Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. In the UK, Wegovy can be accessed by individuals enrolled in specialised NHS weight management programs who satisfy the NICE guidelines for eligibility, or it can be obtained privately through a certified healthcare provider. To get the most out of Wegovy, it's important to understand the proper dosing schedule and how to adjust it based on your individual needs.
Who Can Benefit from Wegovy?
Wegovy is approved for adults with:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity)
- A BMI of 27 kg/m² to less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) with weight-related health issues
Additionally, Wegovy is eligible for weight management in adolescents aged 12 years and above with obesity and a body weight greater than 60kg, contingent upon a significant weight loss after 12 weeks of treatment at the maximum dosage.
Starting Dose and Titration
Wegovy's administration begins with a low dose, which is gradually increased over the first 16 weeks to mitigate side effects. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly, with gradual increments every 4 weeks, reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. This stepped approach ensures patient tolerance and effectiveness of the treatment.
Adolescents follow the same dosage escalation, with a focus on reaching either the 2.4 mg maintenance dose or the maximum tolerated dose, underlining the individualised nature of treatment based on patient response.
| Month | Dosage |
| Month 1 | 0.25 mg weekly |
| Month 2 | 0.5 mg weekly |
| Month 3 | 1 mg weekly |
| Month 4 | 1.7 mg weekly |
| Month 5 and beyond | 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose) |
This gradual titration schedule is designed to help your body adapt to the medication and minimise side effects. Your healthcare provider may adjust the titration based on your individual response and tolerance.
Read more: Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro: How To Guide for Patients
Factors Affecting Dosage
Several factors can influence the appropriate Wegovy dosage for you, including:
- Body weight and BMI: Wegovy dosages are not strictly based on weight, but your healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on your BMI and response to the medication.
- Existing medical conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may require a lower starting dose or slower titration to avoid potential interactions.
- Tolerance and side effects: If you experience significant side effects at a particular dose, your healthcare provider may keep you at that dose for longer or even reduce the dose to help your body adjust.
Missed Doses and Adjustments
It's important to take Wegovy at the same time each week to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next dose is less than 48 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.
If you miss multiple doses, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on how to restart your treatment. They may recommend starting at a lower dose and gradually titrating back up to your previous maintenance dose.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q: How long does it take for wegovy to work?
A: Wegovy may start showing some initial weight loss effects within the first 4 weeks at the starting 0.25 mg dose, but the full weight loss benefits are typically seen after reaching the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, which takes about 17 weeks to reach. Consistent adherence to the dosing schedule is important for maximising the weight loss results with Wegovy.
Q: Can I inject half a dose of Wegovy?
A: No. Wegovy pens deliver precise doses, and altering them can be unsafe. The gradual dose increase is designed to minimise side effects. Always follow your doctor's instructions. If you have concerns about your dosage, consult your clinician for guidance.
Conclusion
Achieving successful weight loss with Wegovy requires a personalised approach to dosing. By starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it over time, your healthcare provider can help you find the right balance between efficacy and tolerability. Remember to follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely and communicate any concerns or side effects you experience. With the right Wegovy dosage, you can take an important step towards reaching your weight management goals.
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References:
- European Medicines Agency. Wegovy - EPAR product information. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf.
- NovoMedLink. Prescribing Wegovy: Dosing & Administration. Available at: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/dosing-administration/prescribing-wegovy.html.
- Medicines.org.uk. Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. Novo Nordisk Inc. Link
- Wadden TA, Hollander P, Klein S, et al. Weight Maintenance and Additional Weight Loss with Liraglutide after Low-Calorie-Diet-Induced Weight Loss: The SCALE Maintenance Randomized Study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2013;37(11):1443-1451. doi:10.1038/ijo.2013.120
- Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology Comprehensive Clinical Practice Guidelines for Medical Care of Patients with Obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 Suppl 3:1-203. doi:10.4158/EP161365.GL
- Wadden TA, Tronieri JS, Sugimoto D, et al. Liraglutide 3.0 mg and Behavior Therapy for the Management of Obesity: Baseline Patient Characteristics. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020;28(2):278-286. doi:10.1002/oby.22688
