Wegovy explained: The weight loss medication revolutionising health goals

Key takeaways

• Wegovy contains semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite, slow digestion, and promote feelings of fullness. It helps reduce cravings, stabilise blood sugar, and is most effective when combined with a lower-calorie diet and exercise.
• Clinical studies show significant weight loss results, with participants losing an average of 15.3kg (33 lbs) over 68 weeks when paired with lifestyle changes. Wegovy outperforms some other weight-loss treatments in both speed and efficacy.
• Wegovy is administered as a weekly injection and starts at a lower dose, gradually increasing for adjustment. Side effects like nausea and stomach upset are common but often temporary. It is prescription-only and approved for adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

Weight loss and weight management are rarely straightforward and can sometimes be incredibly overwhelming. But, we're lucky to live in an age where groundbreaking weight loss medications are readily accessible and actually help you move the needle on your weight.

One of these is Wegovy; designed to help adults struggling with obesity or a weight-related health condition, Wegovy offers a scientific approach to shedding pounds and improving overall well-being.

In a world where the 'eat less, move more' philosophy no longer holds water, weight loss medications like Wegovy offer tangible results for achieving a body transformation.

Whether you've heard the buzz about Wegovy or you're just starting to explore your options, this article dives into everything you need to know about losing weight with Wegovy.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription medication that is delivered via a once-weekly injection. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, the same ingredient used in diabetes treatment Ozempic, which is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

This hormone plays an important role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. By mimicking GLP-1, semaglutide helps you feel fuller for longer, through delayed stomach emptying and suppressing your appetite. When used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regime, it can be an effective weight-loss treatment [1].

While Ozempic is licensed for the treatment of diabetes in the UK, Wegovy is licensed for weight loss and weight management. It is deemed suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above, or 27 and above with weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

How does Wegovy work?

When you eat food, your body releases GLP-1 — this hormone naturally occurs in your stomach and plays an important role in controlling your appetite. It lets your brain know that you're full and that you can stop eating.

The active ingredient within Wegovy, semaglutide, also activates receptors in the brain to help regulate appetite, to initiate feelings of fullness and satiety after eating, while also slowing down your gastric mobility (which means it digests food slower, so you don't feel as hungry as often, leading to the consumption of fewer calories).

Semaglutide also influences insulin production, helping to improve the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reducing cravings associated with blood sugar fluctuations. When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, both of these mechanisms can help you lose weight, and keep it off in the long term.

How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?

Wegovy is an incredibly effective treatment for weight loss, with higher-dose semaglutide injections shown to be more effective than other alternatives according to clinical trials [2].

A study from 2021 looked at 1,961 obese and overweight adults who were randomly assigned Wegovy injections or a placebo [2]. After 68 weeks, those taking Wegovy lost an average of 33lb (15.3kg), while the placebo group lost an average of 5.7lb (2.6kg).

Alongside the medication, participants also implemented lifestyle changes in their diet and exercise habits, which helped enhance the effectiveness of Wegovy.

What are the benefits of Wegovy?

Wegovy stands out for its ability to promote lasting weight loss. By helping you feel fuller for longer, it reduces cravings and makes it easier to stick to a healthier, more sustainable diet.

While it’s not classified as an anti-diabetic medication, Wegovy also supports better blood sugar management and may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals who are overweight or obese [3].

5 ways to increase weight loss on Wegovy

While Wegovy does encourage weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer and inducing satiety, there are lifestyle and behavioural changes you can make to help increase the impact of your weight loss in the short term and help keep it off in the long term.

Prioritise protein

Protein helps keep you full and supports muscle mass while you lose weight. Try to prioritise protein and aim for around 30 grams per meal.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of the weight loss equation while on Wegovy. Look to incorporate zone 2 walking or running and strength training into your routine. A reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity will complement the medication to encourage weight loss.

Sleep, sleep, sleep

Sleep is, of course, important but it's particularly integral when you want to lose weight. Research suggests that sleep assists with weight maintenance, so we recommend prioritising a regular bedtime as much as possible.

Stick to your schedule

Life can get in the way at times, but it's important to stick to a consistent dosing schedule, which means injecting the medication on the same day every single week. Consistency will help you reach your weight loss goals sooner.

Reduce your day-to-day stress

We know that stress isn't healthy but it can also interfere with weight loss, with hormones like cortisol playing a role in weight gain. So, to help keep stress-related weight gain at bay, try to regulate your stress levels as much as possible.

What Wegovy dose should I take?

The recommended dosage for Wegovy is 2.4mg administered through weekly injections.

Still, prescribers often begin treatment with a lower dose, gradually increasing it over time. This approach allows your body to adjust to the medication, helping to reduce the chance of side effects, which we’ll discuss soon.

Wegovy vs Saxenda

While Wegovy and Saxenda are both GLP-1 receptor agonists that help curb appetite, they differ in their active ingredients. Saxenda uses liraglutide instead of semaglutide, which also acts like the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced by the body.

Because of this difference in composition, Saxenda needs to be taken as a daily injection rather than weekly. For some, this may result in more frequent but milder side effects.

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Wegovy and Ozempic share many similarities since both are injectable treatments containing semaglutide. However, there are a couple of notable differences between the two.

Firstly, they hold distinct medical licenses. Wegovy was specifically developed and approved for managing weight and treating obesity, while Ozempic is primarily licensed for diabetes management.

Secondly, the dosages vary between the medications. Ozempic is available in doses of up to 1mg per week, whereas Wegovy reaches higher doses of up to 2.4mg per week.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection initially created to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Interestingly, many users also experienced significant weight loss while using it.

Similar to other weight loss medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro mimics gut hormones known as incretins. These hormones prompt the pancreas to release insulin following meals [4].

What sets Mounjaro apart is that it's part of a different medication class called dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists. Unlike treatments that only target GLP-1, Mounjaro leverages two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to balance glucose levels and signal feelings of fullness to the brain [5].

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

People can have different reactions to weight loss medications, and like most drugs, Wegovy comes with potential side effects.

The positive news is that these side effects are usually mild and tend to subside within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Some of the common side effects associated with Wegovy include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

These symptoms often occur as your body adapts to the medication, so they’re typically short-lived. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to ease them:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid sugary or fatty foods
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Stay active with regular physical activities like walking
• Use pain relief medications if necessary

Although extremely rare, Wegovy can sometimes cause serious allergic reactions, with signs such as facial swelling or trouble breathing and swallowing. If this happens, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

If side effects persist or cause significant discomfort, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause and suggest effective ways to manage the symptoms.

How do I get Wegovy in the UK?

In 2022, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved and recommended Wegovy as a safe option for weight management in the UK [6].

As a result, you can access Wegovy through a prescription in person or via telehealth clinics online. Here at Compound, we use Wegovy as part of our programme, to help you achieve the body you've always had in mind.

Is Wegovy by prescription only?

Yes, Wegovy is a prescription-only medication. This means you can't get it over the counter and instead, have to get it prescribed by an authorised healthcare professional.

Losing weight with Wegovy

Wegovy is available in the UK and is a medication option included in Compound's programme.

Compound's Body Transformation Programme combines medical treatments, prescriber support and personalised guidance to help you not just lose weight but completely transform your body and health for life.

• Breakthrough medication: Lose up to 21% of your body weight in 72 weeks with once-weekly, clinically proven treatment. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer, so eating less feels natural. Pair them with the Compound Code to lock results in for good.
• Compound Code: Our medication creates opportunity — Compound helps you seize it. Our proven system makes your treatment work harder. The Compound Code builds the muscle, energy, and fitness that medication alone can't deliver. Our holistic approach transforms not just how you look, but how you feel and function daily. So when you eventually finish treatment, your results don't disappear with it.