Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide when it’s prescribed for weight loss. Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Ozempic — the difference is the licence and intended use: Ozempic is licensed for diabetes management, while Wegovy is licensed for weight management in eligible patients.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 medicines work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that the body naturally releases after eating. This can help patients feel fuller for longer and reduce appetite and cravings.

Wegovy at a glance

Up to ~15% weight loss after the first year (varies by individual and depends on dose, adherence and lifestyle changes)

Once-weekly injection

Maintenance dose: 2.4mg weekly (for patients who titrate up and tolerate it) and new 7.2mg dose for maintenance

Typical age range used in services: 18–85 (subject to clinical assessment and eligibility)

Heart health benefits: Wegovy has evidence of cardiovascular benefit in certain patient groups (eligibility and relevance depend on the individual — prescriber guidance applies)

The idea of injecting yourself can be a little daunting at first. Don’t worry, it’s straightforward and the needle is very small. You will receive a step-by-step guide on how to inject when you receive your medication. You can also speak to our prescribing team who will be happy to go through it with you. If you need extra help, they will even arrange a video-call to take you through it step by step and check you’re doing it right.

There’s a few places that you can inject, it’s up to you where you choose. Areas you can inject are:


• Upper arms
• Tummy/abdomen (3-5cm away from your belly button)
• Upper legs (front of thighs)

All medications have potential side effects, and this includes GLP-1 agonists. This doesn’t mean that they affect everyone who takes it but it’s important to be aware of the most common ones. Remember that everyone is different. People often report occasionally feeling sick at the start of taking the medication. This usually passes after a few weeks.
The most common side effect is mild to moderate nausea, which usually improves over time.
Very common (more than one in 10 people will experience these)


• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness


These side effects usually reduce in frequency over time and are mainly seen during the dose titration period. Although most patients tolerate the medication very well, if you do have any side effects then don’t worry, you can speak to the Slimmr prescribing team who can help you and offer advice on how to manage them.