Wegovy is a prescription medication designed to support weight loss in adults who are living with obesity or who are overweight with associated health risks. It contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics a natural hormone in the body to help regulate appetite and improve feelings of fullness.
When used alongside healthy eating, increased physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes, Wegovy can support meaningful and sustained weight loss. If you’re considering starting Wegovy, or have recently been prescribed it, this guide covers how it works, how to take it properly, and what you can expect during treatment.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication that contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This type of medicine acts on the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. It helps reduce hunger and cravings, slows down stomach emptying, and promotes a longer-lasting feeling of fullness after meals.
It’s typically prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy works in multiple ways to help with weight management:
- Suppresses appetite – Reduces feelings of hunger between meals.
- Delays gastric emptying – Slows how quickly food leaves the stomach, contributing to prolonged fullness.
- Reduces food cravings – Especially for high-fat or high-sugar foods.
- Supports long-term behaviour change – By making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
When paired with consistent lifestyle changes, Wegovy can lead to significant weight loss over time.
How to Take Wegovy
- Wegovy is taken once a week using a prefilled injection pen.
- The injection is given under the skin (subcutaneous), usually in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- You can take it at any time of day, with or without food.
- Try to inject on the same day each week to build a routine.
- If you miss a dose, you can take it within 5 days of your usual injection day. If more than 5 days pass, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled injection.
Wegovy Dosage Schedule
Wegovy starts at a low dose and gradually increases over time to help your body adjust and reduce side effects.
| Weeks | Dose |
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly |
| 9–12 | 1 mg once weekly |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg once weekly |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg once weekly * |
*Some people may stay on a lower maintenance dose if they can’t tolerate.
Our prescribers may adjust your dose depending on how your body responds and whether you experience any side effects.
What Is a Maintenance Dose?
The maintenance dose is the amount you stay on long term once your body has adjusted to the medicine.
For most people, this is usually 2.4 mg once weekly (recommended) or 1.7 mg instead. The goal of the maintenance dose is to help sustain weight loss and manage appetite over time.
If you cannot tolerate the higher doses, our prescriber can adjust your maintenance dose based on side effect tolerance and how your body responds. The goal is to find a dose that is both effective and manageable for you.
Common Side Effects of Wegovy
Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. Common side effects include:
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Headache
- Tiredness
To help reduce side effects:
- Eat smaller, slower meals.
- Avoid heavy, greasy, or very sweet foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
If side effects are severe or don’t improve, you can use our free Ask-a-Pharmacist service.
Can You Use Wegovy After Mounjaro?
If you’ve previously used Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and are switching to Wegovy, your prescriber will guide you on the right starting dose.
You may need to begin at a lower dose of Wegovy to help your body adjust, even if you were on a higher Mounjaro dose before.
It’s important not to overlap the two medicines. Typically, a one-week washout period is recommended between stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy to reduce the risk of side effects and allow your body to adjust.
Wegovy: Frequently Asked Questions
- How quickly does Wegovy start working?
Many people notice reduced appetite within the first few weeks. Weight loss typically begins gradually, with the most significant results seen after several months.
- How long can you stay on Wegovy?
Wegovy can be used long term as part of a comprehensive weight management plan. Your prescriber will review your progress regularly.
- What happens if I stop taking Wegovy?
If you stop the medication, your appetite may return to what it was before treatment, and some weight regain is possible. Continuing healthy lifestyle habits helps reduce the risk of regaining weight.
- Is Wegovy suitable for everyone?
Wegovy isn’t suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or some endocrine conditions. Your prescriber will check your medical history before starting treatment.
- Can I drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
Moderate alcohol intake is not contraindicated, but excessive alcohol can worsen nausea or increase the risk of low blood sugar if you also have diabetes.
- Do I still need to change my diet and exercise?
Yes. Wegovy works best when combined with a balanced diet, regular movement, and lifestyle support. Medication alone is not a substitute for healthy habits.
- Do You Still Lose Weight on Wegovy Long Term?
Yes — many people continue to lose weight during maintenance.
However, the greatest weight loss often happens in the first 6–12 months. After that, your weight may plateau, which is normal. Continuing to follow your nutrition and lifestyle plan helps maintain weight loss and support overall health.
Wegovy is not a quick fix. It works best when combined with long-term healthy habits.
If you need extra support, you can also receive personalised diet advice by contacting our registered Dietitian at [email protected].
Key Takeaway
Wegovy can be an effective tool for weight management when used safely and as part of a structured, supportive plan.
It’s important to:
- Take it exactly as prescribed.
- Combine it with nutrition and lifestyle changes.
- Check in regularly with your healthcare team.
- Be patient — sustainable weight loss takes time.
For more support and personalised advice, speak to our dietitians or pharmacists.
