What is Wegovy
Wegovy serves as a weight-loss treatment for individuals with a BMI exceeding 30, or for those with a BMI over 27 who have weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure. It is administered alongside a calorie-restricted diet and heightened physical activity to facilitate weight reduction.
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Wegovy, an injectable weight loss medication, can serve as an effective adjunct to weight loss efforts when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It contains semaglutide as its active ingredient. Unlike other weight loss injections, Wegovy requires only once-weekly administration and is suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30. Additionally, individuals with a BMI over 27, coupled with weight-related conditions such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, can also benefit from its use. Semaglutide, the active component, is currently approved in the UK under the brand name Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. While Ozempic lacks approval as a weight loss medication in the UK, Wegovy has been specifically licensed for weight management with a distinct dosing regimen and formulation.
How it works
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment for your selected weight loss service at the date and time that suits you. If you are unsure of the type of weight loss service that is best for you, don’t worry – we’ll go through all the services and make a shared decision on which is best for you.
Attend your appointment
Our weight loss services appointments are scheduled for a duration of up to 30 minutes. During this time, our dedicated pharmacists will offer personalised lifestyle guidance and comprehensive discussions on treatment options tailored to your needs.
Start your treatment
Following your consultation with our pharmacists, you are empowered to commence the weight loss treatment that aligns best with your individual requirements. Subsequently, our pharmacists will remain steadfast in providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure your journey towards achieving your health objectives is both successful and well-supported.
How do I use Wegovy?
The Wegovy dosage is progressively escalated every four weeks over a 16-week period. Initially, patients start with a once-weekly dose of 0.25mg for the first four weeks, gradually increasing until they reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly starting from week 17 onwards. This gradual escalation is significant as it helps to mitigate the risk of side effects. Should side effects arise, they are more likely to manifest during the dose-escalation phase before ameliorating.
How effective is Wegovy?
Clinical trials have unequivocally demonstrated that Wegovy treatment yields a substantial reduction in body weight compared to a placebo over a span of 68 weeks. In one trial, individuals receiving Wegovy experienced a mean change in body weight of 14.9%, markedly higher than the 2.4% observed in the placebo group. Additionally, findings revealed that after 68 weeks, an impressive 83.5% of patients achieved a weight loss of 5% or more of their body weight, contrasting with only 31.1% in the placebo group. Another clinical trial corroborated these outcomes, showing a statistically significant decrease in body weight compared to placebo. Recognizing these highly positive trial results, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has endorsed Wegovy for weight management among individuals grappling with obesity.
How does Wegovy work?
Semaglutide, the active component in Wegovy, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, specifically the sensation of fullness. By acting as a mimic to this hormone, Wegovy influences receptors in the brain responsible for appetite control. As a result, it induces a sensation of fullness and reduces hunger, thereby decreasing cravings for food. When combined with a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity, this effect can facilitate weight loss.
Does Wegovy have any side effects?
Like any medication, some individuals may encounter side effects while undergoing treatment with Wegovy. It's important to note that not everyone will experience them, and in the majority of cases, they are mild. Common side effects associated with Wegovy include headache, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Typically, these side effects diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. The gradual increment of the dose every four weeks aids in minimizing the likelihood of experiencing these side effects. If you find that your side effects are severe or persistently unresolved, it is advisable to seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist.
