Wegovy, also known as Semaglutide, is a prescription medication designed to help adults with obesity or overweight conditions achieve significant weight loss.
Using Wegovy is simple and straightforward. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week, which means you inject it under the skin. You can choose to inject it in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm—wherever is most comfortable for you. The dose is gradually increased over the first 16 weeks to minimise potential side effects. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the dosing schedule and show you how to properly use the Wegovy pen for your injections.
Before starting treatment, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and to read the manufacturer’s leaflet supplied with your Wegovy.
Wegovy is suitable for adults who are either overweight (with a body mass index, or BMI, of 27 or more) or have obesity (a BMI of 30 or more). It's especially recommended for those who have weight-related medical problems, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. However, it’s not just for anyone looking to shed a few pounds. Wegovy is part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet and exercise, and it’s most effective for those who are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes.
Wegovy is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Wegovy is not suitable for use by pregnant women, as the effects are not yet understood.
To buy Wegovy through My Local surgery, you will need to complete an online consultation form, this is to allow our pharmacy team to make sure this treatment is safe and effective for you. It is very important to complete this form accurately and disclose any medical conditions, allergies or medications you are taking.
Wegovy has been extensively studied in clinical trials and is considered safe for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It has been approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). However, as with any medication, it is important to use it as prescribed and to have regular check-ups with your doctor.
Like any medication, Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common ones are:
These side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
In rare cases, some people may experience more serious side effects, including:
If you experience any severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will help manage any side effects and make adjusts to the treatment as necessary.
Author
Dr. Adam Kirk
Revision 1.0 - 05/09/2025
*Prescribed medication may be a different brand to the ones shown