Wegovy FAQs
About Wegovy for Weight Loss
What is Wegovy?
- Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
- It is a revolutionary weight-loss injection that offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity.
- It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
- It is a once-weekly injectable treatment designed to regulate appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss.
- Until recently, healthcare professionals would prescribe semaglutide under the brand name Ozempic (which is licenced to treat type 2 diabetes) ‘off-label’ to treat obesity.
- However, Semaglutide now has an additional product licence under the brand name Wegovy, which is specifically licenced for the management of overweight and obesity, so off-label use of ozempic is no longer required.
- Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Wegovy and Ozempic are two brand names for the same drug – semaglutide.
The different brands of semaglutide are prescribed for patients with different medical conditions. Semaglutide has two medical licences:
- Ozempic is the brand name of the drug licenced for people with type-2 diabetes
- Wegovy is the brand name of the drug licenced for people who have obesity or are overweight and have additional health problems.
Until recently, Ozempic was prescribed “off-label” to treat obesity as semaglutide did not have a licence for this medical condition. Since Wegovy was launched, we no longer need to prescribe Ozempic out of licence.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released in the gut in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite.
GLP-1 targets areas of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
Wegovy is 94% similar to our naturally occurring GLP-1
Who can have Wegovy Treatment in the UK?
As it’s a prescription-only medicine, Wegovy has to be prescribed by a medical professional who will be able to assess whether or it is a safe treatment for you.
Wegovy is suitable for adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who have a
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher (27.5 for certain ethnicities)
- BMI of 27 or higher (24.5 for certain ethnicities) accompanied by a weight-related medical condition
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Personal or family history multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- History of liver or kidney failure
- History of pancreatitis
- Taking insulin
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Wegovy
Please click here for Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
What are the potential side effects of Wegovy?
Like all medications, Wegovy can give some people side effects when they first start to take it. However, not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do often find that they go away on their own within a few weeks or months as their body gets used to the medication.
What are the potential side effects of Wegovy? Most side effects that are reported with this treatment tend to involve the gut, and include;
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Burping
Other common side effects listed include;
- Indigestion
- Inflamed stomach (gastritis)
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Gallstones
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
The complete list of side effects is available here.
If you do experience side effects whilst taking Semaglutide, we can provide any supporting treatments which might help you to deal with them.
How much weight have adults lost taking Wegovy?
In a 68-week medical study (STEP 1) of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~35 lbs (or ~15% body weight).
People taking placebo (i.e., not the medication) in the study, lost an average of 6 lb (or ~2.5% body weight).
The average starting weight for both groups was ~232 lbs.
In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking Wegovy lost more weight vs placebo.
- 83% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 5% or more weight, compared to 31% taking placebo
- 66% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 10% or more weight, compared to 12% taking placebo
- 48% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 15% or more weight, compared to 5% taking placebo
About 1 in 3 adults lost 46 lb or more (20% weight loss). This was calculated from ~232 lb starting weight.*
How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?
How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?
People respond to medicines differently, and individual results may vary, but many people start noticing weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy.
It is important to remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and consistency is key.
How much does Wegovy cost?
Original price was: £465.00.£450.00Current price is: £450.00.
Original price was: £470.00.£455.00Current price is: £455.00.
Starting Wegovy
What dose of Wegovy will I need? (Dose Escalation Chart)
What dose of Wegovy will I need? (Dose Escalation Chart)
There are five different doses available, ranging from the starting dose of 0.25mg to the maximum dose of 2.4mg.
You must always start on the lowest dose of 0.25mg, this will allow your body to adjust to the medication and help reduce the risk of potential side effects.
What dose of Wegovy will I need? (Dose Escalation Chart)
- Week 1-4: 0.25mg
- Week 5-8: 0.5mg
- Week 9-12: 1.0mg
- Week 13-16: 1.7mg
- Week 17 +: 2.4mg
IMPORTANT
Please DO NOT increase to the next dose pen, if the current dose you are taking is managing your hunger and cravings. Doing so will only increase your risk of undesirable side effects, as well as cost you more money.
How do I start using Wegovy? (Patient Information Leaflet)
How do I inject Wegovy? (Demonstration Video)
Please see the Demonstration Video
Taking Wegovy
Wegovy 0.5mg – Dose per click
Please refer to the table for “Dose per click”
Wegovy 1mg – Dose per click
Wegovy 1.7mg – Dose per click
Please refer to the table for “Dose per click”
Wegovy 2.4mg – Dose per click
Please refer to the table for “Dose per click”
Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?
Yes, as the two medications are exactly the same you can switch from Ozempic to Wegovy
- Ozempic (Semaglutide) is licenced for type 2 diabetes and until recently, was prescribed “off label” for weight loss
- Wegovy (Semaglutide) is licenced to treat patients with overweight and obesity.
Providing that there has been no break from taking the medication, you can take the same dose of Wegovy when your next dose of Ozempic is due.
Wegovy has two higher doses of semaglutide available, which Ozempic does not. You can titrate up to these doses when (and if) the dose you are currently taking is not working as effectively.
How often should I take Wegovy?
Can I change the day or time when I take Wegovy?
You may change the day or time when you take Wegovy as long as your last dose was given 2 or more days before.
Should I take Wegovy with a meal?
You can take Wegovy with or without food, the choice is entirely yours.
What should I eat while taking Wegovy?
Eating a Balanced Diet with Wegovy
Making sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning while taking Wegovy can be achieved by eating a balanced diet. It may also reduce the risk of undesirable side effects while supporting the drug’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss.
What should I eat while taking Wegovy? A balanced diet typically includes eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains.
- Lean proteins.
- Healthy fats or dairy.
Fruits and vegetables
Having a high fiber content in these foods helps you feel satisfied and full. In addition, they contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals that are critical to your general health and wellbeing.
Whole grains
Another healthy food to consume when taking Wegovy is whole grains. Because they are high in fiber and packed with nutrients, they may help you feel fuller for longer. Whole grains can help slow down digestion and stop overeating. Examples of whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread. Complex carbohydrates, which provide you with energy throughout the day, are another excellent feature of whole grains.
Protein-rich foods
It is crucial to consume foods high in protein when taking Wegovy. Your body requires protein as a necessary nutrient for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance. Consuming foods high in protein, such as fish, poultry, legumes, lean meats, and tofu, can help you keep your lean muscle mass even as you lose weight. In addition to being low in sugar and carbs, these foods support blood sugar regulation and aid in weight loss.
Can I drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
It is advisable to stop or limit alcohol consumption while using Wegovy.
Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and counterproductive to weight-loss efforts.
What should I do if I have missed a dose of Wegovy?
It is important that you take your Wegovy each week, in order to maintain a consistent level of medication in your system.
- If you miss a dose of Wegovy and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- If you miss a dose of Wegovy and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), do not administer the dose. Take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
- If you miss doses of Wegovy for more than 2 weeks, take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day or call your health care provider to talk about how to restart your treatment.
Important: Do not double up on your dose to make up for the missed dose!
How long does a Wegovy pen last?
Each Wegovy pen contains enough medication for four doses, and as Wegovy is injected once weekly, one pen will last 4 weeks.
How should I store my Wegovy pen?
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN OR VUNERABLE ADULTS
Storing your Wegovy correctly will ensure it remains effective and safe so that you can get the most from your medication.
How should I store my Wegovy pen? Follow these guidelines to store Wegovy properly:
- Keep Wegovy in its original packaging, in order to protect it from light, moisture, and other external factors.
- Store Wegovy in the refrigerator between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C) – However, Wegovy can be stored at room temperature (but below 30 degrees) for 6 weeks whilst in use, without having any effect on the efficacy of the drug (see side of box to clarify).
- Avoid freezing Wegovy, as extreme temperatures can render it ineffective.
- Protect from light, as semaglutide is sensitive to light exposure, so it’s essential to keep Wegovy in its packaging and store it away from direct sunlight or brightly lit areas.
- Do not leave the needle attached after each injection, as this could be dangerous and poses a risk of infection.
Each Wegovy pen will last until its expiration date, but once used for the first time, it will last 6 weeks. Always check the medication through the glass window on the pen before use, to make sure it’s not cloudy or coloured.
Can I travel with Wegovy?
- When traveling by air, keep your Wegovy pen with you or in your carry-on bags, as it may freeze in the baggage compartment.
- You pen should be kept in its original box
- If needed, Wegovy may be stored at room temperature (but below 30 degrees) for up to 6 weeks.
Can I use Wegovy with other weight loss treatments?
Wegovy should not be taken with other weight-loss drugs, such as Saxenda or Ozempic. This will increase the risk of side effects.
What will happen if I stop taking Wegovy?
- Obesity is considered to be a long-term chronic health condition, just like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you were taking medicines to help manage those diseases, and you stopped them, you would expect your blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol to go back up too. Obesity is the same type of chronic disease and the leading cause of those other diseases, so we fully expect that if you stop the medication, over time you will gradually start to regain weight because your appetite will return.
- As weight-loss specialists, The Virtual Slimming Clinic understand that our plan for patients is chronic use of these medications. It is often the case that “maintenance” of weight loss can be achieved where people don’t need to take the medication every week, they may take it less frequently, for example several times a month, but chronic use is what we anticipate in order to keep the weight off.
- Combining changes in lifestyle will also help patients remain at a healthy weight.
How long will I have to use Wegovy for?
- Wegovy is considered safe for long-term use.
- The benefits of sustained treatment often outweigh the risks, particularly when overseen by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Clinical trials also revealed a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or strokes.
- The Virtual Slimming Clinic will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure that long-term use is appropriate for your specific medical condition.
- It is crucial to remain vigilant for any side effects and report them to us.
- This allows for timely adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring that you continue to benefit from the medication.
Supporting your weight-loss journey
How do I place an order with The Virtual Slimming Clinic?
It couldn’t be easier with our simple online consultation form. All treatment requests are subject to the completion and approval of a medical consultation form to assess your suitability for treatment as well as your weight loss goals, in order to ensure we deliver safe and effective care.
What is The Virtual Slimming Clinic?
If you are struggling with weight loss and feel like you’ve tried every diet, exercise plan or slimming club, but can’t reach and maintain your weight loss goals, then our medically supervised weight loss programme is here to help.
The Virtual Slimming Clinic (VSC) makes it easy for you to start a medical weight-loss treatment programme that works. Our weight management programme will help you safely lose weight, along with providing support and guidance from a team of professionals to help you keep the weight off. It could not be simpler with our simple online consultation form for weight control to get you started on your weight loss journey today.
Our medical team is experienced and trained in obesity and weight management. They can assess your suitability to receive medical treatments following the completion of a medical questionnaire and a discussion with you about the available treatment options.
All prescription medicines are dispensed by a UK-registered pharmacy.
How do I calculate my BMI?
Your BMI
Your current BMI will be displayed as a graph as soon as you login to your account. The reading will change each time you either submit a new consultation form that is approved, or enter a new reading manually in your dashboard.
How do I calculate my BMI?
You can use The Virtual Slimming Clinic BMI Calculator here to find out your current BMI
Can I track my weight loss?
Your weight and BMI timeline.
These graphs show your weight loss and BMI progress against the target weight and BMI you set for yourself at the beginning of your weight loss journey with us.
Track your progress
Here you can see details of your weight loss journey, and how far you are away from your target.
Add a new reading
You can enter new readings at any time
The Virtual Slimming Clinic Patient Support Page
We provide you with access to FREE online patient support covering the following:
About Wegovy
Please follow the links below to view your exclusive patient support for Wegovy
Potential nausea and vomiting
Between 15-20% of people starting this medication can experience short-term side effects, including nausea or vomiting. This will improve over time as your body gets accustomed to it.
Help with your weight loss journey
We have put together some useful information and support to help you with your weight-loss journey. Please follow the links below
Editable or Printable PDFs
In addition, we have put together a selection of exclusive editable PDFs to help you track your weight loss.
You can either print these out or edit them online and save them electronically. They include
Confirming your identification (ID)
It is a legal requirement for healthcare providers to verify the identity of their patients when requesting prescription medication via an online service. In the same way that you must provide ID to first register with your GP we are required BY LAW to carry out the same identity check on patients when they first register with us.
The check is performed when you submit your registration form – and will be required ONCE ONLY. Existing customers who have not yet provided ID (as this is a new level of security we have been instructed to implement) will be required to do so when they place their next order.
What kind of photo ID can you use
We accept any of the following documents provided they have not expired
- Passport
- Driving Licence (full or provisional)
- National Identity Card
Simply take a photograph of your ID and upload it during your registration process or login to your account to complete it
Your ID verification status
When you login to your account, you are taken immediately to your dashboard, where you can see the status of your ID as follows
- ID verification required – click the button and follow the prompts to upload your image
- ID verification pending approval – you have uploaded your ID and it is waiting to be checked by a member of the team
- ID verification successful – your ID has been verified
For more information, visit here
All Our Weight Loss Treatment Options
- Active ingredient – Tirzepatide
- Weekly self-administered injection
- Licenced to treat weight management and type 2 diabetes
- Doses available 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg and 15mg
- Move to next dose pen every 4 weeks, UNLESS CURRENT DOSE MANAGING HUNGER
- Dispensed as a single pen containing 4 doses of Mounjaro
- Needles not included in the box, but four added with each pen
- Average weight loss is 24%
- Safe for long-term use
- Manufactured by Eli Lilly
- Active ingredient – Semaglutide
- Weekly self-administered injection
- Licenced to treat weight management
- Doses available 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg
- Move to next dose pen every 4 weeks, UNLESS CURRENT DOSE MANAGING HUNGER
- Dispensed as a single pen containing 4 doses of wegovy
- 4 needles included
- Average weight loss is 15%
- Safe for long-term use
- Manufactured by Novo Nordisk
Saxenda
- Active ingredient – Liraglutide
- Daily self-administered injection
- Licenced to treat weight management
- Dispensed as a single pen which is dose-adjustable
- Dose escalation weekly starting at 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4mg and 3.0mg
- Dose increases weekly, UNLESS CURRENT DOSE MANAGING HUNGER
- Needles NOT supplied and must be purchased seperately
- Average weight loss is 8-10%
- Safe for long-term use
- Manufactured by Novo Nordisk
Start your weight-loss journey today!
All treatment requests are subject to the completion and approval of a medical consultation form to assess your suitability for treatment as well as your weight loss goals, in order to ensure we deliver safe and effective care.
