: specifically licensed for obesity, approved in the US in 2021 and the UK in 2023.
Mounjaro: first approved for diabetes, later licensed for weight management in 2023.
Ozempic: lower-dose semaglutide, licensed for diabetes but often used off-label in weight loss.
Wegovy is made by Novo Nordisk, Mounjaro and Ozempic by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk respectively. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are available privately in the UK through registered prescribers.
Side Effects Profile
Wegovy and Mounjaro share very similar side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation are the most common.
Some patients experience more nausea early on with Wegovy, while others find it easier than tirzepatide. Both have rare but serious warnings such as pancreatitis and the thyroid tumour precaution. Overall, their safety profiles are considered comparable.
Which to Choose?
If eligible for both, your choice may depend on availability, response, and personal goals:
Wegovy: proven GLP-1 option, now shown to deliver up to 21% weight loss in some patients.
Mounjaro: dual-action GLP-1/GIP, with slightly higher average weight loss in trials.
Ozempic: diabetes treatment that overlaps with Wegovy but at lower doses.
Summary
Wegovy: Semaglutide, GLP-1 only, up to 21% in some patients, licensed specifically for obesity.
Mounjaro: Tirzepatide, dual GLP-1/GIP action, average 21-22.5% weight loss in trials.
Ozempic: Lower-dose semaglutide, primarily for type 2 diabetes, sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
At Live Well Pharmacy, we prescribe Wegovy, Mounjaro, or alternatives depending on your medical history and goals. If one is not suitable or available, we will help you find the right treatment to support your weight management journey.
Moazma Ahmed
Moazma Ahmed is a UK-registered pharmacist with deep expertise in medical weight loss and GLP-1 treatments. She is the Lead Prescriber at Live Well Weight Loss and ensures clinical accuracy across all content.
Last medically reviewed: 22 May 2026
Disclaimer: The content above is for information purposes and is based on current knowledge of Wegovy (Semaglutide) as a weight loss treatment. Always follow the advice of your prescribing clinician. Individual results will vary, and no results are guaranteed.
Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine and must be used under medical supervision in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. Do not use Wegovy if it has not been prescribed to you. If you experience any severe side effects or symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Live Well Pharmacy follows all UK regulations for the sale and supply of medicines.
Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.