Wegovy

Injectable prescription weight loss medication that works by reducing your appetite

5 boxes of Wegovy injection pens, all with different dosages

Wegovy is a prescription weight loss treatment. It can help reduce your appetite, making it easier to lose weight as part of a diet and exercise plan. The weekly injection is self-administered and only suitable for overweight patients (BMI over 30 or BMI over 27 with weight-related health issues). Wegovy is produced by the danish company Novo Nordisk.

Wegovy will be available from ZAVA soon.


Medical consultation with prescription if suitable €21.50
How does ZAVA work?

Frequently asked questions

Is it available now in Ireland?

Not yet, but hopefully soon. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, is working to make it available soon.

How much does it cost?

As it hasn’t been made available yet in Ireland we can’t quote a price. Please check back often as we will publish pricing information as soon as we have it.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Ozempic is another name for semaglutide, the same active ingredient that is in Wegovy. Wegovy is meant for patients with or without diabetes but Ozempic is only meant for people with type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in both medications is the same, but the dosages can be different. Ozempic is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, or 1mg doses.

Is Wegovy stronger than Saxenda?

Neither treatment is ‘stronger’ than the other. Although, Wegovy tends to be more effective overall.

People using Wegovy have a:

  • 86% chance of losing at least 5% weight
  • 71% chance of losing at least 10% weight
  • 56% chance of losing at least 15% weight
  • 39% chance of losing at least 20% weight

People using Saxenda have a:

  • 56% chance of losing at least 5% weight
  • 26% chance of losing at least 10% weight
  • 12% chance of losing at least 15% weight

6% chance of losing at least 20% weight

Does Wegovy burn fat?

No. Wegovy makes it easier to eat less food. When you eat less calories that you use during the day, your body burns fat to make up the difference.

Do you have to exercise on Wegovy?

Yes. Wegovy does not cause weight loss by itself, you need to combine it with a diet and exercise plan. Exercise can be a great way to improve weight loss and Wegovy can help you feel less hungry after you exercise.

Does Wegovy cause hair loss?

Hair loss is a possible side effect of Wegovy.

Some people can get temporary hair loss from losing weight, which is known as ‘telogen effluvium’. It usually goes away after about 6 months because your body adapts to your new weight.

Does Wegovy cause mood changes?

Wegovy would only cause mood swings if you’re experiencing low blood sugar as a side effect. Low blood sugar can be a serious side effect of Wegovy, so if you’re having mood swings or any other signs of low blood sugar, contact a doctor.

What happens when you stop using Wegovy?

Shortly after you stop your Wegovy treatment your appetite will increase back to normal levels. If you’re having any side effects, they should also go away after the Wegovy in your body is removed. Wegovy can take about up to 2 months to leave your system completely after your last dose.

Do you gain weight back after stopping Wegovy?

The fact that your appetite will come back when you stop Wegovy means you need to put in the effort to maintain your new weight. But, if you continue to stick to your diet and exercise plan you can avoid putting the weight back on.

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Medically reviewed by:
Dr Babak Ashrafi Clinical Lead for Service Expansion

Babak studied medicine at King’s College London and graduated in 2003, having also gained a bachelor’s degree in Physiology during his time there. He completed his general practice (GP) training in East London, where he worked for a number of years as a partner at a large inner-city GP practice. He completed the Royal College of GPs membership exam in 2007.

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Article created: 14 Aug 2023

Last reviewed: 14 Aug 2023