Wegovy:
Weight Loss Treatment

Wegovy is a medication for weight management, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Common side effects: These are usually mild and temporary (often lasting a few weeks). They include stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating), headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
• Serious side effects: These are less common but require attention. They include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar (especially if you take diabetes medication), kidney problems, and severe allergic reactions.
• The starter guide has all the details and side effects. Read it before administering the medication.

Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and are both produced by the same company. However, they have different key purposes:
Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related health condition.
Additionally, Wegovy comes in higher dosage strengths than Ozempic.

Yes, you can buy Wegovy online in the UK, but it requires a prescription. You’ll need to consult with a licensed healthcare provider who can assess your eligibility based on NICE criteria. This consultation can be done entirely online. If approved, your provider can create a treatment plan that may include a Wegovy prescription.
Important to note: Wegovy is not available for purchase over-the-counter, as other weight loss injections and weight loss tablets.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription injectable medication used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults. It is indicated for:

• Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²): This category applies to adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater, which signifies significant weight excess.
• Overweight adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity: This group comprises adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a health condition linked to their weight. Examples of such comorbidities include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Wegovy works by mimicking a natural gut hormone involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. This can lead to feelings of satiety (fullness) and potentially decreased calorie intake, ultimately promoting weight loss.

Wegovy’s mechanism of action begins working in your body as soon as you start taking it. However, noticeable weight loss typically takes longer to observe. 

Studies indicate that most patients taking Wegovy experience steady weight loss over a longer period (around 68 weeks). In these studies, the average patient lost at least 5% of their body weight, with some achieving a 15% or greater reduction.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication intended for weight management in specific patient groups. Its safety profile has been evaluated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK.

The key points:

Eligibility: Wegovy is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for adults with obesity and overweight adults with with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular disease) and a Body Mass Index (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²)

Safety Monitoring: The MHRA continuously monitors the safety of Wegovy after its release. This ensures any potential side effects are identified and addressed promptly.

Potential Side Effects: As with any medication, Wegovy can cause mild side effects. The most common ones include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Serious side effects are uncommon but can occur. It’s crucial to discuss your individual risk profile with your doctor before starting Wegovy.

Wegovy is a prescription-only injectable weight-loss medication for overweight or obese adults. It is taken once a week and contains the active ingredient semaglutide. 

There are 5 doses available with a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week. The Wegovy pens are colour-coded to help you see the different dose strengths. The dose colours are as follows:

             (Green for 0.25 mg, Pink for 0.5 mg, Brown for 1 mg, Blue for 1.7 mg & Black for 2.4 mg)

You will start on the lowest dose and then slowly build up to the maintenance dose. 

• Month 1: You will start with the recommended dose of 0.25mg.
• Month 2: Your dose will be increased to 0.5mg.
• Month 3: Your dose will be increased to 1mg.
• Month 4: Your dose will be increased to 1.7mg.
• Month 5 and beyond: Your dose will be increased to 2.4mg, which is the maintenance dose. This is the dose you will continue taking for the rest of your treatment.

Wegovy comes as a prefilled injection pen that is intended to deliver the medication subcutaneously (under the skin).

Wegovy Pen Usage Guide as follows:

• Inspect Pen and Medication

Check the expiry date and ensure the liquid in the pen is clear and colorless.

• Prepare the Pen

Attach a new needle to the pen. Remove the protective seal, attach the needle firmly, and prime the pen by ensuring a drop of medication appears when the dose button is pressed.

• Set Dose

Turn the dose selector to the required setting. The window on the pen will display the dosage amount.

• Administer Injection

Choose an injection site (abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm) and rotate the site each week. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, press the dose button until it clicks and returns to zero, then count to six before removing the needle.

• After Use

Replace the outer needle cap, unscrew the needle, and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Store the pen at room temperature away from direct sunlight, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 30°C.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by regulating hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar control. While individual experiences may vary, some people may notice changes within the first week of starting Wegovy. These potential effects include:

Reduced Appetite: Wegovy may decrease your desire to eat, which can lead to a feeling of fullness and potentially lower calorie intake.

Minor Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Some people may experience mild nausea, indigestion, or stomach upset in the first few days or weeks. These effects typically subside as your body adjusts to the medication.

Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide)  has been available on the NHS for chronic weight management in a limited capacity since September 2023.  However, it’s important to consider eligibility, criteria and limited availability.  Discuss your weight management goals with your GP.

Wegovy is a prescription medication only available through a licensed healthcare professional.  Recieve your prescription through Priman’s 3-step approach.