What is Wegovy? Everything you need to know

When looking into weight loss medication options, it can be quite difficult to figure out which is best for you, especially with all of the many choices that are available on the market at the moment. One of the newest options on the market at the moment is Wegovy, an injectable form of weight loss medication designed to help decrease your appetite and therefore eat less, resulting in weight loss. 

How does Wegovy work? 

Wegovy functions by imitating the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This naturally occurring hormone helps in:

• Regulating Blood Sugar: By stabilising your glucose levels, the medication can assist those with conditions like type 2 diabetes.
• Reducing Appetite: GLP-1 sends signals to your brain to make you feel fuller for longer, thus helping you consume fewer calories.

As a result, users of the medication often end up in a calorie deficit, which results in weight loss when maintained overtime.

How do you take Wegovy?

Like Saxenda, another weight loss injection, Wegovy is administered through:

• Location: Injections are commonly done in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
• Frequency: You’ll need one injection per week.
• Dosage: Wegovy comes in pre-filled pens with varying doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.

How effective is Wegovy? 

Many studies have been carried out to determine the efficacy of Wegovy for weight loss. One of the most recent studies into the drug found that people who took the drug for a period of 68 weeks alongside diet and exercise saw a 15% reduction in body weight, compared to just 2.4% for those who took placebo.

For example, individuals who weigh 20 stone when they start taking Wegovy could expect a 3 stone weight loss in the first 16 months. Given this is just an average and other factors, such as diet and exercise, also come into play, the amount of weight lost can vary. 

Who can take Wegovy? 

Wegovy is advised for:

• Adults: With a BMI of 30+ or 27+ if they have weight-related issues like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
• Children: Aged 12 and above with a BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for their age and sex.

Who should not take Wegovy? 

Not everyone can safely use this medication. You should avoid Wegovy if you:

• Have a history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
• Have had severe allergic reactions to semaglutide or any other ingredient in Wegovy.
• Are pregnant, planning on a pregnancy or are currently breastfeeding.

Before using Wegovy, it’s important to tell your GP or pharmacist if you have or have ever experienced any of the following medical conditions:

• Depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues.

• Type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy.

• Issues with the pancreas or kidneys.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you’re currently taking before starting Wegovy, as it can have an effect on the way certain medications and supplements work and other medications can impact Wegovy’s efficacy too. 

Potential Side Effects of Wegovy 

As with any medication, Wegovy does have a range of possible side effects. Here are some of the drug’s most common side effects: 

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Gastroenteritis

• Bloating (abdominal distension)

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Belching

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with type 2 diabetes

• Gas (flatulence)

• Fatigue

• Indigestion/heartburn

More serious side effects of the drug and possible symptoms of allergic reaction include: 

• Hives

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

• Sudden vision loss,

• Blurred vision

• Tunnel vision

• Eye pain or swelling

• Seeing halos around lights

• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats

• Fluttering in your chest

• Shortness of breath

• Sudden dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Fainting

• Severe headache

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Arm or leg weakness

• Trouble walking

• Loss of coordination

• Feeling unsteady

• Very stiff or rigid muscles

• High fever

• Profuse sweating

• Tremors

If you experience any of the above symptoms whilst taking Wegovy, contact your GP or pharmacist straight away.  

Is Wegovy safe? 

The ultimate question—is this treatment safe? According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Wegovy received approval for weight loss applications in the UK as of January 2023 and approval to be prescribed on the NHS in September 2023.

Over 15 years of clinical data on semaglutides, the class of drugs Wegovy belongs to, indicate that they are generally safe and effective.

Where can I buy Wegovy online?

To buy Wegovy online or to see if you qualify for the drug, head over to our weight loss consultation page and fill out our simple, quick online form. 

Our Online Weight Loss Clinic