Wegovy Weight Loss Injections

Every weight loss journey is unique, however, recent studies have shown that people taking Wegovy can lose 17% of starting body weight with 1 in 3 achieving a 20% of starting body weight loss. The manufacturer of Wegovy is currently awaiting MHRA regulatory approval for an additional dose level. In clinical trials, people taking this dose lost an average of 21% of their body weight, with about one-third losing 25% or more. This is comparable with the average 22.5% weight loss of starting body weight in Mounjaro users. 

Both medicines work similarly, so it comes down to personal preference. For some, using Wegovy may be more effective, and vice versa. They both have a similar mechanism of action as GLP-1 inhibitors, although, the amount of weight you can expect to lose mat be slightly different. If you are unsure, speak to us. We will be happy to advise you so you can make the best decision for you.

Yes, you can change from one weight loss medication to another, but this should be done under medical supervision. You’ll need to pause your existing weight loss medication and go through a washout period before taking the new medication. This is to ensure there is no cross over of medications in your system. If you’re thinking about changing, you can explore our switching page and read more about the process.

Yes, there are other reported benefits resulting from using Wegovy. These include improvement in pain from knee osteoarthritis, cardiovascular health benefits after 3 months and unlike Mounjaro, Wegovy doesn’t affect the efficacy of oral contraceptives.

It’s normal to be anxious the first time you’re getting ready to inject, but with preparation and practice it’ll become second nature.

Three key stages to injecting include:

1. Preparing your dose
2. Injecting your dose
3. Post-injection

Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the user instructions in the second half of the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the FlexTouch Pen.

Our top injection tips include:

1. Reading the user instructions thoroughly
2. Washing your hands before starting
3. Choosing your injection site carefully to avoid side effects
4. Giving yourself plenty of time on your injection day so you aren’t rushed

The Wegovy FlexTouch Pen should be kept refrigerated. Keep it in your fridge (between 2°C to 8°C) as soon as possible after delivery. It should then be kept refrigerated until you open it to administer the first injection. Once opened, it can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 6 weeks. Always keep it out of direct sunlight and direct heat sources.

When travelling, keep your Wegovy FlexTouch Pen in your hand luggage and use a cool bag with an ice pack, where needed. Never pack in your plane hold luggage as the medication may freeze, leaving it unusable.

No, you must start Wegovy with the 0.25mg injection and increase monthly. This is so your body gets used to the medication and it reduces the risk of side effects.

You should start to notice a reduced appetite and feeling of fullness after a few days from starting this medicine. However, it can take up to several weeks to see significant weight loss on the scales. The first month or so of treatment can look different for everyone.

However, if you do not notice changes within the first 12 weeks, we suggest contacting one of our dedicated healthcare professionals, who can advise you on the next steps.

This all depends on how well you tolerate the dose you are on. If you are taking a strength of Wegovy, you have no side effects and still losing weight, we may advise that you stay on that dose.

On the other hand, if you have increased your dose of Wegovy and you are experiencing unbearable side effects, you may want to consider reducing your dose.

If you have taken a dose of Wegovy for at least 4 weeks, have no side effects and have stopped experiencing weight loss, you may have hit a weight loss plateau and we may consider increasing your dose.

When you request a change of dose our healthcare professionals will consider this and help you make the best and safest decision for you.

Wegovy is only injected once weekly, and a missed dose can be taken within five days of the day it is meant to be taken.

If you miss a dose and your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as possible.

If your next scheduled dose is in less than 48 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.

If you miss Wegovy doses for more than two weeks, speak to us for guidance.

Nausea is a common side effect of Wegovy and it can be very uncomfortable for some people, that being said, it is uncommon to experience extreme nausea and sickness constantly.

So, how do you stop feeling sick on Wegovy? We suggest you try the following and if it still doesn’t help, you should consult your prescriber for more information:

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat small balanced meals
• Get fresh air regularly
• Stick to a lower dose for as long as it's effective

Whilst there isn’t a specific diet to follow, it’s recommended that you follow a healthy & balanced diet. Focus on creating balanced meals that contain adequate protein and fibre. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids too.

You should drink at least 6 - 8 servings of water a day (250ml glass).

Try to avoid drinking with meals as this can cause you to feel too full and stop you from being able to eat your meal. We advise drinking water at least 30 minutes before or after a meal.

Aim for 3 meals a day, with snacks in between if needed, to provide your body with steady energy throughout the day. A balanced meal should look like:

• Filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, salad or fruit.  
• Filling the other half evenly between wholegrain carbohydrates and lean protein
• Include a small serving of healthy fats within your meal

One of the most important steps while using weight loss injections is maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Even though you're eating less, choose foods that provide the essential vitamins & minerals your body needs. Prioritise lean proteins, colourful vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats to support your overall health during weight loss.

Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to side effects like temporary hair loss if your body isn't getting enough nutrition. By focusing on nutrient-dense meals, you can help minimise these effects naturally.

If you're finding it challenging to meet your nutritional needs through food alone, oral vitamin supplements can provide additional support:

• Daily multivitamin – to cover any nutritional gaps from reduced food intake
• Biotin, zinc, and selenium (often found in skin, hair and nails formulas) – may help support hair health during weight loss
• Vitamin B complex and iron – can help combat tiredness from lower calorie intake

Remember, supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. If you're concerned about your nutritional intake or experiencing side effects, let us know during your next consultation or contact our team here.

Any exercise is great but to get the best results from your weight loss journey you should consider alternating different forms of exercise. Such as light aerobatic exercises like walking and brisk walking or jogging and strength training such as lifting weights and doing squats help build muscle and boost your metabolism.

Based on current evidence, Wegovy (Semaglutide) does not reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Research has shown that Semaglutide doesn't significantly affect how well birth control pills are absorbed or work in your body.

While Wegovy itself doesn't interfere with contraceptive effectiveness, common side effects like vomiting or diarrhea can affect oral contraception. If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking your pill or experience severe diarrhea, the hormones may not be fully absorbed. In these cases, you should use backup contraception (like condoms) until you've been symptom-free for about a week.

No, Wegovy is not suitable if any of these apply to you.

If you are planning on getting pregnant, make sure you have completely stopped using Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive.

Women of childbearing age should be on some form of contraception as the effects on the foetus are not yet known.

When you stop using Wegovy, you will notice your appetite increasing and returning in full within a few weeks. If you haven't made any necessary lifestyle adjustments, you could regain some of the weight you lost. Regular exercise and healthy eating are two ways to stay on top of your weight loss and prevent regaining it.

Once you’ve reached your goal weight, it’s time to decide how to move forward with your weight loss journey. Typically, most people enter what’s called a Maintenance Phase of their journey. This is usually a longer term stage and involves continuing to take Wegovy, but at a lower dose. This is to help maintain the benefits of Wegovy so you can maintain your weight loss, but not lose any more weight.

Other options are this stage include:

1. Gradual tapering - reducing your dose gradually and then stopping the medication completely.
2. Stop completely - stopping the medication once you reach your weight loss goal and focusing on diet and lifestyle to maintain your weight loss.

The Wegovy maintenance phase is the stage where you continue taking a steady dose after gradually increasing from the starting dose and reaching your weight loss goal. The maintenance phase is designed to help you maintain your weight loss over the long-term. It works by keeping your appetite controlled and preventing weight regain.

There's no set time limit with the maintenance phase. You can remain on it for as long as it continues to benefit you. Many people stay on it indefinitely since obesity is considered a chronic condition requiring long-term management.