Wegovy: Weight loss medication

It can only be prescribed if you are obese or overweight and have a weight related health condition. This means to start Wegovy treatment your BMI must be 30 or over. Alternatively, you must have a BMI of 27 or over and a weight related health condition.It contains the active ingredient semaglutide. This can also be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Semaglutide is a manmade version of a hormone that our body creates naturally called glucagon-like peptide-1. Usually, this is released into your bloodstream after eating and can regulate your blood sugar levels.

Wegovy works to replicate this hormone, which can affect the parts of your brain in control of appetite and hunger. When taken once a week, Wegovy can make you feel more satisfied after eating and leaves you feeling fuller for longer. This means you are less likely to eat over your calorie intake for the day and will reduce snacking. It can also make it easier to stick to a weight loss plan.

Wegovy should be used alongside increased exercise and a reduced calorie meal plan.

Wegovy is similar to Saxenda because they both act in the body like the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 and are injected, but there are differences. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide and the active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide.

They both help with weight loss as they leave you feeling fuller for longer but Saxenda must be taken every day whilst Wegovy is taken once a week. Both are available through our online doctor service and can be prescribed to you, if you are suitable for them.

You can request Wegovy through our online doctor service for £169.

Yes, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is a prescription medication. Wegovy can only be prescribed to you if you are suitable for it. This means your doctor must make sure that your BMI is over 30. If you have a weight related health condition, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), or type 2 diabetes, your BMI must be 27 or more to get Wegovy. Your doctor will also check that Wegovy is safe for you to use based on your other health conditions and other medications that you are taking.

Wegovy is available through our online doctor service. The NHS also offer Wegovy for people who are overweight (BMI 35 or 30 if someone has weight-related health issues). It will also only be available on NHS prescription as part of a specialist weight management service. To qualify for this service, you may need to try alternative weight loss strategies through your GP before you can start taking Wegovy.