Wegovy (semaglutide).

What Wegovy is

Wegovy is a brand name for the medicine semaglutide, used for weight management. It is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for weight management (alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity) in eligible adults. It is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen. (Semaglutide is also used, under different brand names, for type 2 diabetes.)

Generic (drug) name

Semaglutide.

How it works, in plain English

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — it mimics a natural gut hormone (GLP-1) released after eating that increases fullness, reduces appetite and slows stomach emptying, so many people feel satisfied with less food. It is started low and increased in steps to reduce side effects.

Who it may be considered for

Semaglutide for weight management may be considered for adults following clinical assessment, generally where BMI is in a defined range together with weight-related health conditions. Eligibility is judged individually against the licensed indication — see eligibility & clinical assessment.

Clinical assessment required

Treatment is prescribed only after an in-person consultation covering your medical history, current medicines, previous attempts, contraindications and goals, with blood tests where clinically indicated.

Important contraindications & precautions

Semaglutide is not suitable for everyone. It is not used in pregnancy, when trying to conceive or while breastfeeding, and is used with particular caution in people with a history of pancreatitis. Tell your clinician about all your medicines — doses of diabetes medicines such as insulin or a sulfonylurea may need adjusting.

As a guide, product information advises stopping semaglutide around two months before a planned pregnancy. We will advise on timing for you.

Common side effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation — usually mild-to-moderate and often easing with time. Reduced appetite, indigestion and injection-site reactions can also occur.

Important or serious adverse effects

• Acute pancreatitis — uncommon but serious; MHRA warnings strengthened in 2026
• Gallbladder / biliary problems with rapid weight loss
• Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea, which can affect the kidneys
• Low blood sugar, particularly with insulin or a sulfonylurea
• A very rare eye condition affecting the optic nerve (NAION) has been reported with semaglutide — report sudden vision changes
• Delayed stomach emptying — tell any surgeon or anaesthetist before a procedure

Monitoring requirements & follow-up

If semaglutide is prescribed, you are reviewed regularly — dose steps, weight and blood-pressure trends, tolerability and side effects are checked, and treatment is reviewed to decide whether to continue, adjust or stop. See treatment monitoring & follow-up.

Nutrition & lifestyle support

Semaglutide is licensed for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Nutrition, activity and muscle protection are part of treatment — see nutrition & lifestyle support.

When to seek medical advice

Seek advice for severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, signs of dehydration, severe tummy pain, symptoms of gallstones or sudden vision changes. In an emergency call 999.

Is Wegovy guaranteed if I ask for it?

No. Semaglutide is prescription-only and prescribed only where clinically appropriate after assessment. A particular medicine cannot be guaranteed beforehand.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Both contain semaglutide, but they are different products licensed for different uses and doses — Wegovy is for weight management, Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Your clinician will explain what is appropriate for you.

Can I take Wegovy in pregnancy?

No. It is not used in pregnancy, when trying to conceive or while breastfeeding, and should be stopped in advance of a planned pregnancy.

What does it cost?

Fees are the same across our weight-management service: an initial consultation is £150 (in person, 45 minutes) and ongoing monthly reviews are £99. Blood tests, where clinically indicated, are charged separately (lab fees from £150). Any medication cost is separate and depends on the treatment and dose that are clinically appropriate for you. See the weight-management pricing page for full details.

Sources & further reading. Information on this page is general and reflects UK guidance and product information, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the British National Formulary (BNF) and the approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) / patient information leaflet for each medicine. It does not replace advice from your own clinician. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.