Wegovy is a prescription weight-loss medication that has recently gained significant attention and popularity, especially in the UK, since it’s launch in September 2023. It is an injectable medication approved for those with obesity, working to mimic a hormone that is involved in appetite control. This can lead to reductions in appetite, reducing calorie intake, which allows for weigh loss. Many users have reported significant weight loss after this treatment, making it a popular option for quick results.
We will dive into further detail through this Wegovy review, looking at exactly how the medication works and what to expect when taking it, as well as user experiences and personal stories for those who have tried Wegovy so far.
About Wegovy Semaglutide
Wegovy is an injectable medication, designed to aid weight loss for those struggling with obesity. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which is a synthetic version of a hormone known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). GLP-1 is naturally produced by the body in response to regulating appetite, as it provides fullness signals to the brain, to make us feel full and satisfied after eating. Semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1, which further reduces appetite, leading to a reduction in calorie intake, which in turn can lead to weight loss. It is administered in a once-weekly injection, to maintain consistent levels of semaglutide in the body.
Wegovy for weight loss is approved to be used in adults and children aged 12 and older, based on their BMI (body mass index) as well as those who have certain health conditions.
It is designed to be used alongside a healthy calorie controlled diet and regular exercise for long term weight management, in adults who are obese, with a BMI of 35kg/m2 or above, or those with a BMI of 30kg/m2 and above with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you are of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin, the BMI thresholds are slightly lower. Children aged 12 or over with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile can also be approved for Wegovy.
Wegovy is available on the NHS to those that meet the above criteria, and would need a referral by their GP to an NHS specialist weight management service. However, many people may opt to choose to pay for Wegovy privately, to minimise wait times. Wegovy is not available over the counter from your local pharmacy, as you need an assessment to be given a prescription. The cost of Wegovy can vary depending on factors such as location and insurance. Prices can range from £145-269 per month, depending on the dose required.
In the UK, Wegovy can be obtained through prescription from major pharmacies such as LloydsPharmacy and Boots, though it is crucial that any online sources are reputable and registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies. One such body is the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), and regulated pharmacies can be searched for on their website.
How effective is Wegovy?
Wegovy has been found to be one of the most effective weight-loss medications currently available, given that it has robust clinical evidence and many success stories.
One study on Wegovy from 2021, followed almost 2000 individuals who used the drug for almost 16 months, alongside professional support around lifestyle and dietary changes, vs those on a placebo injection. Those who used Wegovy saw an average 15.3kg reduction in body weight, compared to the placebo group who saw a 2.6kg average weight loss.
A review published in 2023 looked at the STEP clinical programme (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity), which was a programme with with over 4500 participants, over various trials. The trials were double blinded, randomised and placebo controlled, which is considered the gold standard in clinical research. Across STEP 1, 3, 4 and 8, mean weight loss was between 14.9-17.4% over the 68 week period, with up to 79% of participants achieving ≥10% weight loss, and up to 64% achieving ≥15% weight loss. using semaglutide at a 2.4mg dose.
Further into the study in STEP 5, which was 104 weeks, weight loss was 15.2%, vs 2.6% with placebo. Those in STEP 2 also had type 2 diabetes, and despite this, a weight loss of 9.6% was seen on average, vs 3.4% in the placebo group. Aside from the weight loss, there were improvements in blood pressure and lipid profile as well as quality of life, with semaglutide 2.4mg dosage.
Aside from STEP, another clinical trial programme known as SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes), was carried out in subjects with type 2 diabetes specifically, comparing a weekly 1.0mg dose of semaglutide with various anti-diabetic medications. Semaglutide was found to be superior at reducing HbA1c, an indicator of blood sugar levels, as well as superior in overall weight loss, with the highest number of participants achieving over 5% weight loss, vs other medications.
Another placebo-controlled trial assigned almost 18,000 participants from 41 countries, who did not have diabetes, to either Wegovy or placebo for almost 4 years. This is the longest term study of semaglutide as of this date, and it is known as the SELECT trial (Semaglutide Effects on Heart Disease and Stroke in Patients with Overweight or Obesity). The results showed that Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as cardiovascular death, stroke and heart attack by 20%, compared to those who received placebo. The average change in body weight was almost 10%, vs just 0.88% in the placebo group.
What to expect after 1 week of using Wegovy?
After just a short week of using Wegovy, mild weight loss may be seen, though some symptoms may occur.
It is unlikely that you will notice any big changes or influences on appetite just yet, though some side effects such as constipation or feeling nauseous can be common. Very small weight changes may be seen, such as 0.5-1kg loss after the first week.
What to expect after 1 month of using Wegovy?
After 1 month of administering Wegovy injections, changes should be noticeable.
It is common to feel reductions in appetite and hunger levels, with people reporting that they start to feel fuller quicker, therefore needing less food at meal times, with a reduction in hunger between meals too. Weight loss results can be in a range of between 2-4% of your body weight during this time.
What to expect after 3 months of using Wegovy?
Further weight loss is expected after 3 months of using Wegovy.
Gradual weight loss should occur using the medication, alongside diet and lifestyle medication. Generally, 6% weight loss can be seen after three months. People who continue to take Wegovy can see further weight loss results of around 15% of their starting weight. Results can vary for a range of factors, though it is important to ensure that healthy eating and exercise patterns are adapted alongside using Wegovy, to support optimal success.
Possible Wegovy side effects
There are various common side effects of using Wegovy, which can include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Bloated feeling
- Low blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes
These side effects typically occur within the first month of taking Wegovy, and usually go away after a few days to a few weeks, once the body gets used to the medication.
As the dosage is increased, some side effects such as headaches and nausea can get worse, but again these should settle as the body adjusts to the change in dosage.
Although rare, there are some more serious side effects associated with using Wegovy, which include:
- Thyroid tumours, including cancers. You must report to your healthcare provider if you get any swelling or lump in the neck or trouble breathing or shortness of breath whilst on Wegovy.
- Pancreatitis – If you experience severe pain in your abdomen that will not go away, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Stop using Wegovy and call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Gallbladder issues – Wegovy could increase risk of gallstones, which can be very painful in the upper abdomen and lead to jaundice.
Do not use Wegovy if a person has, has had, or has a family history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Wegovy is not recommended for those who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, or who breastfeed, or who have had issues with their pancreas or kidneys.
Wegovy usage and doses
Wegovy is given as an injection, once a week. Dosage is increased each month, until a stable dosage is met. Wegovy should be stored in a refrigerator, but should not be frozen. The open pen can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
Month 1
There is a starting dose of Wegovy, which is 0.25mg given each week, for the first 1-4 weeks.
Month 2
After moving on from the first 4 weeks, the dose is increased to 0.5mg each week until week 9.
Month 3
An increase to 1mg weekly of Wegovy during this month
Month 4
The dose is increased to 1.7mg each week.This could be between weeks 13-16, though it can last longer, which will be discussed with your health care professional.
Month 5 and beyond
A stable long term dose of 2.4mg of Wegovy can then given weekly
If you miss a dose, you may find increases in appetite, leading to potential over eating, as the concentration of semaglutide has reduced in the body. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away, you can take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if the next dose is within 48 hours, wait and take the next dose as scheduled. If a dose of Wegovy is missed for more than 2 weeks, take the next dose on your scheduled day, but you may also want to call your healthcare provider for further information. Do not double doses to make up for missed doses, as this can increase risk of unwanted side effects.
Wegovy online reviews
There are various platforms available online where people have expressed their thoughts of using Wegovy.
One of these platforms includes drugs.com, which has almost 400 reviews for Wegovy, with an average rating of 7.3 out of 10.
Out of the most recent reviewers, one user commented how they have been taking Wegovy for 10 weeks, for weight loss as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. So far they have lost 30lbs (13.6kg) and has noticed that their desire to drink has completely gone, despite previously being a heavy drinker. Side effects this user reported includes nausea and headaches, though this only occurs within the first 3 days after the injection.
However, another user reported that after increasing their dose from month 1 to month 2, they experienced terrible reflux and vomiting, for 3 days, which happened again when they administered the next dose. As they have felt so poorly, they decided not to take the last two injections for that month.
A website known as ‘Treated’, is an online pharmacy that sells Wegovy. Their website currently has a 4.3 out of 5 rating for Wegovy, given by 49 Treated users.
Some Treated users commented on how they have found Wegovy effective so far in their weight loss journey, even with reports of minimal side effects, quoting that it is ‘worth the money’. Others have commented on weight loss at the start but after three months has stopped producing results as expected.
Another platform known as Reddit, is where users can share their personal experiences to Wegovy, and communicate with others also going through the same treatment. Although there is no average marking out of 10 for the product, though many people have reported struggling with side effects especially nausea and vomiting, and many are complaining of slow weight loss results. This is not a regulated website, so anyone is able to share information that can be misinterpreted by others, with some giving advice on changing dosages without consent of their healthcare provider, and comparing prices to find the least expensive place that offers the medication. This may be dangerous and we do not recommend taking advice from anyone on how to use Wegovy, aside from a licensed medical professional.
Success stories
There are a range of stories available to read online, from people who have had success with using Wegovy.
Numan is a digital healthcare website that provides medication for a range of health issues. This includes Wegovy and other weight loss medications.
One of their customers, named Kenny, was able to lose 16kg in his first month of using Wegovy, alongside diet and exercise changes. His starting weight was 181kg, and at the time of writing the story, he had come down to 108kg in around 1 year. He mentioned that he understood more about portion sizes and stopped binge drinking as he no longer had alcohol cravings.
Andy, another member of Numan, originally was using Ozempic to aid weight loss, before switching to Wegovy once it was approved in the UK. He noticed results within a few months of starting Ozempic, and was able to adopt healthier habits, to aid his weight loss. He lost 30kg in 11 months, and although he experienced some minor nausea, he noted that keeping up his hydration really helped with this issue and overall he has found the side effects manageable.
The Reddit forum also has various users of Wegovy post about their experience. One user, wrote that the first month they noticed very little change, luckily with no negative side effects and with a mild appetite suppression. From their second month, they started losing weight, feeling fuller faster and noticed their cravings had stopped. After their third month of using Wegovy, they had lost 13lbs (5.9kg) and felt great. Although they note they are not losing the weight as fast as others may be, they feel in control and are very happy with their progress.
Negative feedback
Although there are plenty of positive stories around Wegovy, there are also negatives to be said from those who have trialed the weight loss medication.
Many people report mild to moderate gastrointestinal upsets, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, with some finding the effects so severe that they decided to stop the medication.
Semaglutide trials state to help minimise these gastrointestinal side effects, it is helpful to start with the low dose of 0.25mg once a week, with increases every 4 weeks, until the full dose of 2.4mg is reached, which is the current guidance when taking Wegovy.
One user of Wegovy reported via Reddit that they have been on Wegovy for three months, and have only just started experiencing severe side effects, including nausea, and exhaustion and fatigue, that was never present before, which impacted their ability to keep to their workout routine.
Before and after using Wegovy
Although there are not many online comparisons of people posting their before and after journey with Wegovy, here are some results that are available.
A man named Dustin Gee, started to use Wegovy after an annual check up with his doctor. He weighed 225lbs (102kg) and was borderline pre-diabetic. He started taking Wegovy soon after this, as recommended by his doctor, starting with the lowest dose and having monthly reviews with his doctor. After 9 months, he lost 45lbs (20kg), but after this he hit a plateau and his weight remained the same. He started participating in the Mayo Clinic Diet, which was a partner programme for those taking GLP-1 medications, and with this support he was able to lose a further 6lbs (2.7kg), reaching his goal weight of 175lbs (65.7kg). 
This is his before and after pictures, provided by Dustin Lee.
Another user of Wegovy from America, Ashton Olivia Smith, posted her results on social media via her TikTok account, in a video that has been seen over 2.4 million times. After trying ‘everything to lose weight.. nothing worked’, and she heard about Wegovy and decided to give it a try but she ‘didn’t want to get her hopes up’. Starting Wegovy she weighed 152lbs (70kg), and she is now at 125lbs (57kg) and now only takes the drug every month as she is happy to maintain her weight loss.
These are Ashton’s before and after pictures after her weight loss results using Wegovy.
Why might Wegovy make you feel hungrier?
There are several factors that may lead to you feeling hungrier whilst using Wegovy. This includes a delayed effect of semaglutide, fluctuations in hormonal appetite regulation, as well as psychological behaviours that lead us to eat.
- Slow adjustment period:
It can take time for the body to adjust to the effects of semaglutide, so it is normal to still experience hunger during this adjustment time. Give yourself time and allow the body to settle and build up the level of semaglutide in the blood. - Too low dose
For some people, the appetite suppressing properties of semaglutide may not be experienced until they are at a higher dose. As users start at the lowest dose of 0.25mg and slowly build up to 2.4mg, a higher dose may need to be experienced before feeling the appetite-suppressing effects of Wegovy. - Not changing your eating habits
If you are not following the use of Wegovy with changes to your eating habits, this can lead to increased hunger. Especially if you are someone who eats a high amount of ultra processed foods, this can lead to ongoing hunger. - Psychological behaviours
There are many other influences to cravings and choosing food aside from true, physical hunger. Emotional eating can impact our thoughts and make us want to reach for food to help comfort us, which may still occur when starting on Wegovy.
Wegovy alternatives
Aside from Wegovy, there are a number of alternatives that are used to help people lose weight. These include medications and other factors.
Working with a dietitian
Having regular and ongoing support from a registered dietitian can help you focus better on dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as behavioural change techniques, that can effectively help change habits and therefore lead to weight loss.
Long term weight loss can be sustained, though progress can be slow depending on the person, but there are no injections or medications involved, meaning no side effects.
For some, maintaining the weight loss may be challenging without ongoing support once they stop working with a dietitian, so it is crucial that healthy habits are embedded long term before ceasing working with a professional.
Sexenda
Similar to Wegovy, Saxenda works alongside GLP-1 to reduce appetite and therefore lead to weight loss. It is administered daily as apposed to weekly, and although it has good weight loss effects through clinical trials, it also is common to experience side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea.
Ozempic
As with Wegovy, Ozempic also contains semaglutide, but has been used to mainly help to treat type 2 diabetes, along with weight loss as a secondary benefit. Results show improvements in those with type 2 diabetes, though weight loss is slightly lower on average, and risk of side effects are similar to Wegovy. As Wegovy contains semaglutide, both these products should not be used together.
Orlistat
A weight loss tablet, that inhibits the body from absorbing around 33% of the fat we consume. This undigested fat is then passed through and excreted via stool. This can therefore lead to weight loss, if the person is on a calorie controlled diet. Results have shown a 3-5% body weight loss in a year of taking Orlistat, however there are often unpleasant side effects associated with it, including frequent loose bowel movements, oily stools and increased flatulence. Because a person does not absorb fats, this can also put them at risk of developing deficiencies of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K.
Bariatric surgery
Certain medical procedures can be carried out to reduce the size of the stomach, such as a gastric bypass, which limits the amount of food someone can eat, as well as suppressing hunger hormones. Bariatric surgery often comes with a large amount of weight lost due to the extreme reduction in portions that a person can physically eat without feeling sick, however it does come with risks such as malnutrition due to a severe reduction in eating, as well as the need for lifelong strict dietary changes, and taking supplements for life.
Each of these options can be beneficial but may have some strong cons, so it is important to discuss your best options with a health professional, with what may be most appropriate for your needs.
If you are looking to make sustainable lifestyle changes to promote long term weight loss and weight maintenance, reach out to our dietitian team today to find out how frequent support and accountability can help you achieve this. Seeing a dietitian can also be done alongside taking weight loss medication, which would be encouraged for ensuring adherence when medication is stopped. Book a consultation with a dietitian here.
