The first few weeks
You should see a lower appetite and less food noise.
Wegovy Weight Loss Injections
In stock
from
£139.00
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Reduces appetite and food cravings
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Lose up to 15% of your starting body weight
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Discreet packaging, delivered with Royal Mail
Fill out a short health questionnaire and start your weight loss journey.
Wegovy weight loss injections are a prescription weight loss treatment that can help you lose up to 15% of your starting weight. They can help reduce your appetite, making it easier to lose weight as part of a diet and exercise plan. You self-inject Wegovy once a week as part of a long-term weight loss treatment plan.
Wegovy Prices and Pack Sizes
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Wegovy 0.25 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £139.00 |
| Wegovy 0.5 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £169.00 |
| Wegovy 1 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £169.00 |
| Wegovy 1.7 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £224.00 |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £269.00 |
How Our Weight Loss Service Works
About Wegovy
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy for weight loss is an injectable treatment available in the UK. It:
- is for people with a BMI of over 30, or over 27 in some cases
- works by reducing your appetite and stopping you from overeating
- is effective in over 80% of users*
- can lead to weight loss of up to 15%**
- is safe to use if prescribed by a doctor
Wegovy is a prescription-only injection used for weight loss. You take it once a week and it is safe to use long-term.
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. Semaglutide is an artificial version of a hormone your body already uses to manage appetite.
Our doctors review your BMI and medical history to ensure it's safe for you.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy injections contain semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone in your body that is released after you eat (glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1) to make you feel fuller and help control your blood sugar.
It sends signals to your brain that you’ve eaten, which reduces your appetite levels. It also increases the time it takes for food to empty from your stomach, so you feel fuller for longer after eating. Taking it once a week keeps the level of semaglutide in your body constant, which helps you feel fuller all of the time.
For a comprehensive understanding of Wegovy, you can watch "Everything you need to know about Wegovy" in this informative video.
How does Wegovy help you lose weight?
Wegovy works by reducing your appetite, just like your body naturally does after you’ve eaten. By doing so, Wegovy helps you feel fuller when you’re reducing your calorie intake as part of a diet plan. This can stop you overeating or snacking, making it easier to stick to your weight loss plan.
Can Wegovy be used for diabetes?
Wegovy is not meant for diabetes treatment, but the active ingredient semaglutide is also used to treat diabetes by supporting weight loss and controlling blood sugar. Ozempic is a medication with the same active ingredient intended for people with type 2 diabetes.
Where can I get Wegovy in the UK?
If you have a prescription for Wegovy, you should be able to get it filled at most UK pharmacies, as long as it’s in stock. You can also request Wegovy treatment online from online doctor services like ZAVA.
How to get Wegovy online
If you are overweight, you can request Wegovy online through our online doctor service. Simply complete a short online questionnaire about your health, which our team of UK-registered doctors will assess. If the treatment is suitable for you, our doctors will offer a Wegovy prescription online and you can get your treatment delivered to your home.
Can I get it without a prescription?
No. Wegovy is a prescription-only medication because a doctor needs to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you. You can’t get it over-the-counter or buy it online legally without a healthcare professional being involved.
You don’t need to already have a prescription before you submit a request online with a service like ZAVA. Our doctors can approve prescription-only medication using our online assessment tool.
Is it available on the NHS?
Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS. It can be prescribed by a GP with the correct training (most GPs cannot prescribe weight loss injections currently) or through a tier 3 weight management service. Wegovy will be only be prescribed by a weight management specialist if:
- you’ve tried weight loss without medication first
- you have a BMI of between 30 and 35 and a health problem that can affect your weight, such as diabetes
- you have a BMI of 35 or more, even if you do not have a weight-related medical condition
Is Wegovy available with a private prescription?
Yes, ZAVA’s online doctor service can provide prescription weight loss services privately. Whether you can get it on private health insurance will depend on your insurance provider.
How much does Wegovy cost?
If you are getting Wegovy privately, the price for a month-long supply can cost from £139 to £220 for the starting dose, depending on where you are getting it. The starting dose of Wegovy costs £139 with ZAVA.
How to use Wegovy pens
You need to take Wegovy once a week for it to be effective, and it works best as part of a weight loss plan that includes a healthy diet and exercise as well. If you’re prescribed Wegovy, you’ll be started on a lower dose in your first month and your dose will be increased each month afterwards, until month 5 of your treatment.
How to inject Wegovy (semaglutide)
Before starting treatment, carefully read the instructions in the patient information leaflet that comes with your Wegovy and follow any instructions from your doctor as well. When you’re ready to try your first dose, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Decide on where you want to inject your first dose. You can choose from your lower abdomen or thigh. The upper arm can also be used with the help of another person. Once you’ve decided, wash the area you’re going to inject with an alcohol swab or soap and water.
- Check the name and dose of your pen to make sure it contains your prescribed dose of Wegovy. Look through the pen window to ensure the liquid is clear and colourless.
- Remove the pen cap and push a new needle onto the pen. Turn the needle until it is tight. Pull off the outer and inner needle caps when ready to inject or check the flow. Check the flow with each new pen. You do not need to check the flow every time you inject, only the first time you use a new pen. Each pen will provide you with 4 weekly doses when used correctly.
- Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops, and it shows your prescribed dose.
- Insert the needle into your skin, making sure to avoid any veins or muscles. Ensure you can see the dose counter.
- Press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0. Keep pressing the dose button with the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6. There should be a first and second clicking noise to indicate when the injection starts and when it’s finished.
- Remove the needle from your skin. Carefully place the outer needle cap onto the needle, before removing the needle from the pen and disposing of it in a sharps bin.
- Place the pen cap back onto the pen and store out of sight and reach of children. The pen can be stored for up to 28 days at a temperature below 30°C or refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) away from the cooling element.
Some extra advice:
- Store your injections in the fridge before opening.
- Check your pen before using it in case it’s been broken, like if it’s been dropped.
- Avoid injecting into areas that are bruised, sore, hard or scarred. Also, be careful not to inject into your muscles or veins.
- Do not touch the needle cover to avoid accidentally pricking yourself.
- Do not try and stop the injection halfway through because the needle locks once it starts.
- Make sure you switch up where you inject your Wegovy dose after each use.
- For more information, read our guide on how to take Wegovy injections.
Wegovy missed dose
If you miss a dose by 5 days or less, you can take that dose. Your next one should be taken on your usual day, as long as it’s been at least 3 days since your last injection.
If you miss a dose and it’s more than 5 days, then wait (i.e. skip that dose) and take your next dose on the usual day, at the usual time.
If you want to change the day of the week you use Wegovy to better suit your needs, you can do so as long as there are more than 3 days between doses.
If the last dose you took was more than 2 weeks ago, you need to restart at the lowest strength dose of 0.25mg weekly, and follow the Wegovy dosage schedule again.
What happens when you stop taking Wegovy?
There’s no risk of addiction or withdrawal symptoms when it comes to stopping your treatment. Be aware that your appetite will increase to normal levels once you stop using Wegovy, so you need to account for this in your plan to maintain your lower weight.
How effective is Wegovy?
Wegovy works for the majority of people who use it. Over 80% of Wegovy users can expect to see extra weight loss beyond what they would have achieved without it. You could lose 15% or more of your initial body weight on this treatment.
How much weight can I lose on Wegovy?
In order to test the effectiveness of Wegovy, several clinical trials were carried out before it was approved for weight loss, called the STEP trials. The results were that on average, the participants lost between 14% and 17% of their initial weight after 68 weeks. Based on an initial weight of 100 kg, this would equal about 14 to 17 kg.
The effectiveness of Wegovy observed in the trials varied from person-to-person:
- about 7 to 8 out of 10 people lost more than 10% of their initial weight
- about 5 to 6 out of 10 people lost more than 15% of their initial weight
- about 3 to 4 out of 10 people lost more than 20% of their initial weight
These results were significantly better than in the control group, who weren’t given any Wegovy and attempted to lose weight through exercise and diet alone.
Important: Wegovy® should always be used in combination with an exercise and diet programme. This is how weight loss was achieved in the trials.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
After you start your treatment, you should feel fuller after eating by the second or third dose. But since people react differently to medications, it might work slightly faster or slower for you. You could see Wegovy weight loss results as early as 12 weeks after starting treatment. If you have not lost significant weight after 6 months, you should think about changing your treatment.
How much weight do you lose in a month with Wegovy?
“It’s hard to give an exact number for how much weight you can expect to lose per month on Wegovy. Studies show you have an 86% chance to lose 5% of your weight over 68 weeks. However, this depends on personal circumstances, including how well you stick to your diet and exercise plan.” – Dr Zoe Miller, Medical Editor.
Available Wegovy dosages
There are 5 different doses of Wegovy:
- Wegovy 0.25mg
- Wegovy 0.5mg
- Wegovy 1mg
- Wegovy 1.7mg
- Wegovy 2.4mg
You’ll be started on the lowest dose in the first month and usually move up to the highest Wegovy dosage after 5 months. Each dose step takes at least 4 weeks before moving on to the next one. Each pen contains 4 doses so you'll use one pen for each dose step. Once you've used 4 doses of one pen, you'll need to start a new one. You can’t start on a higher dose of Wegovy without having been using semaglutide injections beforehand.
If you are prescribed Wegovy, your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to get the best effect and the safest treatment possible.
If you’re already using weight loss injections from another provider, you may be able to start treatment with ZAVA at the same dose.
For more information on which pen is right for you, read our guide on Wegovy dosages.
Wegovy Side Effects
Very common Wegovy side effects that affect more than 10% of users include:
- headache
- feeling sick
- throwing up
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- stomach pain
- feeling weak or tired
Common side effects that affect up to 10% of users include:
- dizziness
- stomach and digestion problems
- burping
- gas
- bloating
- inflamed stomach
- acid reflux
- gallstone
- hair loss
- reactions where the injection was used
- low blood sugar for people with diabetes
If you’re concerned about side effects or what can happen if you take Wegovy, you can read our guide to Wegovy side effects.
Who should not take Wegovy?
You can only use Wegovy if you are overweight and a doctor agrees it’s safe for you.
Wegovy is a weight loss treatment for people who are overweight. This means someone who has a BMI of over 30, or over 27 if they have a weight-related health problem. A doctor can’t prescribe it to someone who doesn’t count as medically overweight, even if they want to lose weight anyway.
Wegovy isn’t right for everyone, which is a why a doctor won’t prescribe treatment if you:
- you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant
- you’re seriously allergic to any of Wegovy’s ingredients
In order to make sure Wegovy is safe for you, a doctor will ask about:
- any pancreas or heart problems
- whether you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
Wegovy alternatives
Wegovy vs Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another weight loss treatment that was originally used to treat type 2 diabetes diabetes treatment, like Ozempic. It contains tirzepatide and is also a prescription-only injection. It works in a similar way to Wegovy to reduce your appetite and help support weight loss alongside diet and exercise.
Saxenda
Saxenda works in almost exactly the same way as Wegovy. The only real difference is the active ingredient in Saxenda is another artificial hormone, liraglutide, and is taken once a day. But, both medications still work in the same way, which is by reducing your appetite.
Saxenda is currently long-term out of stock, but a generic version should be available soon.
Is Saxenda better than Wegovy?
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy is a more effective weight loss injection, and can lead to more weight loss than Saxenda over the same period of time. However, Wegovy may not be suitable for everybody, so Saxenda is still a good option for those who can’t use Wegovy.
Ozempic
Ozempic is another name for semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy). Wegovy is prescribed for patients with or without diabetes for weight loss but Ozempic is only meant to treat people for type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
The active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy is the same, but the dosages are different. This is because the dosage in Ozempic is suitable for managing diabetes, while the dosage in Wegovy is higher as it has a better effect on weight loss.
Ozempic is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, or 1mg doses.
Other medical weight loss treatment and options
Other Wegovy alternatives include:
- Mysimba, weight loss tablets that help reduce appetite
- Orlistat, tablets that stop your body absorbing fat
- Xenical, a branded version of Orlistat
Diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes should be used alongside medication to promote weight loss.
Conclusion: Is Wegovy right for me?
If you meet the criteria for Wegovy treatment and you are willing to commit to a diet and exercise plan, Wegovy could be a good treatment for you. You can’t be pregnant or have any pancreas or heart problems and you need to not be allergic to Wegovy’s ingredients. Make sure you give information on your medical history and other medications you’re taking when requesting treatment so Wegovy can be prescribed safely to you.
If Wegovy is right for you, you could lose 15% or more of your current body weight over 64 weeks, as long as you stick to a diet and exercise plan while taking it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it available now in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available in the UK now. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
No. Ozempic is another medication that contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient that is in Wegovy. Wegovy is meant for patients trying to lose weight, with or without diabetes, but Ozempic is licensed to treat people with type 2 diabetes only. 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. According to studies, patients using Wegovy have a 86% chance of losing at least 5% weight, whereas patients using Saxenda 64% chance of losing at least 5% weight.
Does Wegovy burn fat?
Not directly. Wegovy makes it easier to eat less food. When you eat fewer calories than 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 results 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 may 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.
Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?
If you’re not losing weight while taking Wegovy, then you may want to pay close attention to what you’re eating. Wegovy is most effective while you’re following a balanced and healthy diet, and exercising to burn calories and build muscle. If you are eating unhealthy food, snacking between meals, and not doing any physical activity, then this can hinder your weight loss journey on Wegovy.
You should also make sure you’re taking the medication as intended, as missing doses or not taking them at the right time can make Wegovy less effective.
Finally, some people may have a genetic or medical condition that makes Wegovy less effective for them. If you have been taking Wegovy correctly and sticking to a diet and exercise plan, then speak to your doctor about exploring other treatment options.
How to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy
If you’d like to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy, then you will have to speak to your doctor first. If Wegovy is safe and appropriate for you, then a doctor may prescribe it instead of Saxenda. You will need to slowly come off Saxenda before you can start a course of Wegovy.
It is important that you do not take these medications at the same time. They are very similar medications and work in the same way, so taking them both could cause very serious unwanted side effects.
Is Wegovy good for long term use?
Wegovy is most effective when used long-term to help you manage your weight. Studies of Wegovy’s effectiveness for weight loss were conducted over 68 weeks. It’s best to discuss your long-term weight loss plans with a doctor. If you don’t see any improvement, your doctor may suggest switching treatment.
What happens after your first shot of Wegovy?
After your first shot of Wegovy you may see your appetite drop right away, although it can take longer to feel the effects for some people. You may also experience some mild side effects, like nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. These side effects often clear up as your body gets used to your new treatment, but you should speak to a doctor if you’re struggling with side effects.
What is the best time of day to use Wegovy?
You can take Wegovy at any time of day, with or without food. As long as you remember to take it at the same time on the same day of the week, it's up to you when is most convenient.
You can drive after taking Wegovy, but pay attention to how you feel after you first start your treatment. Wegovy can cause mild side effects so you should make sure they don’t affect your ability to drive safely.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Wegovy?
Alcohol doesn’t react with Wegovy, but since they can both lower your blood sugar you should watch out for dizziness. Plus, alcohol has a lot of extra calories and can increase your appetite for unhealthy foods, so if you can, try to drink less during your treatment.
After completing her first degree, she went on to study graduate-entry medicine at Warwick University. After graduating as a doctor, she worked within the West Midlands in Urology, Respiratory Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Psychiatry before transitioning into a full-time medical communications role.
Last reviewed: 09 Sept 2024
Sources
Obesity - Treatment, NHS [accessed Sept 2024]
Wegovy Package leaflet: Information for the patient, Medicines [accessed Sept 2024]
Package leaflet: Information for the patient Saxenda® 6 mg/ml Solution for injection in pre-filled pen liraglutide, Medicines [accessed Sept 2024]
Ozempic PI, Novo Nordisk [accessed Sept 2024]
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, Pubmed [accessed Sept 2024]
Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence, PMC [accessed Sept 2024]
Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes, PMC [accessed Sept 2024]
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, NEJM [accessed Sept 2024]
Semaglutide for the treatment of overweight and obesity: A review, DOMS [accessed Sept 2024]
Saxenda, EMC [accessed Sept 2024]
Wegovy, EMC [accessed Sept 2024]
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