What is Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medicine licensed in the UK to help adults with overweight or obesity lose weight and keep it off when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural gut hormone to reduce appetite and help you feel full for longer. Clinical trials show that Wegovy supports substantial, long-term weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.

Treatment is given once a week under medical supervision so your progress, dosage, and any side effects can be carefully monitored.

What is Wegovy (Semaglutide) Used For?

Weight Management: For adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m², or ≥ 27 kg/m² with a weight-related condition such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or obstructive sleep apnoea.
Appetite Control: Wegovy activates natural signals that make you feel full, helping you eat less.
Lifestyle Support: It works best alongside a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity.

At 123Meds, Wegovy is prescribed solely for weight management. If you are considering Wegovy for any other condition, speak to your GP to confirm suitability.

How Wegovy (Semaglutide) Works

Wegovy mimics the body’s own GLP-1 hormone to help regulate appetite and food intake.

Mechanism of Action

Activating GLP-1 Receptors: Reduces appetite and increases satiety.
Slowing Stomach Emptying: Helps you feel full for longer, lowering calorie intake.
Supporting Insulin Release: Mildly boosts insulin after meals, aiding blood-sugar control while you lose weight.

When is Weight-Loss Medication Needed?

Medication may be considered if:

Your BMI is ≥ 30 kg/m², or ≥ 27 kg/m² with a weight-related health problem.
Lifestyle measures alone (diet, exercise) have not led to adequate weight loss.

A healthcare professional will check your medical history and rule out other causes before prescribing Wegovy.

Physical and Psychological Factors in Obesity

Genetic influences: Affect metabolism and fat storage.
Lifestyle factors: Sedentary habits and high-calorie diets contribute to weight gain.
Underlying medical issues: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or insulin resistance can play a role.
Emotional factors: Stress, low mood or anxiety may lead to overeating.

Symptoms of Obesity

Excess fat accumulation and weight gain
Joint pain or reduced mobility
Persistent hunger or difficulty losing weight despite lifestyle changes

If you experience these issues, consult a medical professional for assessment and treatment planning.

Can Wegovy Be Purchased Over the Counter?

No. Wegovy is prescription-only in the UK. A healthcare provider must assess your BMI, medical history, and overall health to ensure safe and effective treatment. Doses are adjusted gradually and require ongoing monitoring.

Alternative Medications

Other weight-management medicines include:

Alli, Orlos or Xenical (orlistat): A capsule that blocks some fat absorption when taken with meals.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Used for weight management under specialist guidance.

Your 123Meds prescriber can help determine the most appropriate option for your needs.

How to Take Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Timing: Inject once a week on the same day each week.

Dose Escalation: Start at 0.25 mg weekly for four weeks. The dose is then gradually increased (typically to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg) over about 16–20 weeks, or more slowly if side effects occur.

Administration: Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate sites to avoid irritation.

With Food: Food does not affect absorption.

Missed Dose: Take it as soon as possible within 5 days; if more than 5 days have passed, skip and resume your regular schedule.

Follow a reduced-calorie diet and remain physically active for best results.

Active Ingredient: Semaglutide.

Inactive Ingredients: Sterile water, buffering agents, stabilisers and preservatives (see package leaflet for full list).

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Common

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, headache, fatigue, or mild injection-site reactions.
These effects are usually mild, occur during dose escalation, and often improve with time.

Less Common but Serious

Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting.
Gallbladder problems: Pain in the upper right abdomen or jaundice.
Possible thyroid issues: Report any neck swelling or persistent hoarseness.

Seek urgent medical advice (GP, NHS 111 or A&E) for severe or persistent symptoms.