Wegovy Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Wegovy
- Adults with obesity: Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- Adults who are overweight: BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Wegovy is a once-weekly injection in the tummy, thigh, or upper arm
- The dose is started low and increased gradually to reduce side effects
- It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for best results
- Heart health — in the SELECT trial, people taking Wegovy had a 20% lower risk of serious heart events such as heart attack and stroke. Wegovy is now also approved to help reduce cardiovascular risk in eligible patients
- Liver health — in the ESSENCE trial, nearly two thirds of patients taking Wegovy showed resolution of serious fatty liver disease (MASH) after 72 weeks, compared to around one third of those not taking it. Over a third also showed improvement in liver scarring of at least one stage
- Fat loss over muscle loss — analysis from the STEP 1 trial found that the majority of weight lost on Wegovy was fat rather than muscle. Including regular strength or resistance exercise during treatment helps protect muscle mass further
- Starting at the lowest effective dose: Starting low is the best way to reduce GI side effects, but this has to be balanced with keeping your appetite at bay
- Gradual dose titration, as guided by your healthcare provider, can reduce GI symptoms
- Stay consistent: Side effects often lessen over time as your body adjusts
- Speak to your clinician: Your clinician can provide strategies to manage discomfort and monitor your response to the new medication
- Oestrogen: Oral oestrogen tablets may be affected because GLP-1 medications can slow digestion and reduce absorption. Your GP managing your HRT may want to switch you to a transdermal route—such as patches, gels, or sprays applied to the skin. This ensures the hormone is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
- Progesterone: For oral progesterone (e.g., Utrogestan), absorption may also be reduced when starting or increasing Mounjaro or Wegovy. Your GP may recommend doubling your oral progesterone dose for the first four weeks 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation to maintain adequate protection of the uterine lining. Alternatively, they may suggest switching to a non-oral form, such as a Mirena coil, which provides reliable, consistent local progesterone release directly where it’s needed.
Wegovy 7.2 mg is the highest available dose of semaglutide, now approved and available in the UK. It is designed for adults living with obesity who have already been using the standard 2.4 mg maintenance dose for at least 4 weeks and would benefit from additional weight loss support.
In clinical trials, patients using Wegovy 7.2 mg achieved an average body weight loss of up to 20.7%, with around 1 in 3 patients losing 25% or more of their starting weight. The safety profile is consistent with existing Wegovy doses when used as prescribed.
Wegovy 7.2 mg is administered once weekly using the dedicated 7.2 mg single dose pre-filled pen, which contains a built-in hidden needle for straightforward self-injection. Each pack contains 4 pens, providing one month's supply.
As with all doses of Wegovy, it should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Your prescriber will advise whether the 7.2 mg dose is appropriate for you.
Wegovy 7.2 mg is now approved and available in the UK. It can be prescribed for eligible adults living with obesity who have been on the 2.4 mg maintenance dose for a minimum of 4 weeks and would benefit from additional weight loss support.
If you are already prescribed Wegovy and think you may be suitable for the 7.2 mg dose, speak to your prescriber who will be able to advise whether stepping up is appropriate for you.