Wegovy®

What is Wegovy

Wegovy is a medicine with the active ingredient semaglutide. It is used as an aid in losing weight and maintaining weight in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI 27–30) with weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol.

Within The Body Clinic, a doctor assesses during the consultation whether treatment with medication is suitable within a medical trajectory for weight management. More information about our medical approach can be found in our treatment program.

Instructions for Use of Wegovy

Wegovy is supplied as a pre-filled, single-use injection pen. Always read the package leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist for an explanation.

Important:

• One injection per week, on a fixed day.
• Dosage is gradually increased: 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg.
• Each pen contains one fixed dose and is discarded after use.

Injection Site

• Under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
• Always have the first use demonstrated by a doctor or nurse.

Storage

• In the refrigerator (2–8 °C), do not freeze, protect from light.
• After opening: usable for up to 6 weeks at room temperature (max. 30 °C).

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy and is produced by Novo Nordisk. It belongs to the class of incretin mimetics and mimics the action of the natural gut hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). After a meal, this hormone is normally released into the intestine. It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar rises, reduces glucagon secretion from the liver, slows gastric emptying, and provides a stronger feeling of satiety in the brain. Through this combined action, semaglutide helps the body regulate blood sugar levels and, with a medical indication, supports weight loss and weight maintenance when used in combination with a healthy lifestyle and guidance from a doctor.

Wegovy and Weight Loss

Wegovy has been studied in randomized clinical trials regarding its effect on body weight in adults with obesity or overweight in combination with lifestyle advice (diet and exercise). These studies showed that semaglutide, combined with guidance and lifestyle adjustments, led to a substantial and clinically relevant weight loss in many participants compared to placebo.

Briefly explained: participants followed dietary and exercise advice and received a weekly injection of semaglutide or placebo. On average, body weight decreased more significantly in the semaglutide group. In the STEP 1 study, the following results were found after 68 weeks of treatment:

Results after 68 weeks (STEP 1 study)

Treatment group	Average weight loss	≥ 5%	≥ 10%	≥ 15%
Semaglutide 2.4 mg once a week	−14.9%	86%	69%	50%
Placebo + lifestyle guidance	−2.4%	31%	12%	5%

The effect gradually builds up during treatment. Results may vary per person; medication does not work for everyone and can cause side effects. Always read the package leaflet or SmPC and discuss expectations and risks with your treating physician.

Wegovy price

The price of Wegovy is determined by the pharmacy and may vary per strength and dosage. Within The Body Clinic, a doctor assesses during the consultation whether treatment with medication is suitable within a medical weight management program. More information about our medical approach can be found in our treatment program.

Who is Wegovy suitable for

Wegovy can be prescribed to adults with:

• BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), or
• BMI 27–30 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Use is always assessed individually by a doctor.

Wegovy prescription

Wegovy is available by prescription only. A BIG-registered doctor assesses whether you meet the medical criteria and can then write a prescription. Within The Body Clinic, a doctor assesses during the consultation whether treatment with medication is suitable within a medical weight management program. More information about our medical approach can be found in our treatment program.

Wegovy reimbursement by health insurance

Wegovy may be reimbursed in some cases for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, when other agents are insufficiently effective. For weight loss application, Wegovy usually falls outside the basic health insurance package. Inquire with your health insurer or pharmacy.

The substances in Wegovy

Wegovy is a pre-filled pen with a fixed strength per pen. Composition according to official product information:

• Active ingredient: semaglutide.
• Other excipients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, water for injection.

Where do you inject Wegovy

Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Suitable injection sites:

• Abdomen (front middle)
• Thigh (upper leg)
• Upper arm Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Always have the first use demonstrated by a doctor or nurse.

The difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy

• Mounjaro application: weight loss/weight maintenance and type 2 diabetes. Wegovy: weight loss/weight maintenance.
• Active ingredient and class Mounjaro: tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1). Wegovy: semaglutide (GLP-1).
• Dosage/frequency of use Both: once a week (dose escalation according to SmPC).

Side effects of Wegovy

Always read the package leaflet or SmPC for the complete and up-to-date list.

Commonly reported side effects of Wegovy (usually mild to moderate, especially during the dose escalation phase)

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion (heartburn)
• Flatulence or reflux
• Fatigue
• Injection site reaction (itching, redness, or pain)

Less commonly reported side effects of Wegovy

• Dizziness
• Worsening of reflux symptoms
• Changes in bowel movement patterns

Serious side effects — contact a doctor immediately

• Persistent severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
• Severe or prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (risk of dehydration or kidney damage)
• Pain in the upper right abdomen or jaundice (possible gallbladder or liver problem)
• Sudden worsening of vision (possible diabetic retinopathy)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (allergic reaction)

Practical tips for gastrointestinal complaints from Wegovy

• Dose according to the escalation schedule; do not increase too quickly.
• Eat calmly and smaller portions.
• Avoid fatty or spicy food in the first weeks.
• Drink small sips of water regularly.

Contraindications for the use of Wegovy

Wegovy should not be used:

• if hypersensitive to semaglutide or excipients;
• in case of severe stomach or intestinal problems (such as gastroparesis);
• in children and adolescents under 18 years of age;
• during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Note: Use in combination with other blood glucose-lowering agents may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Always discuss your full medication and medical history with your doctor during the consultation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are no data on use in pregnant women. In animal studies, harm to the unborn animal was observed at high doses. Women who wish to become pregnant must stop Wegovy at least two months before pregnancy. It is unknown whether semaglutide passes into breast milk.

Sources

• EMA – SmPC Wegovy (Semaglutide)
• Package leaflet Wegovy (NL, 2024)
• STEP-1 study: Wilding J.P.H. et al., N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002.