Wegovy is one of the most trending weight loss medications currently available in the UK. Clinical trials have reported an average weight loss of 17% over 68 weeks using the once-weekly weight loss injection.
Most of the weight loss occurs in the first 9 months of use. ere, we’ll explore what you can expect during your first month's use and beyond.
First-month Wegovy results of a user who started with the 0.25 mg dose: Starting weight 183 lbs, current weight 170.9 lbs
The following user lost 70 lbs in 9 months, starting at 198 lbs and now weighing 128 lbs. The user is currently on a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg.
Wegovy is a self-injectable weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is used once a week and is most effective when used alongside a diet and exercise plan.
Semaglutide (Wegovy) works by mimicking a naturally produced hormone to curb your appetite and help you feel full after eating, lowering your calorie intake and promoting weight loss.
Wegovy is a prescription-only medication. You must meet certain criteria to qualify for Wegovy weight loss treatment and acquire a private prescription from one of the clinicians at Prescription Doctor.
Wegovy is available in 5 doses, starting with the lowest dose of 0.25 mg per week titrating up to the maximum dose of 2.4 mg per week.
Everyone begins Wegovy treatment on the lowest dose and makes their way up to the maximum or most tolerated dose. This dosage schedule helps your body get used to the new medication and limits side effects.
The Wegovy dosage schedule is shown below:
The different doses are supplied in a different coloured pen.
Dose | Pen colour |
---|---|
0.25 mg | Green |
0.5 mg | Pink |
1 mg | Brown |
1.7 mg | Blue |
2.4 mg | Black |
The STEP 1 clinical trial shows that the average weight loss after four weeks of Wegovy injections was around 2%. The data shows that after eight weeks the average weight loss was 4% (pink line), and 6% after 12 weeks (brown line).
Although this is a steady and increasing level of weight loss. It is clear that the effects of Wegovy are greater after 12 weeks, as the higher doses of 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg are reached.
Another randomised clinical controlled trial showed that the average body weight change from the start of the trial after four weeks of Wegovy use was 5%.
The data from this study also shows the average weight loss at:
Therefore, based on these studies, most people can expect to lose between 2 and 5% of their body weight in the first month.
Alongside weight loss in the first month of taking Wegovy, some people may experience side effects.
Wegovy side effects may be most noticeable during the first month of treatment as your body gets used to the new medication.
Common Wegovy side effects include:
The side effects are usually mild and reduce in severity over time as your body gets used to Wegovy. You can find out more about the side effects of Wegovy and how long they may last by reading our blog.
Across both of the above studies, the weight loss across 68 weeks was significant with Wegovy. In the STEP 1 trial, after 68 weeks the average weight loss was 14.9% compared to 16% in the study published in JAMA.
A further clinical trial called SELECT found that Wegovy (semaglutide) produced clinically significant weight loss after 208 weeks. The study involved 17,604 patients and the average weight loss was 10.2% until week 65 where it then remained steady (plateaued) until week 208.
Long-term data shows that the average weight loss with Wegovy is between 10 and 16%.
When you first start Wegovy treatment, it is important to set realistic weight loss goals. You should focus on what you want to achieve long-term rather than opting for a quick weight loss fix. For example, you may want to lose a specific amount of weight before a wedding in two years time or fit in a certain-sized pair of jeans within a year.
Keep a diary of your weight loss journey to help you identify the small milestones you have achieved on your way to reaching your overall goal.
You are likely to see the best results when you combine Wegovy with a diet and exercise plan. The active ingredient, semaglutide, works best when it is combined with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
In the STEP 1 clinical trial, the average weight loss of 68 weeks was almost 15% but this wasn’t achieved with weekly Wegovy injections alone. As part of the treatment, participants receive counselling sessions every four weeks to help them stick to a reduced calorie diet and an increased level of exercise (150 minutes per week).
When you embark on your Wegovy weight loss journey, it’s important to follow a healthy, balanced diet that’s packed with natural foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. By reducing the number of calories you eat and increasing your exercise levels, you’ll be proactively supporting your weight loss journey.
Making these lifestyle changes will not only help you get the most out of Wegovy but they will also help to enhance your mood and outlook, and stop you from regaining weight when you stop using Wegovy.
For a detailed look at how Wegovy compares with another popular weight loss medication, Mounjaro, visit our comprehensive guide: Mounjaro vs Wegovy: A Comprehensive Comparison. This information will help you understand the differences and similarities between the two treatments.
Starting your weight loss journey with Wegovy demonstrates your commitment to your health. You may notice that you have lost a small amount of weight during your first month's treatment and this can be good motivation. Some people may also experience subtle side effects during this time, but there are things you can do to help manage them as your body adjusts to Wegovy.
You can buy Wegovy online from Prescription Doctor. Start your consultation with one of our clinicians today.
Sources
NEJM, 2021. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.
Novo Nordisk, 2024. Common Side Effects of Wegovy.
Additional Resources
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