Everything you need to 
know about Wegovy

Wegovy is a weight loss medication designed to reduce appetite and induce a feeling of fullness. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide and falls within the category of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Semaglutide operates by emulating the actions of a hormone called GLP-1, which the body produces in response to food intake. GLP-1 slows down the movement of food in the gut, ensuring prolonged feeling of fullness. Additionally, it stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas and curtails glucose production by the liver. [1]

Wegovy can effectively curb appetite and create a sensation of fullness. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it offers an effective and sustainable approach to achieving your health goals. Injectable semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) has demonstrated a 15% reduction in body weight over one year, when complemented by an effective behavioural treatment.[2] Our patients have reported reduced "food chatter," especially while adhering to a diet.[3] For those who have grappled with dietary restrictions, these benefits can be pivotal in navigating their weight loss journey and attaining their goals.

Wegovy is approved for weight management in the UK and was officially launched on September 4th, 2023, in accordance with NICE guidance.

Ozempic and Wegovy are both injectable GLP-1 medications containing semaglutide. However, they differ in dosage and indications.

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication with semaglutide dosages of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, or 1mg. It is prescribed to improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is also commonly prescribed off-label to aid adults with obesity in achieving weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.

Wegovy, conversely, is a high-dosage semaglutide formulation administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection. It contains a maximum of 2.4mg of semaglutide and is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but their dosages and indications differ. There is some overlap between them, as individuals who cannot access Wegovy, such as those in the UK where Wegovy was previously not available, may receive a private prescription for Ozempic, despite not having type 2 diabetes.

As with all medications, it's crucial to be aware of potential side effects before commencing a new medication.The most frequently reported side effects include:
‍
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Reflux or heartburn
- Stomach pain and bloating

Should you find these side effects unmanageable, it's imperative to inform your prescriber and potentially discontinue treatment. While Wegovy is generally considered very safe, individual reactions can vary.

Side effects of Wegovy tend to be more pronounced with dosage increases, typically subsiding within a few days. If you encounter unexpected or unmanageable side effects, please consult your GP for guidance on the best course of action.

Wegovy is self-administered weekly injection, starting with a lower dose that incrementally increases over a few months. The small needle used for the injection is virtually painless and can be administered in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. It should be taken on the same day of each week to ensure consistency.

Wegovy can be prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with specific weight-related conditions such as PCOS or high blood pressure, with the exception of those outlined below. A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential before initiating any prescription treatment, as certain individuals may not be suitable candidates.

The initial step in starting your Habitual journey is our medical consultation, which will determine your eligibility for GLP-1 treatment. Subsequently, a UK-based prescriber will conduct a thorough review to ensure your safety before prescribing the medication.

Wegovy is unsuitable for:

- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; treatment should be ceased at least two months before attempting to conceive.
- Individuals with BMIs outside the suitable range.
- Those taking specific medications.
- Individuals with a history of certain conditions, such as pancreatitis.
- Those with type 1 diabetes.
- Individuals who have previously discontinued GLP-1 treatment due to side effects.

Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive, and each patient should undergo an individual assessment by a licensed prescriber.

While the NHS allows patients to access Wegovy for a maximum of two years, there are no restrictions on the duration of Wegovy use for private patients.

It is recommended to take your prescription alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise to optimise its effectiveness. Emphasise the inclusion of lean proteins, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and high-fibre carbohydrates. Try to limit the consumption of sugary foods, fried items, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

Wegovy launched in the UK on September 4th, and it is accessible through the NHS as a weight management option, aligning with NICE guidelines. Eligible patients can access treatment within a specialist weight management service if they present at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease, and either a BMI of 35 or above or a BMI of 30 to 34.9, provided they meet the referral criteria for specialist weight management services, including the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments.

Wegovy can be purchased online, but it is not available over-the-counter. You will need to go through a reputable healthcare provider and meet NICE eligibility criteria to obtain a prescription. Your healthcare provider will conduct an online assessment and decide the most suitable treatment plan for you, which may or may not include a Wegovy prescription. This process can be completed online, and if you qualify, you can purchase your program via the internet.