Wegovy (Semaglutide) UK
Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injection approved in the UK for chronic weight management. The STEP clinical programme demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% — the most effective single GLP-1 agonist approved for obesity.
UK prices from
£54.94
per month · live data
What is Wegovy?
Semaglutide 2.4mg · manufactured by Novo Nordisk
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a once-weekly injectable medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs, meaning it mimics the action of the naturally occurring gut hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which regulates appetite and blood sugar.
Wegovy received MHRA marketing authorisation in the UK in January 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition. NICE subsequently recommended it for NHS use in England (TA875) in March 2023.
Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes management at doses up to 2mg) and Rybelsus (an oral tablet form). Wegovy is the distinct, higher-dose formulation specifically developed and approved for chronic weight management. It uses a different device and slightly different formulation to Ozempic and should not be substituted.
How does Wegovy work?
GLP-1 receptor activation and appetite suppression
Semaglutide binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain (particularly the hypothalamus and brainstem), which are responsible for regulating hunger and satiety. This reduces appetite, increases feelings of fullness after eating, and reduces overall food intake. In clinical trials, patients reported significantly reduced hunger and fewer cravings for high-calorie foods.
Slowed gastric emptying
Wegovy delays gastric emptying — the rate at which food moves from the stomach into the small intestine. This prolongs the feeling of fullness after meals and helps moderate post-meal blood sugar spikes. The gastric emptying effect is most pronounced in early treatment and tends to diminish over time.
Glucose-dependent insulin stimulation
Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin only in the presence of elevated blood glucose, and suppresses glucagon (which raises blood glucose). This mechanism regulates blood sugar in a physiologically appropriate way and is particularly beneficial for patients with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular and metabolic benefits
The SELECT trial (17,604 participants, 2023) demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4mg reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) by 20% in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease — making Wegovy the first weight management medication to demonstrate cardiovascular risk reduction.
Wegovy dose escalation schedule and UK prices
Wegovy uses a mandatory step-up dosing regimen. Patients begin at 0.25mg weekly and escalate every four weeks until reaching the 2.4mg maintenance dose at week 17. If a dose increase is not tolerated, it can be delayed by 4 weeks — you do not need to restart from scratch. Your prescribing clinician will provide guidance throughout.
Wegovy 0.25mg
Weeks 1–4Starting dose only — not therapeutic. Used solely to improve tolerability before escalation.
from £54.94 · avg £88 · up to £215
Wegovy 0.5mg
Weeks 5–8First dose increase. Gradual step-up to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
from £69 · avg £132 · up to £215
Wegovy 1mg
Weeks 9–12Continued dose escalation. Many patients begin noticing significant appetite reduction here.
from £74.33 · avg £136 · up to £225
Wegovy 1.7mg
Weeks 13–16Penultimate dose step, used to prepare for the maintenance dose.
from £79 · avg £175 · up to £275
Wegovy 2.4mg
Week 17+Approved maintenance dose for weight management. Target dose for long-term treatment.
from £79 · avg £182 · up to £332
Wegovy 7.2mg
from £249 · avg £249 · up to £249
Clinical trial evidence — the STEP programme
STEP-1
Wilding et al., NEJM, 20211,961 adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes
14.9% average weight loss at 2.4mg over 68 weeks. 70% of participants lost ≥10% body weight.
STEP-2
Davies et al., Lancet, 20211,210 adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes
9.6% average weight loss at 2.4mg over 68 weeks, plus meaningful HbA1c reduction.
STEP-4 (withdrawal study)
Rubino et al., JAMA, 2021803 adults following 20-week 2.4mg run-in phase
Participants who switched to placebo regained ~6.9% of body weight within 48 weeks, demonstrating that continued treatment is required to maintain results.
SELECT (cardiovascular outcomes)
Lincoff et al., NEJM, 202317,604 adults with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease
20% reduction in risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) — the first weight management medication to demonstrate CV risk reduction in a major trial.
Who is Wegovy suitable for in the UK?
The MHRA-approved indication for Wegovy specifies the following patient criteria. All prescribing must be performed by a registered healthcare professional following a clinical assessment of your suitability.
This reflects key criteria from the MHRA SmPC and is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Your prescriber will conduct a full clinical assessment.
How to use the Wegovy pen
Wegovy is supplied in a single-dose pre-filled pen injector. Each pen is used once and then disposed of in a sharps bin. A new pen is required for each weekly dose. Your prescriber or pharmacist will provide injection training before you start.
How to inject Wegovy — step by step
Select your injection site: abdomen (avoiding a 5cm radius around your navel), upper outer thigh, or outer upper arm.
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely.
Remove the pen cap. Check the solution is clear, colourless, and free of particles.
Place the pen firmly against the clean, dry skin at your chosen site.
Press and hold the injection button until you hear or feel a click. The injection begins.
Keep the pen pressed firmly against your skin and hold for at least 6 seconds after the click to ensure the full dose is delivered.
Lift the pen away. A small drop of blood or fluid at the injection site is normal.
Dispose of the used pen in a sharps bin. Do not recap or reuse.
Storage: Store pens in the refrigerator (2–8°C). Once removed, a pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days. Do not freeze. Protect from direct sunlight.
Timing flexibility: Wegovy is designed to be injected on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. If you need to change your day, ensure at least 2 days have passed since your previous dose.
Wegovy vs Ozempic — what is the difference?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but they are distinct medical products approved for different purposes and must not be substituted for each other.
| Feature | Wegovy | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| UK licence | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Max dose | 2.4mg weekly | 2mg weekly |
| Available doses | 0.25mg to 2.4mg | 0.25mg to 2mg |
| Pen device | Wegovy pen (single dose) | FlexTouch pen (multi-dose) |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
Prescribing Ozempic off-label for weight loss is not appropriate — the formulation, pen device, and dose steps are different. Always ensure you are prescribed and dispensed the correct product.
Wegovy on the NHS vs private prescriptions in the UK
NICE approved Wegovy for NHS use in England (TA875) in March 2023. As with Mounjaro, NHS access is being phased in — initially for adults in specialist tier 3 weight management services, with gradual expansion planned over subsequent years.
Most people in the UK currently access Wegovy via private prescription, either through online pharmacy services or private obesity clinics. Private prices vary significantly between providers — sometimes by £50–£80 or more per month for the same dose.
Frequently asked questions about Wegovy
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Medical disclaimer
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK. It can only be legally supplied following a clinical assessment by a registered healthcare professional. This page provides general educational information only and does not constitute or replace individual medical advice. Clinical information is based on the MHRA-approved Wegovy SmPC, STEP phase 3 trial publications, and NICE TA875. Always consult your GP or a registered prescriber before starting, changing, or stopping any prescription medication.
Quick reference
Active ingredient
Semaglutide
Drug class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
How taken
Once-weekly injection
MHRA approved (obesity)
January 2023
NICE approved (NHS)
March 2023 (TA875)
Starting dose
0.25mg (4 weeks)
Maintenance dose
2.4mg weekly
Dose steps
0.25 → 0.5 → 1 → 1.7 → 2.4mg
Trial weight loss
~15% (STEP-1)
CV risk reduction
20% (SELECT trial)
Trial weight loss
~15%
STEP-1 (68 weeks)
CV risk reduction
20%
SELECT trial (2023)
Dose steps
5
0.25mg to 2.4mg
Frequency
Weekly
Same day each week
Side effects
Most common — particularly when increasing dose:
- Nausea (most common, up to 44%)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Dizziness
- Injection site reactions
Gastrointestinal side effects are most common during dose escalation and typically improve after 4–8 weeks at each dose level. Eating smaller meals and avoiding high-fat foods can help.
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About this page
Written and reviewed by the GLP-1 Compare editorial team. Clinical information is based on the MHRA-approved Wegovy SmPC, STEP phase 3 trial publications, SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial, and NICE TA875. Last reviewed February 2026.