Novo Nordisk has announced a new 7.2mg weekly dose of Wegovy – the highest weekly dose now approved for this weight management medication. For patients currently using Wegovy or considering it as a treatment option, this development raises important questions about who might benefit.
The new weekly dose gives doctors another tool when the standard maximum dose of 2.4mg once weekly isn’t providing the results patients need.
The new Wegovy 7.2mg dose of semaglutide is a higher weekly dose regimen for weight management. Unlike the current doses (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg once weekly), the 7.2mg weekly dose is achieved by giving three separate 2.4 mg injections on the same day each week. It works the same way by mimicking the hormone GLP-1.
This hormone helps control blood sugar levels and slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which makes you feel full for longer. The 7.2mg weekly regimen delivers three times the total weekly semaglutide compared with 2.4mg once weekly.
To take Wegovy 7.2mg, you’ll need to inject three doses of 2.4mg, one after each other on the same day each week. Each injection should be at least 5cm apart on your skin, typically in the thigh, upper arm, or stomach area. You’ll need to change the needle between each dose and may need to use multiple pens to complete the full weekly dose.
The higher Wegovy dose is specifically designed for patients who have met the Wegovy BMI requirements, are taking the 2.4mg maintenance dose, and haven’t reached their weight-loss goals. It’s not a starting dose – patients must first try the standard dose escalation protocol, which begins at 0.25mg and gradually increases to 2.4mg over several months.
Doctors will consider the 7.2mg weekly dose for patients who are already taking Wegovy and:
The higher dose of Wegovy isn’t suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, those who experienced severe side effects on lower doses, or those who haven’t followed the proper dose escalation schedule won’t be candidates for 7.2mg.
Novo Nordisk’s phase 3b trial studied 1,407 people with obesity over 72 weeks to test the efficacy and safety of semaglutide at the 7.2mg weekly dose regimen. The clinical trial compared the 7.2mg weekly regimen against both the 2.4mg once weekly dose and placebo, with all participants following lifestyle interventions.
Participants starting with an average weight of 113kg achieved:
More patients reached substantial weight loss milestones on the higher weekly dose. The trial data show how the two regimens compare across different weight loss targets:
| Weight Loss Achieved in | Wegovy 7.2mg | Wegovy 2.4mg |
| At least 5% body weight reduction | 90.7% | 89.9% |
| At least 10% body weight reduction | 82.4% | 75.1% |
| At least 15% body weight reduction | 66.5% | 54.5% |
| At least 20% body weight reduction | 47.7% | 33.3% |
| At least 25% body weight reduction | 31.2% | 15.3% |
Source: Wharton S et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7.2 in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled phase 3b trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025.
While both regimens helped similar numbers of people lose at least 5% of their body weight, the 7.2mg weekly regimen led to roughly twice as many patients achieving 25% or more weight loss as the 2.4mg once weekly dose.
The STEP UP trial showed that the 7.2mg weekly regimen had a safety profile similar to the 2.4mg once weekly dose. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal, as expected with GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Wegovy.
Common side effects of Wegovy include:
Most of these side effects were mild to moderate and decreased over time as patients’ bodies adjusted to the medication. This pattern matches what doctors see with lower doses of Wegovy.
The higher weekly dose does carry some additional considerations. Because the 7.2mg weekly regimen delivers three times the total weekly semaglutide compared with 2.4mg once weekly, patients may experience more pronounced gastrointestinal effects, particularly when first starting or increasing the dose.
Serious side effects remain the same as with other Wegovy doses, including potential risks of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes. Patients with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers should not use any dose of semaglutide.
Anyone considering the 7.2mg weekly regimen should discuss their full medical history with their doctor to make sure it’s appropriate for them. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, speak with your prescriber about whether you need to reduce your dose or stop treatment. A full list of potential side effects is available in the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.
If you’re already taking the 2.4mg dose, you may be able to increase your dose to the new 7.2mg weekly regimen. The higher dose is considered for patients currently taking 2.4mg once weekly who haven’t achieved adequate weight loss.
According to MHRA guidance, a dose increase to 7.2mg per week can be made after a minimum of 4 weeks on the 2.4mg dose for adult patients with obesity. Your prescriber will look at how much weight you’ve lost and whether you’ve tolerated the current dose without severe side effects.
When deciding if it’s appropriate to take Wegovy 7.2mg or increase your dose, your doctor will also consider your overall health, other medications you’re taking, and your weight loss goals. The 7.2mg weekly regimen isn’t suitable for patients who are new to Wegovy or who haven’t tried the full range of lower doses first.
This approval covers the 7.2mg weekly dosing regimen (delivered as three 2.4mg injections on the same day), rather than a distinct new 7.2mg pen. Availability will depend on supply and commissioning decisions, and it may still take some time for the medication to become available on the NHS.
Patients interested in the 7.2mg weekly regimen should speak with their prescriber (NHS or online doctor/pharmacist) about their current treatment and whether they might be candidates for this higher dose.
Whether you’re considering Wegovy 7.2mg or exploring other weight loss treatments like Mounjaro, our team of healthcare professionals can help you find the right approach for your weight management goals.
Start your online consultation today to discuss which medication might be suitable for you.
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