What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The active ingredient is semaglutide, the same molecule as in Ozempic, but at a higher maximum dose of 2.4 mg per week.
Wegovy was approved by the FDA in 2021 and by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) in 2022. It marks a paradigm shift in the treatment of obesity: for the first time, the medical community recognizes that chronic weight management warrants pharmaceutical support, similar to treating high blood pressure or cholesterol.
STEP Trials: The Evidence
Wegovy's approval is based on the STEP research program (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity), a series of four large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials with over 4,500 participants in total.
Average 14.9% weight loss vs 2.4% placebo after 68 weeks
Average 9.6% weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes
Average 16.0% weight loss combined with intensive behavioral therapy
Patients who stopped semaglutide after 20 weeks regained 6.9% vs 0.4% in continuation group
One-third of STEP 1 participants lost more than 20% of their body weight, results previously only achievable with bariatric surgery. Additionally, the SELECT cardiovascular study showed that semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) by 20% in patients with overweight.
Clinical Results (STEP 1 Study)
| Treatment Group | Average Weight Loss | ≥5% | ≥10% | ≥15% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide 2.4 mg | -14.9% | 86% | 69% | 50% |
| Placebo + lifestyle | -2.4% | 31% | 12% | 5% |
Wilding J.P.H. et al., N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002
Results may vary per individual and depend on lifestyle and metabolism.
Dosage & Titration Schedule
Wegovy has a gradual titration schedule to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Your physician may adjust the schedule based on tolerability.
| Period | Dosage | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1–4 | 0.25 mg/week | Introduction, the body adjusts to the medication |
| Week 5–8 | 0.5 mg/week | First escalation, mild appetite effect |
| Week 9–12 | 1.0 mg/week | Therapeutic effect becomes noticeable |
| Week 13–16 | 1.7 mg/week | Further build-up toward maintenance dose |
| Week 17+ | 2.4 mg/week | Maintenance dose, maximum effect |
Visual Dosage Timeline
Wegovy — How the dosage is built up step by step
Introduction — the body adjusts
First escalation — mild appetite effect
Therapeutic effect becomes noticeable
Further build-up toward maintenance dose
Maintenance dose — maximum effect
This schedule is indicative. Your physician adjusts the dosage based on your individual response and tolerability.
Injection Instructions
Injection sites
- Abdomen (front, around the navel)
- Upper thigh
- Upper arm (outer side)
Rules
- Inject subcutaneously (under the skin), not into a vein or muscle
- Rotate injection sites weekly to prevent skin irritation
- Use the same day each week for your injection
Always have a physician or nurse supervise your first injection.
Storing Wegovy
In the refrigerator (2–8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Up to 6 weeks at room temperature (maximum 30°C).
Dispose of the pen in a sharps container after use. Do not discard with household waste.
Missed Dose
Administer the dose and resume your normal schedule.
Skip the missed dose and take the next one on the usual day.
Never take a double dose to make up for a missed injection.
Side Effects
Wegovy's side effects are comparable to Ozempic's, as both contain the same active ingredient. The higher dose may cause slightly more gastrointestinal complaints in some patients during the first weeks.
Very common (>10%)
- Nausea (44%)
- Diarrhea (30%)
- Decreased appetite (27%)
- Vomiting (24%)
- Constipation (24%)
- Abdominal pain (20%)
Common (1–10%)
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Reflux (heartburn)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Injection site reaction
Serious (contact your physician)
- Persistent severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
- Severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (risk of dehydration)
- Pain in upper right abdomen (possible gallbladder problems)
- Sudden vision changes (retinopathy in diabetes patients)
- Swelling of face, lips or tongue (allergic reaction)
Tips for GI complaints
- Follow the titration schedule strictly, do not skip steps
- Eat smaller portions spread throughout the day
- Avoid fatty and spicy food in the first weeks
- Drink small sips of water regularly
Most side effects are mild to moderate and decrease as the body adjusts to the medication.
Contraindications
Wegovy should not be used in the following situations:
- Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients
- Severe gastrointestinal conditions (such as gastroparesis)
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2
- Under 18 years of age
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (stop at least 2 months before planned pregnancy)
- Concurrent use with other GLP-1 agonists
Insurance & Reimbursement
- Wegovy is not covered as standard by basic health insurance for weight loss.
- In some cases, reimbursement may be possible for type 2 diabetes when other treatments are insufficient.
- Consult your health insurer for supplementary coverage.
Go Leaner offers transparent all-in-one pricing with no surprises.
Composition
| Active substance | Semaglutide |
| Excipients | Disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, water for injection |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk |
Wegovy vs Ozempic
Although Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), there are important clinical and practical differences. Wegovy reaches a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs 2.0 mg), has a longer titration schedule (5 months vs 4 months), and is specifically approved for weight management. In the STEP-1 trial, Wegovy achieved an average of 14.9% weight loss, compared to 12-15% with Ozempic doses in diabetes trials.
Comparison with all three medications →
Wegovy at Go Leaner
At Go Leaner, Wegovy is available as part of our integrated treatment program. Your board-registered physician determines whether Wegovy is the optimal choice for your situation based on your medical profile. Many patients who start with Ozempic later switch to Wegovy for the higher maintenance dose and more gradual titration schedule.
Nutrition and more information
Nutrition is essential during GLP-1 treatment. Read our guide for practical tips on nutrition, proteins, and lifestyle:
Nutrition and Lifestyle During GLP-1 Treatment →
Official Patient Leaflet — Wegovy
Patient information from the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Download the official Dutch-language patient information leaflet (PIL) for Wegovy (semaglutide 2,4 mg). This document contains complete information about usage, dosage, side effects, contraindications and storage instructions, as approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Source: European Medicines Agency (ema.europa.eu)
Frequently Asked Questions
Wegovy is a prescription medication. Use only under medical supervision. This information is informational and does not replace medical advice.
Sources
- 1.EMA SmPC Wegovy (semaglutide), European Medicines Agency
- 2.STEP 1 Study (PubMed), Wilding J.P.H. et al., N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002 — DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- 3.CBG-MEB Medicines Database, Medicines Evaluation Board