Losing weight with Wegovy (semaglutide)

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is an injectable medicine that is used to help adults who are obese or overweight to lose weight. It contains the active substance semaglutide, which affects appetite and the way in which your body processes food. Wegovy as weight loss medication is prescribed to supplement a healthy diet and regular exercise. The medicine helps to reduce calorie intake and promotes weight loss by making you feel full sooner and for longer after having eaten.

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy works by mimicking the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which is involved in regulating appetite and blood glucose levels. Semaglutide affects the brain so that you feel full sooner. Furthermore, Wegovy causes your stomach to empty more slowly so that you feel full for longer after having eaten. This combination of less hunger and feeling full sooner may help you reduce calorie intake and, consequently, lose weight.

Who is Wegovy weight loss medication suitable for?

Wegovy is prescribed to adults who are obese (BMI ≥ 30), or people who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and have weight-related health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or sleep apnoea. Wegovy, in combination with lifestyle changes, is used to help you lose weight and improve health. The medicine is not suitable for people with diabetes or people with certain thyroid or pancreas disorders. A doctor from NOK Clinics will determine whether Wegovy is suitable for you.

How should a Wegovy injection pen be used?

Wegovy is administered once a week using an injection pen. You inject for example in the abdomen, the thigh or the upper arm. You start on a low starting dosage of 0.25 mg per week, which can gradually be increased over the course of several weeks to 2.4 mg per week. Our NOK Clinics doctor will, always together with you, search for the optimum dosage and evaluate this at set times.

It is important to always inject Wegovy on the same day of the week. If you have missed a dose, you can still administer it within five days. If more time has passed, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule.

What is the active substance in Wegovy?

The active substance in the Wegovy weight loss medication is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means that semaglutide binds to receptors in the body that promote insulin release, suppress appetite and regulate blood glucose levels. Semaglutide is the same active substance as is used in other medicines such as Ozempic; however, it is used in a higher dosage with Wegovy to promote weight loss. In addition to semaglutide, Wegovy also contains inactive substances such as sodium chloride and water for injection.

Does Wegovy have any side effects?

As with all other medicines, side effects may develop when using Wegovy. The most common side effects of this weight loss medicine are nausea, intestinal problems, vomiting and abdominal pain. These symptoms present mainly during the first weeks of treatment and often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. More severe side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or problems with the gall bladder, are rare but require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you develop severe abdominal pain or other unusual symptoms after administering Wegovy.

How should the Wegovy injection pen be stored?

The Wegovy weight loss medication must be stored in the fridge at a temperature between 2 °C and 8 °C. It can be stored outside the fridge for up to 28 days at room temperatures up to 30 °C. Store the injection pen in the original packaging and keep away from direct sunlight. Check before each use whether the solution is clear and colourless. Do not use Wegovy if the liquid is cloudy or has changed colour.

Are there other medicines that help with losing weight?

In addition to Wegovy, there are other medicines that may help with weight loss, such as Saxenda, Mounjaro and Mysimba. Each of these weight loss medicines works in a unique way and may be suitable, depending on your specific health status and goals. Visit our website for more information about these alternatives and find out, together with our doctor, which treatment is most suitable for you.

Important

The information on this page is intended to provide a general overview of Wegovy. For specific medical advice and more detailed information about side effects and dosages, consult the package leaflet or contact our clinic.