Wegovy Weight Loss Injection

Wegovy is a licensed and effective weight loss injection. It is manufactured by the brand Novo Nordisk and was approved for weight loss in the UK by the MHRA in 2021.

It is used to help with weight management in patients who are medically overweight or obese. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease and serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, in those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Losing weight also has significant benefits for your mental and physical well-being.

The active ingredient is Semaglutide. It works by making you feel less hungry, which means you eat less and gradually lose weight. It must be combined with a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Semaglutide was originally prescribed for type 2 diabetes in the form of Ozempic. However, weight loss was found to be a side effect. This led to Wegovy being manufactured and licensed for weight loss.

Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient which is semaglutide. However, Wegovy is licensed to treat weight loss in the UK. Ozempic is only licensed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient Semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

These medicines work by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).

This hormone helps to stimulate insulin production and regulate blood sugar levels. These factors help to control your appetite and delay stomach emptying, which leaves you feeling fuller for longer.

However, for the medicine to be most effective, you must alter your diet and do regular exercise.

How Wegovy works for weight loss

Insulin productionGLP-1 helps to stimulate insulin production in the pancreas, which helps to reduce your appetite.

Blood sugar levelsSemaglutide reduces blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver when it’s not needed.

DigestionStimulating insulin prediction slows down digestion. Food moves through your digestive system more slowly.

AppetiteSlowing down digestion reduces your appetite. This is because you feel fuller for longer.

Wegovy has unique benefits when it comes to weight management.

Wegovy benefits

Simple dosage scheduleYou take it once a week. This is much simpler than daily weight loss treatments.

Effective resultsClinical trials show that patients using Wegovy lose 15 kg on average after 68 weeks.*

Reduced cravingsWegovy helps to regulate your appetite which leads to reduced food cravings.

Gradual weight lossWegovy is designed to work gradually and help you change your lifestyle. This will help you keep the weight off post-treatment.

*Based on patients with a BMI of 30 or above.

Clinical trials have found that Wegovy is an effective weight loss treatment.

One study looked at the effectiveness of Wegovy after 68 weeks of treatment in 1,961 adults compared to a placebo.

They found that Wegovy users lost significantly more weight than the placebo group.

• 86% of Wegovy users lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to 32% on the placebo.
• 69% of Wegovy users lost at least 10% of their body weight compared to 12% on the placebo.
• 51% of Wegovy users lost at least 15% of their body weight compared to 5% on the placebo.
• patients on Wegovy lost around 15 kg (33 lbs) on average compared to those on the placebo who lost around 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).

Wegovy weight loss results

Effectiveness of Wegovy and placebo in 1,961 adults after 68 weeks of treatment.

Key result: 15 kg (33 lbs) Average weight loss on Wegovy Compared to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) with the placebo

Long-term research suggests that Wegovy also improves health outcomes. One study found that Wegovy use was associated with a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attacks or strokes).

Wegovy is suitable for most people. However, you should always ask your doctor if you have another medical condition or take any other medication. You should also let your surgeon know you are on Wegovy before undergoing surgery or anaesthesia.

Our medical review at euroClinix ensures Wegovy is safe for you to take.

Who can use it

Wegovy is suitable for people with a BMI of 30 or higher. You can also take it if you have a BMI of 27 and over and have one weight-related condition, such as:

• prediabetes
• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease (including high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease)
• obstructive sleep apnoea
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• osteoarthritis or gout
• chronic back pain
• fatty liver disease
• gallbladder disease

NICE also recommends a lower BMI threshold for South Asian, Black African, Chinese, or Caribbean ethnic groups.

Who cannot use it

You cannot use Wegovy if you:

• have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
• have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
• have had an allergic reaction to semaglutide in the past
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Cautions

You should also ask your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as you may be at a greater risk of side effects:

• gallbladder problems
• a history of pancreatitis
• a history of mental disorders and/or suicidal thoughts
• thyroid problems
• diabetic retinopathy (a condition that affects the eyes in diabetic patients)
• conditions affecting the heart rate
• kidney problems
• digestive issues

You should always consult your doctor before starting any medication.

What dose do I take?

If it is your first time using Wegovy, you should start on the lowest dose which is 0.25 mg. You take this for 4 weeks.

Then, you may go up to the next dose of Wegovy which is 0.5 mg. You may stay on the 0.25 mg if you experience any side effects.

You gradually increase the dose until you reach the maximum maintenance dose which is 2.4 mg.

Each pen contains 4 doses. So, when taken correctly, each pen lasts 4 weeks.

Your dose may need to be adjusted if you have diabetes and take any medicines for it. Your doctor will also assess your progress on a regular basis and monitor your dose throughout.

When do I take it?

You use Wegovy once a week, preferably at the same time each week. You can take it at any time of the day. The dose is not affected by food, so you can take it with or without meals.

How do I inject Wegovy?

Read the instructions thoroughly before you use Wegovy for the first time. Follow the below instructions or refer to the patient information leaflet.

Wegovy pen

You should familiarise yourself with the components of the Wegovy pen. You should make sure the pen is safe to use.

Wegovy pen

A. Expiration (EXP) date

Located on the back of your pen. Make sure it has not expired.

B. Dose

Check you have the right dose.

C. Pen window

Before use: Check that the liquid is clear and colourless. Air bubbles are normal and do not affect your dose.

After use: Check the yellow bar has stopped moving to ensure you have received the full dose.

D. Needle cover

Before use: Needle is hidden inside.

After use: Needle cover locks after use.

E. Pen cap

Remove it just before you are ready to inject.

Preparing your dose

Before you use a new pen, you will need to prepare the pen and needle before you inject it. This will set up your dose and make sure the pen is working properly.

• Wash your hands
• Check your Wegovy pen. If it is expired or broken in any way, do not use it.
• Use a new needle and check that it is sealed.
• Once the needle is ready, tear off the paper tab and push the needle into the pen.
• Remove both caps from the needle. Keep the outer needle cap so you can safely dispose of the needle later.
• You should now check the flow of the injection. Turn the dose counter to ‘0’ and a drop of solution should appear.

After you follow these steps, you should be ready to inject your dose.

Injecting your dose

How to inject Wegovy

	Select the dose Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops, and it shows your prescribed dose.
	Choose an injection site You can inject it into your upper arms, upper legs or stomach. You can inject in the same area each week but change the spot slightly each time.
	Inject the needle Insert the needle into your skin. Make sure you can see the dose counter. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0 - you may hear or feel a click.
	Remove the needle Remove the needle from your skin. If there is blood, lightly press on the area to stop the bleeding. You may see a drop of Wegovy at the needle tip - this is normal and nothing to worry about.

Dispose of the needle carefully after each injection. Place the outer cap back on the needle and unscrew the needle from the pen. Discard the needle into a sharps bin.

What you should do depends on how long it has been since your last dose.

How long do I take Wegovy for weight loss?

You should take Wegovy for as long as you are advised to. This is usually once you reach a healthy BMI.

You may be prescribed a maintenance dose once you reach a healthy weight to help you maintain that weight. However, you should aim to stop taking Wegovy eventually.

You should not use Wegovy for more than 2 years. This is because studies have not looked at the safety and effectiveness beyond that period.

How long does it take for Wegovy to work?

Wegovy works differently for different people. So how quickly it works for you will be different to someone else on the same medicine.

Most people on Wegovy should start to feel less hungry and more full after eating within the first few weeks of using it.

You may also notice signs of weight loss within the first month of starting Wegovy. But, you may not lose a significant amount of weight for 3-4 months.

You should also ensure you are making healthy lifestyle choices to see results. If you are not eating healthy or doing any exercise, your progress might be slower than expected.

While using Wegovy, it’s important to create healthy habits.

A healthy lifestyle will boost your weight loss, ensure the medicine’s success and help you maintain your weight once you finish Wegovy.

Small changes to your diet can help boost your weight loss efforts on Wegovy. Eating smaller portions and prioritising nutritious foods like whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables is the best way to lose weight.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Here are some lifestyle changes you need to make while taking Wegovy:

Lifestyle tips for Wegovy users

Healthy diet

You should aim to eat a balanced and reduced-calorie diet whilst using Wegovy. Prioritise lean proteins, wholegrain foods, fruits and vegetables. You should also try to cut out unhealthy foods like high-fat, high-sugar and fast foods.

Regular exercise

You should also increase how much exercise you do. This could involve going to the gym, jogging, cycling or home workouts. Even just trying to increase your step count, doing household chores and going on walks will help boost your weight loss efforts.

Managing stress

Research shows that stress can damage your weight loss efforts. Make sure you unwind, do activities that relax you or you enjoy or try breathing techniques or yoga. You should also confide in loved ones or mental health professionals.

Getting enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of weight gain, according to clinical studies. You should aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and practice good sleep hygiene (e.g. reducing light or noise disturbance while you sleep).

Quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is very beneficial to your health, including your weight. Studies show that people who smoke are more likely to be overweight and it can increase insulin resistance.

Like all prescription medicines, Wegovy may cause some side effects.

Common side effects

*In patients who take other diabetes medicines

Uncommon side effects

This is a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. If you notice any of those symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Rare side effects

Most side effects usually go away within a few days to a few weeks. If they do not subside, talk to your doctor.

To view a full list of side effects, check out the Wegovy information leaflet.

How to manage side effects

Side effects while on Wegovy can be discouraging. However, there are things you can do to help manage them.

Nausea is very common on Wegovy. Don’t let it discourage you. Try eating plain foods, eating slowly and getting some fresh air to help tackle it,

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

The most common side effect is nausea. Luckily, there are some simple ways to manage it.

Tips for managing nausea on Wegovy

Eat smaller portions

Eat more slowly

Stay hydrated

Eat bland and low-fat foods like crackers, toast and rice

Eat foods that contain water like soup, cucumber or melon

Go outdoors and get some fresh air

Your pharmacist can also help with mild side effects like diarrhoea or constipation.

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, talk to your doctor.

Wegovy may interact with other medicines you take. You should talk to your doctor if you take any other medications before using Wegovy.

Wegovy can increase your risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) when taken with the following diabetes medicines:

• insulin
• metformin
• sulphonylureas (e.g. gliclazide)
• gliflozins (e.g. dapagliflozin)
• gliptins (e.g. sitagliptin)
• acarbose
• repaglinide
• pioglitazone

Wegovy can also increase the effects of levothyroxine which is used to treat an underactive thyroid.

Wegovy may also decrease the effects of acenocoumarol which is prescribed to prevent blood clots.

You must not use Wegovy if you use another GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as Saxenda or Mounjaro, or weight loss medicine such as Orlistat or Mysimba.

Refer here for a full list of interactions.

No, Wegovy is a prescription-only medication. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

You can receive an online prescription from euroClinix.

Ordering Wegovy online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of UK users for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Wegovy at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

Wegovy isn’t the only weight loss treatment available. At euroClinix, we have several options available that may or may not be more suitable for you.