Taken once a week
Wegovy is usually taken using a once-weekly injection pen. Follow the instructions and advice given by the prescribing service.
Wegovy
What Wegovy is
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide 2.4mg, a prescription-only injectable medicine licensed in the UK for chronic weight management. It is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — it works on a single hormone receptor pathway, unlike tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which acts on two.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) for weight management in the UK in September 2021, making it one of the earlier approved injectable weight-loss medicines in this class. NICE approved it for specialist NHS weight management services in March 2023 (TA875). NHS access depends on local commissioning decisions and waiting lists; most people currently access Wegovy via private prescription.
Wegovy uses a five-dose titration schedule: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg. Treatment begins at the 0.25mg starter dose and typically reaches the 2.4mg maintenance dose over 16–20 weeks. The 0.25mg and 0.5mg doses are titration stages only; 2.4mg is the licensed maintenance dose for weight management.
Semaglutide and Ozempic: Ozempic contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but is licensed for type 2 diabetes management at lower doses (0.25mg to 1mg). Wegovy at 2.4mg is licensed specifically for weight management. They are the same molecule at different doses with different licences and different prescribing criteria.
How Wegovy works
Semaglutide mimics the action of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone naturally produced in the gut after eating. It binds to GLP-1 receptors throughout the body, producing several effects that together reduce appetite and food intake.
GLP-1 receptor activation slows gastric emptying — the rate at which food moves from the stomach into the intestine. This contributes to a longer feeling of fullness after meals. Semaglutide also acts on GLP-1 receptors in the brain, affecting the hypothalamus and areas associated with appetite regulation and food reward, reducing cravings and the drive to eat.
Semaglutide acts on a single receptor pathway (GLP-1). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The dual-receptor mechanism of tirzepatide is associated with greater average weight loss in trials, though individual responses to both medicines vary considerably and other factors — tolerability, cost, availability — affect the decision between them.
Wegovy has been in clinical use since 2021, giving it a longer real-world track record than tirzepatide. It also has cardiovascular outcomes data from the SELECT trial, discussed in the clinical evidence section below.
Who Wegovy may suit
The licensed criteria for Wegovy for weight management in the UK are based on BMI and the presence of weight-related health conditions. The general criteria used in private prescribing are:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (classified as obese)
- Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnoea
- People who have made sustained efforts at lifestyle change without achieving sufficient weight loss
- Those who can commit to the follow-up checks and monitoring that responsible prescribers require
- Adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity who may also benefit from the cardiovascular risk reduction data (see clinical evidence section)
Eligibility is always confirmed through a clinical assessment, not by BMI alone. Prescribers review medical history, current medicines, contraindications and individual circumstances. This list describes the general licensed population — it is not a guarantee of eligibility for any individual.
Who Wegovy may not suit
Wegovy is not appropriate for everyone. Prescribers will typically assess for the following contraindications and cautions:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the treatment period
- Type 1 diabetes (Wegovy is not licensed for type 1 diabetes management)
- Severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis
- History of pancreatitis (use requires careful clinical review)
- Diabetic retinopathy — people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic eye disease require monitoring, as rapid blood glucose improvement can temporarily worsen retinopathy
- People using certain other medicines, including some insulins and other diabetes medications, where interaction review is required
This is not an exhaustive list. A prescribing clinician reviews individual circumstances and may identify additional reasons that Wegovy is not suitable for a specific person. The patient information leaflet and a qualified healthcare professional are the appropriate sources of complete contraindication information.
Benefits reported in clinical studies
The primary evidence for Wegovy’s effectiveness in weight management comes from the STEP clinical trial programme and the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial. The figures below are from peer-reviewed published literature.
14.9%
Mean weight loss at 2.4mg
STEP 1, 68 weeks, adults without diabetes. Placebo: 2.4%.
86%
Achieved ≥5% weight loss
STEP 1, 2.4mg arm. Placebo: 32%.
20%
Reduction in major CV events
SELECT trial, adults with established CVD and overweight/obesity.
STEP 1 (Wilding et al., NEJM, 2021) enrolled adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions, without type 2 diabetes. At 2.4mg semaglutide, mean body weight reduction was 14.9% at 68 weeks vs 2.4% with placebo. 50.5% of participants in the semaglutide arm achieved ≥15% weight loss, compared to 4.9% with placebo. All participants followed a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity programme alongside medication.
STEP 2 (Davies et al., Lancet, 2021) enrolled adults with type 2 diabetes. Mean weight loss was 9.6% at 2.4mg semaglutide vs 3.4% with placebo at 68 weeks, alongside improvements in HbA1c, blood pressure and waist circumference.
STEP 4 (Rubino et al., JAMA, 2021) examined what happens after stopping. People who continued semaglutide for a further 48 weeks lost an additional 7.9% of body weight; those switched to placebo regained 6.9%. This provides direct evidence for the pattern of weight regain on stopping.
SELECT (Lincoff et al., NEJM, 2023) was a landmark cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling over 17,600 adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity, without type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide 2.4mg reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 20% over a mean follow-up of 34 months. This led to a separate MHRA indication for cardiovascular risk reduction in June 2024.
SURMOUNT-5 (2025) directly compared semaglutide 2.4mg against tirzepatide 5–15mg. At 72 weeks, tirzepatide produced 20.2% mean weight loss versus 13.7% for semaglutide. This is the only published randomised head-to-head trial between the two medicines.
Clinical trial participants receive structured monitoring by specialist teams and follow controlled dietary and activity programmes. Outcomes in real-world private prescribing settings may differ materially. No trial result should be read as a guaranteed individual outcome.
Sources: Wilding JPH et al. NEJM 2021; Davies M et al. Lancet 2021; Rubino DM et al. JAMA 2021 (STEP 4); Lincoff AM et al. NEJM 2023 (SELECT); Aronne LJ et al. NEJM Evidence 2025 (SURMOUNT-5).
Potential limitations
- Weight regain after stopping. STEP 4 data shows people switched to placebo after 20 weeks on semaglutide regained 6.9% of body weight over the following 48 weeks. Longer-term discontinuation data shows a similar pattern. The implications of indefinite treatment should be discussed with a prescriber before starting.
- Lower average weight loss than tirzepatide. SURMOUNT-5 (2025) showed tirzepatide produced 20.2% weight loss vs 13.7% for semaglutide at 72 weeks. However, individual response to both medicines varies, and tolerability, cost and availability also affect the choice.
- UK supply disruptions. Wegovy has experienced more significant and prolonged supply constraints in the UK than most other prescription medicines. Availability has improved but can vary by dose and provider. Confirming current pen availability before committing to a provider is advisable.
- Cost over time. Starting doses are available from around £80 per month via private providers. The 2.4mg maintenance dose typically costs £135 to £300 per month. The sustained financial commitment is significant and worth planning for before beginning treatment.
- Variable prescribing quality. Online private prescribing quality varies considerably. Clinical assessment depth, follow-up, dosing guidance and side-effect support differ across providers. Price is not a reliable indicator of clinical quality.
- NHS access remains limited. NICE approval (TA875, March 2023) covers specialist weight management services only. Referral eligibility, waiting lists and local commissioning decisions mean NHS access is not available to most people in the near term.
Side effects overview
The following summarises side effects reported in clinical trials and post-marketing experience. It is not a complete list. The patient information leaflet provided with Wegovy contains the full prescribing information and should be read before starting treatment.
Common — affects more than 1 in 10
- Nausea — most frequent in early weeks and after dose increases; usually improves over time
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Headache
- Fatigue
Less common — affects between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia (indigestion and reflux)
- Belching
- Hair thinning (telogen effluvium) — usually temporary and related to rapid weight loss rather than the medicine directly
- Increased heart rate
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling or bruising)
Rare — seek urgent medical attention
- Pancreatitis — seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, particularly if it radiates to the back
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones (cholelithiasis)
- Acute kidney injury — can occur due to dehydration from severe gastrointestinal symptoms; maintain adequate fluid intake
- Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) — seek emergency help immediately if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction occur
- Diabetic retinopathy complications — people with type 2 diabetes and existing retinopathy should be monitored
Any side effects should be discussed promptly with the prescribing provider. Before starting treatment, confirm that the provider has a clear and accessible clinical support process for reporting and managing side effects during treatment.
What people often ask before starting
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but they are licensed for different purposes at different doses. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes management at doses up to 1mg. Wegovy is licensed specifically for chronic weight management at the higher 2.4mg dose. They are not interchangeable from a prescribing standpoint, and Ozempic is not a substitute for Wegovy for weight management purposes.
How long does the titration period take?
Wegovy starts at 0.25mg and typically reaches the 2.4mg maintenance dose over approximately 16–20 weeks, moving through five dose steps. The titration schedule is designed to minimise gastrointestinal side effects by allowing the body to adjust at each level before increasing. Not all providers follow the same schedule and clinical discretion applies.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
NICE approved Wegovy for use in specialist NHS weight management services in March 2023 (TA875). This was earlier than Mounjaro’s NICE approval. However, access depends on local commissioning decisions, referral eligibility and waiting lists. Most people currently access Wegovy via private providers. NHS routes and availability vary considerably by area.
What happens if I stop treatment?
Weight regain is common after stopping. STEP 4 data shows that people switched to placebo after 20 weeks of active treatment regained 6.9% of body weight over the following 48 weeks — while those who continued semaglutide lost a further 7.9%. This divergence of 14.8 percentage points illustrates the weight-sustaining effect of continued treatment. The long-term implications should be understood and discussed with a prescriber before starting.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro?
Both are once-weekly injections approved for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors; Wegovy (semaglutide) acts on GLP-1 only. SURMOUNT-5 (2025), the only published head-to-head trial, found tirzepatide produced 20.2% mean weight loss versus 13.7% for semaglutide at 72 weeks. Wegovy has a longer real-world track record, earlier NICE approval, and unique cardiovascular outcomes data from the SELECT trial. Tolerability, cost, and availability also factor into the decision. A full comparison is available on this site.
What matters before you judge the price
Later doses can cost differently
Provider tables often show several strengths. A starter price may not reflect what later dose stages cost.
Assessment comes first
Suitability depends on a clinical assessment, medical history, current medicines and the provider’s prescribing process.
Support matters after the first order
Side-effect guidance, delivery handling and restart rules can become more important once treatment is underway.
How to read the provider table
Dose shown
Compare the same dose first. A 0.25mg starter price should not be treated as the same thing as a later higher-dose price.
Price and delivery
Check whether delivery is included, whether a discount affects the price, and whether checkout fees could change the total.
Checks and support
Look beyond the price row: online assessment, pharmacy review, repeat-order rules and restart guidance can all affect the decision.
Why later doses change the total
Wegovy provider pages usually show multiple strengths. The starting dose is not a permanent price promise, and later dose stages can change both the monthly cost and the amount of support someone wants. Look beyond the first visible number and check the full dose range shown.
Starter stage
Check first-month cost, assessment clarity and how the provider explains getting started.
Dose changes
Check whether the provider explains dose reviews, side effects and how questions are handled.
Longer-term use
Check maintenance details, repeat checks and what happens if treatment pauses.
NHS and private routes are different
NHS access, private prescribing and online provider comparison are related, but they are not the same question. NHS access is usually about eligibility and local pathway. Private provider comparison is more about assessment quality, price visibility, delivery and whether the service explains its limits clearly.
NHS access
Check eligibility, local pathway and whether specialist weight-management care is involved.
Private providers
Check clinical assessment, price transparency, provider registration and delivery handling.
More detail
Use WLC for the broad overview and Wego Compare when you want more provider detail.
What to check before you choose a provider
| Area | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability | Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. | Health questions, current medicines, BMI information and clinical review before treatment is considered. |
| Side effects | People often need practical guidance once treatment starts. | Plain-English information on common side effects, warning signs and how to contact the provider. |
| Delivery | Injection pens need appropriate handling. | Clear delivery timing, packaging information and what to do if a parcel is delayed, damaged or warm. |
| Continuation | The first order is only one part of treatment. | Repeat checks, dose-review details, support access and what happens after a pause or provider switch. |
For deeper Wegovy provider detail
WeightLossComparison keeps this page focused on the main treatment and provider questions. For Wegovy-specific pricing, maintenance, restart services and delivery detail, use the specialist Wego Compare pages.
Wego provider table
Compare Wegovy providers with specialist filters and fuller provider pages.
Offer checks
Review discount-code, subscription, repeat-price and fee details before relying on a lower price.
Provider types
Understand price-first, maintenance and restart-style services.
Maintenance shortlist
Look at ongoing-care information once treatment is established.
Related guides
Mounjaro guide
Compare another weekly injection before focusing too quickly on provider pages.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy
Use a side-by-side comparison if you are weighing up the two weekly injections.
NHS vs private
Compare access options if your real question is where care should begin.
Provider checks
Use a practical checklist before relying on any online treatment service.
Confirm current details with the provider
Prices, dose availability, delivery terms, eligibility details and support policies can change. Check the current information directly with the provider or a qualified healthcare professional before you decide.
Treatment next step
Move from treatment research into the provider shortlist
Treatment pages attract strong intent, but the useful next step is usually the clinic comparison, provider evidence and a broader look at how treatments differ in practice.
Related comparison guides
Related comparison guides
Use these links when you want a nearby treatment, provider or safety question explained in more detail.Wegovy provider contextDeeper Wegovy provider and dose-price context.Wego CompareMounjaro provider contextDeeper Mounjaro provider and dose-price context.Jaro CompareTablet and capsule contextOral treatment route, pack, price and provider-check context.Tablet route
These links are optional comparison guides, not treatment recommendations. Suitability and provider details should be checked directly with the relevant provider.
Provider pricing by dose
| Dose | Lowest price found | Highest price found | Providers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | £79.97 | £149.00 | 69 |
| 1mg | £92.00 | £199.00 | 69 |
| 0.5mg | £91.00 | £179.00 | 69 |
| 1.7mg | £117.00 | £229.00 | 69 |
| 2.4mg | £135.00 | £299.99 | 69 |
| 7.2mg | £279.99 | £320.00 | 2 |
Common questions
Can this site tell me which treatment is suitable?
No. The site can help you compare routes and questions to ask, but suitability depends on clinical assessment by a regulated provider.
Why does the parent site link to Wego and Jaro?
The parent site covers broad route decisions. Wego and Jaro remain the specialist sites for deeper Wegovy and Mounjaro provider detail.
Are prices fixed?
No. Prices, delivery costs, offer terms, eligibility and availability can change. Always confirm current information directly with the provider.
Does the site sell medicines?
No. It is informational and comparison-led. It does not sell, prescribe or supply prescription-only medicines.