Overview
Wegovy (semaglutide) weight loss injections
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable treatment containing semaglutide. It supports weight management by helping to reduce appetite, control cravings, and promote feelings of fullness for longer periods.
For adults aged 18+ only. Treatment is supplied following clinical assessment and approval.
How Wegovy works
Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This helps regulate appetite by signalling feelings of fullness to the brain and slowing the rate at which food leaves your stomach. It may also help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing sudden cravings.
Who may be eligible?
Wegovy may be considered for adults who meet one of the following:
- BMI 30+, or
- BMI 27+ with a weight-related health condition (e.g. high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea).
Eligibility is confirmed during the OnlineUKPharmacy medical questionnaire and clinician review.
Available strengths
- 0.25mg (starter dose)
- 0.5mg
- 1mg
- 1.7mg
- 2.4mg (maintenance dose)
Your clinician will advise the most appropriate dose and when to increase.
How often is it taken?
Wegovy is taken once weekly, ideally on the same day each week. You can inject at any time of day, with or without meals. If you need to change your dosing day, follow the guidance from your prescriber.
Where to inject
Common injection sites include:
- Abdomen (stomach area)
- Upper thigh
- Upper arm
Rotate injection sites weekly to help reduce irritation and avoid injecting into sore or damaged skin.
Dose escalation overview
Wegovy treatment begins with a lower starter dose and increases gradually over several months to improve tolerability and minimize side effects. A typical escalation schedule is shown below (your plan may differ based on individual response and clinical advice):
| Time on treatment | Typical dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25mg once weekly | Starter phase to help your body adjust. |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5mg once weekly | First dose increase if tolerated. |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1mg once weekly | Continued gradual escalation. |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1.7mg once weekly | Further increase as appropriate. |
| Week 17 onwards | 2.4mg once weekly | Maintenance dose for long-term weight management. |
Expected results
Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy can support significant weight loss when used alongside lifestyle changes:
- Participants in clinical trials lost an average of 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of treatment
- Some individuals achieved weight loss of up to 17% of their starting body weight
- Most people begin to notice measurable weight loss within 8 to 12 weeks of starting treatment
Storage
- Store unopened pens in the fridge (2°C to 8°C) and keep in the original packaging.
- Do not freeze. If a pen has been frozen, it should not be used.
- After first use, the pen may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 28 days, or continue storing in the fridge.
- Keep the cap on when not in use to protect from light.
How OnlineUKPharmacy supplies Wegovy
- Complete a short online consultation to check suitability and eligibility.
- Clinical review by our Glasgow-based, UK-registered healthcare professionals.
- Discreet delivery if approved, with plain, unbranded packaging.
- Ongoing support available throughout your treatment journey.
Why choose OnlineUKPharmacy?
- Glasgow-based team: All consultations reviewed by UK-registered healthcare professionals
- Fast service: Same-day prescription service with next-day delivery options available
- Complete discretion: Plain packaging with no branding or product descriptions
- Comprehensive support: Expert guidance throughout your treatment journey
- Regulatory compliance: Fully registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Everything included: Your order includes needles, sharps bin, and progress tracking materials
Important: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight loss treatment.
Last updated: January 2026
Side Effects
Like all medications, Wegovy may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.
Very Common (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
These symptoms typically diminish as your body adjusts to the medication, particularly during the dose escalation phase.
Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):
Indigestion
Gastritis
Acid reflux
Bloating and gas
Decreased appetite
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – especially if taking other diabetes medications
Injection site reactions
Managing Side Effects
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if experiencing diarrhea or vomiting
Eat Smaller Meals: Consume smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea
Avoid Trigger Foods: Limit high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods that may worsen digestive symptoms
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of side effects and discuss persistent issues with your healthcare provider
If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your prescriber before taking your next dose.
When should I take Wegovy?
Wegovy is administered once weekly, ideally on the same day each week, in line with the prescribed dose-increase schedule provided by your clinician.
FAQs
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
No. While both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they are licensed for different purposes and available in different strengths.
Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. It is available in doses up to 2.4mg.
Ozempic is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is available in lower doses (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg). While weight loss can occur with Ozempic, it is not its primary indication.
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
Yes, switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is possible, but it should be done under the guidance of a prescriber to ensure safety and effectiveness.
It is typically recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks after your last Mounjaro injection before starting Wegovy. This allows tirzepatide to clear from your system and reduces the risk of overlapping side effects.
How long can I stay on Wegovy?
You can continue using Wegovy for as long as it remains safe and effective for you, with ongoing approval from your prescriber.
Many people use Wegovy long-term for weight maintenance. Clinical studies have followed participants for up to 2 years, demonstrating sustained weight loss with continued treatment.
Your prescriber will regularly review your progress, side effects, and overall health to determine whether continuing treatment is appropriate for you.
What happens if I stop taking Wegovy?
When you stop taking Wegovy, its appetite-suppressing effects gradually wear off over several weeks as the medication leaves your system.
Many people experience increased hunger and may regain some or all of the weight they lost if they do not maintain the dietary and lifestyle changes they adopted during treatment.
To help maintain weight loss after stopping Wegovy, it is important to continue following a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity routine.
Can I use Wegovy while taking oral contraceptives?
Wegovy does not directly interact with oral contraceptive pills. However, common side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking your contraceptive pill, or if you experience severe diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, follow the "missed pill" guidance in your contraceptive leaflet.
During periods of vomiting or diarrhoea, consider using additional barrier methods (such as condoms) until symptoms have resolved and you have taken your pill correctly for 7 consecutive days.
Can Wegovy affect the menstrual cycle?
Weight loss can affect hormone levels and menstrual cycles in some women. As body fat plays a role in oestrogen production, significant weight loss may lead to changes in period regularity, flow, or symptoms.
Some women report lighter periods, heavier periods, or changes in cycle length while using Wegovy. These changes are typically related to weight loss rather than the medication itself.
If you experience unexpected or concerning changes to your menstrual cycle while using Wegovy, consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Can Wegovy be used during pregnancy?
Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy. There is limited data on the safety of semaglutide during pregnancy, and weight loss during pregnancy is generally not advised.
If you are planning to become pregnant, you should stop taking Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive, as this allows the medication to clear from your system.
If you become pregnant while using Wegovy, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor or prescriber for advice.
Does Wegovy reduce cardiovascular risk?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and existing cardiovascular disease.
The SELECT trial demonstrated that Wegovy reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by approximately 20% in adults with obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
This cardiovascular benefit is in addition to the weight loss and metabolic improvements associated with Wegovy treatment.
Where can I buy Wegovy in the UK?
Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and can only be supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber.
With OnlineUKPharmacy, you can request Wegovy by completing a short online consultation. A UK-registered healthcare professional will review your information to confirm suitability. If approved, your medication will be supplied with discreet delivery and ongoing clinical support.
How do I store Wegovy?
Before first use, store Wegovy in a fridge between 2°C and 8°C, in the original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. If a pen has been frozen, it should not be used.
After first use, the pen may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 28 days, or you can continue storing it in the fridge between doses. Keep the cap on when not in use to protect it from light.
Can I buy Wegovy over the counter?
No. Wegovy cannot be purchased over the counter in the UK. It must be prescribed following a clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are unsure whether Wegovy is suitable for you, complete the OnlineUKPharmacy consultation so a prescriber can review your eligibility and medical history.
Can I drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
There is no direct interaction between Wegovy and alcohol. However, alcohol contains calories that can hinder weight loss progress, and drinking alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), particularly if you have diabetes.
Alcohol can also worsen some side effects of Wegovy, such as nausea and dizziness. If you choose to drink alcohol while using Wegovy, do so in moderation and monitor how your body responds.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
If you miss a dose of Wegovy, take it as soon as you remember, as long as your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away.
If your next dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses within 2 days of each other to make up for a missed dose.
If you have missed more than two consecutive doses, contact your prescriber for advice, as you may need to restart at a lower dose to minimize side effects.
