Wegovy Weight Loss Injections

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is part of a group of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by helping you feel full sooner and stay satisfied for longer after eating. This makes it easier to eat less and cut back on cravings to lose weight steadily and sustainably.  It is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity

Wegovy is mainly prescribed to support weight loss in people living with obesity, but it has also recently been approved as a cardiovascular treatment to reduce the risk of heart-related issues like heart attack and stroke in people living with obesity. Beyond that, it also has other benefits beyond weight loss, like improving blood sugar levels, kidney function and may even reduce your risk of Alzheimer's.

It has been proven to be safe and effective for long-term use in the UK and is only available on prescription through licensed providers like our service. To buy Wegovy, you’ll need to meet BMI requirements (30+ or 27 with a weight-related health condition) and have a prescription from a clinician, which we can provide after a short, online consultation. This is to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.

Start your Wegovy consultation

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy works by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and regulating blood sugar to help you eat less and lose weight:

• Reducing appetite: Wegovy mimics the natural ‘GLP1’ hormones released after eating, signalling your brain that you are full. This helps you feel satisfied with smaller meals and helps curb cravings, so you eat less.
• Slowing digestion: Wegovy also slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you feel full longer and avoid snacking, making it easier to stick to healthier eating habits.
• Regulating blood sugar: By stabilising blood sugar and improving insulin response, Wegovy helps reduce hunger spikes. This supports weight loss and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Together, these effects of semaglutide make Wegovy one of the most effective prescription weight loss injections in the UK. It can support safe, steady, and sustainable results when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise.

Who can take Wegovy?

You may be eligible for Wegovy privately in the UK through providers like us if you:

• are 18 years or older
• have a BMI of 30 or above (obesity)
• have a BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)
• are committed to making lifestyle changes with diet and exercise
• have cardiovascular risk factors, as Wegovy also offers proven heart protection

If you’re not sure what your BMI is, you can use our calculator to find out now.

How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?

Studies show that Wegovy is one of the most effective prescription weight loss injections available with people losing up to 17% of their body weight over 15 months.

Wegovy clinical trial results

A 2021 study known as the STEP-1 trial, funded by Novo Nordisk (the makers of Wegovy) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that:

• People taking Wegovy with lifestyle support (a calorie-reduced diet and increased activity) lose up to 17% of their body weight over 15 months.
• By comparison, those given only lifestyle support plus a placebo injection lost just 2.4% of their body weight.

A 2023 trial called SELECT provided evidence for the MHRA’s approval of Wegovy to reduce cardiovascular risk. Over a period of up to five years, this study followed 17,604 people who had heart disease and who were overweight or living with obesity. Participants were given either weekly Wegovy or placebo injections. The results showed that Wegovy significantly improves heart health outcomes:

• Those taking Wegovy had a 20% lower risk of major heart events (including heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease).
• 5% of people on Wegovy experienced a serious heart event, compared with 8% of people on placebo.

Due to these results, Wegovy has now been approved and fully licensed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, like stroke and heart attack, in people living with obesity. There is currently no other weight loss injection available in the UK that also achieves this.

The latest STEP UP trial of Wegovy tested an unlicensed, higher dose of 7.2mg with 1,407 participants. It showed people losing up to 20.7% of their weight in just over a year. The manufacturer is seeking approval for this higher dose to help people continue their weight loss journey with Wegovy, while helping them lose more weight.

What results can I expect?

Most people can expect to lose up to 17% of their body weight on Wegovy. But everyone’s weight loss journey is different. Some may see results faster, while for others, it can take longer.

Your progress depends on how your body responds to treatment and the healthy lifestyle changes you make alongside it.

Wegovy progress timeline

Month 1: Most people start on the lowest dose (0.25mg) to let the body adjust and reduce side effects. Early weight loss is typically around 5–6 lbs, but results vary.

Months 2–3: As your dose increases, appetite control improves, and cravings reduce. By the end of month 3, many people lose 4–6% of their body weight.

Months 4–6: Visible results become more noticeable. With continued dose adjustments and healthy lifestyle changes, you can expect to lose 8–10% of your starting weight.

6 months and beyond: By this stage, most people reach their maintenance dose (2.4mg) and achieve up to17% total weight loss, alongside benefits like improved mobility, lower blood pressure, and better overall health.

Plateaus on Wegovy (what they are and why they happen)

“A plateau is when your weight stabilises for several weeks, even though you are still taking your medication and sticking to your routine. It is normal to experience weight loss plateaus during your journey, but why do they happen?

Plateaus happen as your body adapts to weight loss:

• Your metabolism slows as you lose weight
• You may naturally burn fewer calories at a lower body weight
• Lifestyle habits (like exercise intensity or portion sizes) can slip over time”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy

How to manage a plateau

• Review your habits: Small changes to diet or exercise can restart progress.
• Stay consistent: Plateaus are usually temporary and break on their own.
• Talk to your prescriber: Sometimes adjusting your dose, or reviewing side effects, can help.
• Focus on non-scale wins: Energy levels, fitness, and health markers may improve even if the scale has not moved.

Plateaus don’t mean Wegovy has “stopped working.” They are a normal part of long-term weight loss, and you can move past them with the right support.

Wegovy dosage and schedule

A typical Wegovy dosing schedule looks like this:

“Wegovy arrives as injections that you administer yourself at home. You will receive a single pen (injection) containing four equal doses of Wegovy, which will last around a month. This is a pre-filled and ready to use. All you need to do is inject once a week at the same time each week. You will be given full instructions on how to inject Wegovy, and if you have any difficulties, our pharmacists are here to help.

As you continue taking Wegovy, you gradually increase your dose each month until you reach a maintenance dose. We call this process ‘titration’. It simply means slowly increasing the amount of medication you take to give your body time to get used to it. We do this to reduce side effects and ensure you respond effectively to treatment.”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy

Not everyone will follow this plan exactly. Your doctor may suggest, or you might decide to:

• Stay on a lower dose for longer if you are still losing weight or need more time to adjust.
• Move back down a dose if side effects are difficult.
• Use a lower maintenance dose if you are getting good results without needing the highest dose.

This way, your treatment can be tailored to what works best for you.

How to inject Wegovy

You inject Wegovy directly into your skin using the provided pens. You will receive full instructions on how to do this safely with your order.

Set-by-step guide to injecting Wegovy:

Before you start: Read the instructions provided with your Wegovy pen from the manufacturer.

1. Check your pen
   Ensure the liquid is clear and colourless. If it is cloudy, coloured, or contains particles, do not use it. Check the needle for damage or broken seals.
2. Choose your injection site

Decide where you are going to inject your Wegovy (stomach, upper legs, or upper arms).

3. Wash your hands and injection site

Clean your hands and the area you will inject.

4. Check the flow

Set the pen to ‘flow check,’ point the needle up, and press the button until the counter hits 0. If it does not work, use a new pen.

5. Set your dose

Turn the selector to your prescribed dose and align it with the arrow.

6. Inject

Remove the inner needle cap, insert the needle, and hold the button until the counter reaches 0. Release, then count to 6. A click confirms it is done.

7. Dispose of the needle

Remove the pen, press gently if bleeding, and safely discard the needle.

8. Store your pen

Return it to the fridge until your next dose.

Tip: Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation and allow each site to heal.

Storage and handling

Store your Wegovy pens in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Once opened, you can continue to store them in the fridge or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 42 days, as long as they are kept away from direct sunlight.

Important:

• never freeze your Wegovy pens
• do not try to heat them up
• do not use a pen if it has ever been frozen

If you are planning to travel with Wegovy, we recommend that you have a cooler bag to keep it cool and a fridge wherever you stay, especially if it is a warmer climate.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you have missed a dose of Wegovy and it has been:

Less than five days: Take your dose as soon as you remember, then carry on with your usual weekly schedule.

More than five days: Skip the missed dose. Just wait and take your next injection on your regular scheduled day.

More than two weeks: Speak to your doctor or one of our pharmacists before taking your next dose. You may need to restart at a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects and keep your treatment safe.

How much does Wegovy cost in the UK?

Wegovy costs £99.00 for a starting dose through a weight loss consultation from Chemist4U. It is one of the more affordable prescription weight loss injections available privately in the UK, with prices typically ranging from around £100 to £180+ per pen (depending on dose and provider).

It is important to understand the usual cost of Wegovy. Knowing the typical price range can help you avoid fake websites or counterfeit medication because if a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Our Wegovy prices

Month by month Wegovy costs

What’s included with Chemist4U:

With our service, you not only get authentic Wegovy provided by licensed prescribing pharmacists, you also get:

• Ongoing support and advice from our pharmacy team throughout your treatment and maintenance
• Access to a wide range of treatments and supplements to help with side effects and nutrition
• Educational guides on managing side effects and guidance on building a healthy diet
• Regular check-ins to make sure you're progressing well, and order reminders to keep you on track
• Fast, discreet home delivery with reliable stock availability

NHS vs private pricing

While Wegovy is significantly cheaper on the NHS, access is limited. Strict eligibility criteria mean it can be difficult to get a prescription. For a prescription on the NHS you must have:

• a BMI of 40 or above
• a diagnosis of at least four out of the five following conditions:
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (confirmed by a sleep clinic)
• Dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood fats)

On top of this, treatment is also capped at a maximum of 2 years, making long-term maintenance more challenging.

With our service, there is no treatment cap. You can continue treatment for as long as it is clinically appropriate and approved by one of our clinicians to support your weight loss maintenance.

Wegovy side effects and safety

Wegovy can cause side effects. This is especially common when first starting treatment as your body gets used to the medication. The most common Wegovy side effects include:

• headaches
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• nausea or vomiting
• feeling weak or tired
• stomach pain

These side effects can happen to over 10% of people who take them.

Less common side effects include upset stomach, burping, bloating, acid reflux, and indigestion. For information, read our comprehensive side effects guide.

Serious side effects:

Serious side effects are extremely rare with Wegovy, but it is important to know the signs so you can get help if you need it.

• Acute pancreatitis: Symptoms include long-lasting pain in your stomach or back which can be severe, long lasting, or both.
• Kidney or bladder stones: Symptoms include a change in urine colour or difficulty urinating and pain in your lower back and abdomen.
• Bowel obstruction: This is a severe form of constipation with symptoms like stomach aches, vomiting and bloating.
• Severe allergic reaction: Call 999 or go to A and E immediately if you have breathing problems, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, swelling, dizziness or weakness.

How to manage side effects

To manage and prevent side effects while taking Wegovy you should:

• eat small, regular meals
• avoid greasy, fatty foods
• avoid alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks
• make sure you are eating enough food
• stay hydrated

Is Wegovy safe long term?

Yes. Wegovy has been shown to be safe and effective for long-term use in clinical trials. It is approved for weight management and maintenance, so people can keep taking it as long as needed to help maintain weight loss. There is also long-term safety data on Ozempic (which uses the same active ingredient), giving regulators even more confidence in its long-term use.

• Studies show Wegovy is safe to use for over 2 years
• Ozempic, the same drug at a different dose, has long-term data
• Doctors continue to monitor safety for even longer use

Living with Wegovy

While taking Wegovy, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle and diet to get the best results. Wegovy works best in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Diet while on Wegovy

The best Wegovy diet focuses on foods high in protein and fibre, while avoiding greasy, high fat foods.

Foods to eat on Wegovy

• lean meats
• eggs
• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• nuts
• seeds
• fish

Foods to avoid on Wegovy

• fast food
• fried foods
• added sugars
• processed snacks
• high fat dairy alternatives

Exercise and lifestyle support

Exercise not only helps you lose more weight but also helps you build muscle and improves energy levels and mental well-being. We understand that exercising more can be daunting, but you do not need to dive in straight away with a run. Just a little more movement daily or taking a brisk walk can make a world of difference.

Alcohol and Wegovy

It is generally safe to drink while taking Wegovy, but it is not recommended, as it can cause weight gain and lead to worse nausea. If you are going to drink, try to drink in moderation and stick to less calorie-dense alcohols, like clear spirits.

Fertility, pregnancy, and contraception

Wegovy can affect fertility, pregnancy, and certain types of contraceptives.

Trying for a baby: Stop taking Wegovy at least two months before trying to conceive. Some studies suggest potential risks to the foetus during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: We do not recommend breastfeeding while taking Wegovy, as there may be risks for both mother and baby. More research is necessary, but it is safest to avoid Wegovy during breastfeeding.

Wegovy and the contraceptive pill: Wegovy itself does not directly interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, but it can indirectly make them less reliable. This is because common side effects of Wegovy, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, can prevent the body from absorbing the pill. If you experience vomiting within 3 hours of taking the pill or prolonged diarrhoea, you may need to use a backup form of contraception, such as condoms.

Wegovy before surgery

We recommend pausing Wegovy before surgery if you will be under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, as it can increase the risk of complications like sedation aspiration (blocked airways). How long for will depend on the surgeon, but some request up to 5 weeks to allow the medication to complete wash out of your system.

Wegovy alternatives

There are several other prescription and pharmacy weight loss treatments available that work in different ways. Here is how they compare to Wegovy:

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Ozempic is the same medication as Wegovy, but it is only licensed and prescribed in the UK for diabetes instead of weight loss.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Mounjaro is one of the most popular weight loss injections in the UK, and while similar to Wegovy in how it works, there are some key differences between the two.

Wegovy vs Saxenda

Saxenda was the first weight loss injection available in the UK, and it is an injection you take daily, instead of once a week.

Wegovy vs Orlistat / Xenical / Alli

Orlistat, Xenical and Alli are all weight loss capsules. While some work similarly to Wegovy, others help you lose weight very differently.

Switching between treatments

You can switch between Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Saxenda, but only with guidance from a pharmacist or doctor.

How to switch depends on what treatment you are on and what treatment you are switching to.

From Mounjaro to Wegovy: Depending on your current dose and how you responded to treatment, you must wait between a week and 35 days after your last dose before starting Wegovy. Your starting dose will depend on your current Mounjaro dose.

From Saxenda to Wegovy: Often start Wegovy 1–2 days after your last Saxenda dose at the start dose of 0.25 mg.

Never change or combine treatments without medical guidance.

Sources

• Wegovy: what to know about the weight-loss injection. The British Heart Foundation. [Accessed 13 October 2025]
• Treatment-Obesity. The NHS.
• Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine.
• Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The new England Journal of Medicine.
• Patient Resources | How to take Wegovy®▼(semaglutide injection). Wegovy.
• FAQs About Wegovy® | Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg. Wegovy.
• National Library of Medicine.
• Wegovy And Pregnancy: What Happens If You Get Pregnant?. Dibesity.
• Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know. Department of Health and Social Care
• Orlistat Weight loss medicine. Patient
• Alli product use. Myalli.
• How Saxenda Works. Saxenda.