Type of medication: Weight management
Drug name: Semaglutide (Wegovy, by Novo Nordisk)
Strength (mg): 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg (progressive dosing)
Drug details: A once-weekly self-injectable prescription medication whose active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics the human hormone GLP-1. It works by reducing appetite, increasing fullness, slowing digestion, and controlling hunger to achieve significant weight loss.
Benefits*:
Highly effective weight loss: Clinical trials show Wegovy helps users lose up to 20% of their body weight—double the results of daily alternatives—when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Superior appetite control: By mimicking GLP-1, the hormone that regulates appetite and satiety, Wegovy significantly reduces hunger and helps you feel full longer, making it easier to maintain a lower-calorie diet without constant willpower.
Improved metabolic health: Weight loss with Wegovy improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
Convenient weekly dosing: Unlike daily injections, Wegovy requires only one injection per week, improving adherence and fitting more easily into your lifestyle.
How to take it and precautions*:
Starting dose: Treatment begins with a low dose of 0.25mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This initial phase minimises gastrointestinal side effects and allows your body to adjust to the medication.
Increasing the dosage: The dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks following this schedule:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25mg weekly
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5mg weekly
- Weeks 9–12: 1mg weekly
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7mg weekly
- Week 17 onwards: 2.4mg weekly (maintenance dose)
This gradual escalation helps your body adapt and reduces side effects.
Method of administration: Wegovy is a subcutaneous injection administered into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
Important: Rotate injection sites with each dose to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy (localised fat tissue loss) and skin reactions.
Injection time: Injections can be administered at any time of day, with or without meals. Choose a consistent day each week (e.g., every Monday) to maintain your schedule. The day can be changed if needed, as long as at least 2 days (48 hours) pass between doses.
Missed injection:
- If less than 5 days have passed since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular weekly schedule.
- Do not double dose to make up for a missed injection.
Pen usage: Each Wegovy pen is pre-filled with a single dose. After use, dispose of the pen safely in a sharps container and use a new pen for your next injection. Do not share pens between individuals.
Monitoring and follow-up: Regular check-ins with your doctor are essential to monitor weight loss progress, manage side effects, and ensure optimal results. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan based on your response and tolerance.
Doctor's prescription: Required
Platform provided by: Noah
*Results and dosing vary from person to person. Always follow your doctor's instructions. All prescription treatments are subject to a registered doctor's assessment and are provided only where deemed suitable and safe.
