What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a medication that helps people to lose or manage weight. It is used by people who struggle with obesity or have a weight-related health condition. Wegovy helps people to eat less food and reduce their body weight by helping them to feel fuller for longer. This medication is most effective when it is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to maximise its effectiveness.

How does Wegovy work?

While Wegovy isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone, it can be a highly effective medication at helping many people develop dependable eating habits and reach a healthy weight. It does this in a number of different ways:

• Regulates appetite - Wegovy mimics a naturally occurring hormone that influences the part of the brain that controls appetite.
• Helps you feel fuller - Wegovy slows down the digestive system, helping you feel fuller and more satisfied between meals.
• Supports healthy eating - Fewer cravings can help you develop an eating routine that works for you for long-term, healthy habits.

The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. This is a synthetic version of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which your body releases after you eat to regulate blood sugar levels. This hormone also communicates with your brain to tell you that you are full, reducing appetite and keeping cravings at bay. It also leads to the stomach emptying more slowly, which helps you feel fuller for longer.

How effective is Wegovy?

According to a study conducted in 2022, Wegovy is highly effective as a weight loss agent (Singh et al, 2022). Wegovy can also be used as a long-term treatment for extended weight management unlike other similar medications, making it a more effective treatment option for certain individuals. 

For more information about Wegovy, you should refer to the patient information leaflet provided with the medication.

There are a large number of Wegovy reviews that describe what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.

It is important to note that people will have different experiences when they use Wegovy weight loss injections. If someone leaves a review that says the medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you think that Wegovy is the right weight loss medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare provider. 

They can assess your suitability for the treatment and, if approved, you can then judge the medication based on your own experience. Wegovy user experiences can provide you with advice and information that you may not have known or considered and can inform you on whether or not to consider using Wegovy.

It is important to always follow your healthcare providers instructions when you start using Wegovy. You should also refer to the patient information leaflet that includes detailed instructions for usage. 

When should you use Wegovy?

You should always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when you are using Wegovy. This medication should be used once a week, and it is highly recommended that you try to use it on the same day each week. This will help you to remember to use your medication. You can use Wegovy at any time during the day and it can also be taken with or without food. If you wish to change your day of injection you can, as long as it has been at least 3 days since your last injection. After selecting your new day of injection, you should go back to using Wegovy once every 7 days.

How is Wegovy taken?

Wegovy comes in pre-filled injectable pens that are to be self-administered once a week. It is important to read the instructions provided with the medication in full to ensure you are using it correctly. Usually, you need to attach a needle that is provided with the medication and then dial in the dose that you require. After checking that the dosage is correct, which will vary depending on how long you have been using the medication, you then self-inject the medication into your stomach or thigh. 

Where should I inject Wegovy on my body?

Wegovy is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection. This means it is injected into the fatty layer just beneath the skin. The most common injection areas are into the stomach or the thigh. If you aren’t sure about where you should inject the medication you should refer to the patient information leaflet or consult with your healthcare provider for further advice. 

How long does 1 Wegovy pen usually last?

Each Wegovy FlexTouch Pen includes four doses. Your medication is provided with four needles to administer these four doses. If your dose is 0.25 mg, your FlexTouch Pen is preloaded with 1 mg of semaglutide, equal to four doses.

What is the Wegovy dosage for weight loss?

You should only ever use the dosage of Wegovy that you have been told to use by your healthcare provider. This ensures that you stay safe whilst using the medication. Typically, the dosage for adults depends on how long they have been using it. The below table outlines how much Wegovy is typically used at which stage of treatment:

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss a dose of Wegovy then you may feel hungrier than normal which can lead to overeating or decreased effectiveness of medication. Missing a dose can also lower the concentration of semaglutide in the body. It is important not to panic if you miss a dose of Wegovy. If you miss a dose and your next dose is more than 2 days away you should take your missed dose as soon as possible and continue your dosing schedule as normal. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 48 hours away then you should skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. 

What warnings should you pay attention to with Wegovy?

To understand the warnings associated with Wegovy it is important that you read the patient information leaflet that is provided with your medication. This will give you all you need to know about the medication and the precautions you need to take when using it. 

Who is Wegovy suitable for?

Wegovy is suitable for adults who need medication to help them to lose weight. Wegovy is typically used by adults who have a weight-related health condition such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease and a BMI of at least 35. It is also used by people who have a BMI of 30 and meet the criteria for specialist weight management services.

Who is Wegovy not suitable for?

Wegovy may not be suitable for some people. This medication should not be used by anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in it, or by children under the age of 12 years old. If you are considering using Wegovy but are concerned about its suitability it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider.

Can you use Wegovy if you are pregnant?

No, you should not use Wegovy if you are pregnant. There is limited information to suggest that it is safe for your baby. If you are trying to become pregnant it is recommended that you stop using Wegovy at least two months before you begin trying to conceive. If you become pregnant, or if you think that you may be pregnant but haven’t done a pregnancy test it is recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider for advice as the medication will need to be stopped. 

Can you use Wegovy if you are breastfeeding?

No, you should not use Wegovy if you are going to be breastfeeding at the same time as there is a lack of information about whether or not the active ingredient passes into breast milk. You should consult with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding to ensure that any new medication you are going to be using is safe for you and your baby. 

Are there interactions between Wegovy and other medications?

Wegovy may interact with other medications you may be using. You should let your healthcare provider know about other medications you are taking or have taken in the past as they will be able to provide you with tailored advice that makes sure you stay safe and are getting the best treatment possible. Wegovy is known to interact with type 2 diabetes medications which can result in low blood sugar levels. You should also avoid using Wegovy alongside other weight loss medications such as Saxenda.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Some users may experience side effects when they are using Wegovy. Side effects of Wegovy vary from common to rare. The most common side effects of Wegovy are:

• Complications of diabetic eye disease
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Feeling weak or tired

Who makes Wegovy?

Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish healthcare company with a reputable background in diabetes care and other therapeutic areas. Novo Nordisk is based in Denmark but operates globally. They also produce other medications including Ozempic and Saxenda. 

Should Wegovy be stored in the fridge?

Yes, Wegovy should be stored in a cool environment such as a fridge. You should store Wegovy between 2°C and 8°C. If necessary, you can store unopened Wegovy between 8°C and 30°C for up to 28 days.

Does Wegovy burn fat?

Some studies suggest that Wegovy may actually burn off visceral fat which is the type of fat that is accumulated in the belly. However, there is no definitive evidence to prove this. Wegovy makes you feel fuller, reducing the urge to eat and thus reducing calorie intake. To actively burn fat you should make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise.

Is Wegovy a GLP-1?

Yes, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 agonists are medications that mimic the function of the GLP-1 hormone in the body. They work by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high, suppressing the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar levels). This helps to regulate blood sugar levels as well as aiding in weight management by reducing appetite and food intake.

Is Wegovy and semaglutide the same thing?

Yes and no. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy. Simply put, Wegovy is a brand name for a specific formulation of semaglutide that has been approved for chronic weight management in adults. 

Can you take Wegovy if you have high blood pressure?

Wegovy is approved for weight management in adults and can be used by patients with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure. Wegovy may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, however, this is not the condition that it has been approved for.

How quickly do you lose weight with Wegovy?

In several studies, participants taking Wegovy in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lose significantly more weight than those taking a placebo. On average, people will lose around 15% to 20% of their body weight after 68 weeks of using the medication. It is important to note that some people may experience more significant weight loss than others, where as some people may lose less weight than others.

What alternative weight loss medications are there?

At EU Meds, we provide patients with several different weight-loss medications that could be used as an alternative to Wegovy. The weight loss medications we provide include:

• Ozempic (Semaglutide)
• Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Wegovy vs Saxenda

Saxenda is a popular weight loss medication. Saxenda and Wegovy contain different active ingredients. Wegovy contains Semaglutide, whereas Saxenda contains Liraglutide. One of the main differences between the two is that Saxenda is used once a day, whereas Wegovy is used once a week. 

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Ozempic and Wegovy are essentially the same medication, however, they are used to treat different conditions. Ozempic is used to help treat blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is used to help people lose weight and manage their weight. In some countries, Ozempic can be prescribed for weight loss.

Can I buy Wegovy online?

Yes, you can purchase Wegovy online from EU Meds which will be delivered directly to your door. To purchase this medication you will first need to complete our online consultation.

Does Wegovy require a prescription?

In order to purchase and use Wegovy you will need to have a valid prescription that has been given to you by a qualified healthcare provider. This ensures you are getting the medication you need whilst keeping you safe.

• European Medicines Agency - Wegovy
• Medicines.org.uk - Wegovy PIL
• Drugs.com - Wegovy
• WebMD - Wegovy Subcutaneous
• Novo Nordisk - Wegovy Consumer Information
• UK Government Health Media - Accessing Wegovy for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know
• NHS - Obesity Treatment: Liraglutide and Semaglutide (Wegovy)
• Mayo Clinic - Semaglutide
• Diabetes UK - Wegovy: Key Facts to Know About the Weight Loss Drug