What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg is an injectable prescription medicine that can help people lose weight and keep it under control.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone known as GLP-1. It works on areas of the brain that control appetite, and slows down digestion helping you to eat less and feel fuller for longer.
Who is eligible for Wegovy?
Wegovy is suitable for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30), or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems to help them lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy should be used alongside a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?
People respond to medicines differently, so there is no set time for when you can expect to see results with Wegovy. The medication starts working as soon as you start taking it, so you should begin to see results within a few weeks.
How much weight can you lose with Wegovy?
Wegovy isn't guaranteed to work for everyone, however studies have shown that is very effective for many people. Studies have shown that Wegovy users can achieve up to a 15% reduction in body weight after one year.
Do you have any peer reviewed studies that prove weight loss using this method leads to long term improved health outcomes?
Yes – there's two papers looking at this.
The STEP 4 trial showed that at 20 weeks, people lost on average 11% of their body weight. Those who continued to take Wegovy lost more weight at 68 weeks. Those who stopped regained about 6% of their body weight, but they still had not regained all of the weight they originally lost.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
The STEP 5 trial shows that at 104 weeks (2 years), patients taking Wegovy still maintained weight loss, compared to those who didn’t take the medication.
How often is Wegovy taken?
Wegovy is taken once a week, any time of day, with or without food.
How do I take Wegovy?
Wegovy is injected under the skin using an injection pen.
Who should not use Wegovy?
If you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
If you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy
You should not use Wegovy if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant whilst taking Wegovy, stop using it straightaway and speak to your GP or midwife.
How long do I need to take Wegovy for?
We recommend following our programme for at least four months to see significant results. However, the programme is set up for you to pay monthly so you can take it one month at a time.
What happens when I stop the medication?
Wegovy alone can help you lose weight, but it will not help keep it off for good. That is why we pair this with medication lifestyle, exercise and nutrition advice, to help you make changes to your habits that will help you keep the weight off after you stop taking Wegovy.
What happens if I can’t tolerate the increased dose?
If you are unable to tolerate the increase in dose, we can delay the increase in dose for another four weeks.
Is Wegovy the same as Saxenda?
Our first-line treatments are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, which means that their active ingredient is from the same group of medicines as Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda. This means they are similar, but not the same.
There are a few differences between Wegovy and Saxenda.
Saxenda is a daily injection, whereas Wegovy can be administered as a weekly injection.
Current studies also show that Wegovy tends to be three times more effective for weight management and reduction than Saxenda.
Please be aware that although Wegovy injections are convenient, they may not be right for you.
You will need to undergo an online consultation to determine whether you are eligible and whether Wegovy is the right choice for you.
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
It’s possible to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy after seeking medical advice. The way you move to the Wegovy will depend on how long you’ve been on Saxenda and how well it’s been working for you.
What if I take more Wegovy than I should?
If you have taken more Wegovy than you should, talk to your doctor straightaway.
What if I forget to inject my dose?
If you forgot to inject a dose and:
it is 5 days or less since you should have used wegovy, use it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
it is more than 5 days since you should have used wegovy, skip the missed dose. Then inject your next dose as usual on your next scheduled day. do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
How should I store Wegovy?
In the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. If needed, before removing the pen cap, Wegovy can be stored between 8°C and 30°C in the original carton for up to 28 days.
Do not freeze Wegovy. Keep Wegovy® in the original carton to protect it from light. Safely discard the Wegovy pen after use.
Where can I find out more information about the medication?
The Patient Information Leaflet contains more medication information. It's important to read this before taking your first dose.
Who are our partner pharmacies?
We work with Chemist4U to supply Wegovy prescriptions for our medication-supported weight loss programme. Their contact email address is support@chemist-4-u.com.
Note: Please contact Thriva directly via email or live chat for any support issues related to the Thriva weight loss programme.
Why is it only available in the UK?
We're registered with the CQC who only regulate services in England.
My medication hasn't arrived yet?
Please drop us an email to hello@thriva.co and we'll send you the tracking number for your medication.
Can I cancel?
We're unable to process a cancellation if your Wegovy prescription has already been sent out.
There's another problem with my medication?
If your injection is faulty or there's any other issues with your medication — please email us at hello@thriva.co.