Wegovy has been tested in large clinical trials and shown to deliver sustained, clinically meaningful weight loss. Over-the-counter supplements rarely have robust evidence and typically produce little to no lasting effect, so the gap in proven effectiveness is significant. What makes Wegovy different Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been through rigorous clinical trials involving thousands of participants worldwide. The STEP programme of studies

Yes, trial evidence shows that Wegovy works best when combined with healthy eating and physical activity, leading to average weight losses of around 15%. Saxenda and Trulicity also perform better when paired with lifestyle support, but semaglutide at the doses used in Wegovy generally results in greater overall reductions. Why lifestyle support matters No weight-loss medicine is intended to work on its own. NICE guidance makes clear that drugs such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Tru

Many people on Wegovy report fewer food cravings and better control over eating, which can reduce stress around meals. Other drugs like Mysimba may also affect mood and cravings, but semaglutide’s impact on appetite tends to have the strongest indirect psychological benefit. Why psychological effects matter Weight management is never only about the body. Emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, and the stress of managing food choices all play a big role in how people experience

Clinical trials included adults up to their mid-70s, and weight loss benefits were seen across age groups. There’s limited evidence directly comparing older versus younger adults, but no major differences in effectiveness have been noted, though older people may be more sensitive to side effects. Who was included in the trials The large clinical trials of semaglutide, such as the STEP programme, included adults with overweight or obesity up to about 75 years old. This means w

Wegovy is made as a biologic medicine, meaning it uses recombinant technology to produce semaglutide, a protein-based drug. Mysimba and Orlistat, by contrast, are small-molecule tablets made by chemical synthesis. These differences influence regulation and supply but not day-to-day use for patients. What makes Wegovy a biologic Wegovy (semaglutide) belongs to a group of medicines known as biologics. These are typically large, complex molecules produced in living cells using r

Both contain semaglutide and improve blood sugar by enhancing insulin release and reducing glucagon. Ozempic is specifically licensed for diabetes at lower doses, while Wegovy provides the same benefits at higher doses alongside more pronounced weight reduction. How semaglutide works on blood sugar Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family. It lowers blood sugar by stimulating insulin release when glucose level

Yes — trials show Wegovy users lose more weight earlier than with Saxenda, thanks to its stronger appetite effect and weekly dosing. That said, both require steady use over months for results to build. The two medicines at a glance Wegovy and Saxenda belong to the same family of medicines, GLP-1 receptor agonists. They help people feel fuller sooner, reduce appetite, and support healthier eating. The difference lies in the active ingredient and how they are dosed: Wegovy cont

In many cases, Wegovy can be used as the main weight loss medicine, especially when diet and exercise alone haven’t worked. However, switching or replacing other drugs should always be guided by a clinician, as some combinations may still be appropriate depending on health needs. Wegovy as a first-choice option Since its approval by NICE in 2023, Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) has become the leading option for medical weight management in the UK. Clinical evidence from th

Wegovy mimics the hormone GLP-1, acting on the brain to reduce appetite and slow digestion. Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) affects brain reward and craving pathways, which can reduce emotional eating but doesn’t directly target satiety hormones. How Wegovy works Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a natural gut hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain that you are full, slows down stomach emptying, and enhances insulin release wh

Both Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) improve blood sugar, but semaglutide generally produces greater reductions in HbA1c and body weight. NICE recommends semaglutide more widely for people needing weight-focused management. Two GLP-1 medicines, one key difference Wegovy and Trulicity both belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family of medicines. They mimic the hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite, slows digestion, and stimulates insulin release when b

Nausea? Hair loss? Headaches Acid reflux? Sulphur burps? These can be some of the most common side effects when using weight loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. We can help.

The most common side effects with Wegovy are gastrointestinal, such as nausea and diarrhoea, and these often lessen over time. Other medicines have different risks: Orlistat can cause oily stools, Mysimba may raise blood pressure, and phentermine (not used in the UK) carries cardiovascular risks. Understanding risk in context All weight-loss medicines come with benefits and risks. Doctors weigh these carefully before prescribing, taking into account a person’s health conditio

Yes, Wegovy has strong evidence in people with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnoea, where weight loss can improve outcomes. Other drugs may be chosen if semaglutide is unsuitable, but few have shown the same range of benefits across multiple health conditions. Why certain conditions matter Weight-related health problems often go beyond the number on the scales. People with obesity are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sl

No, even though both contain semaglutide, they are licensed for different uses and come in different devices and doses. Doctors may...

The SELECT trial showed semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) reduced the risk of major heart problems in people with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease. Orlistat, while useful for modest weight loss, has not shown the same scale of cardiovascular benefits in large outcome studies. Two very different medicines Wegovy and Orlistat are both prescribed for weight management, but they work in completely different ways. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that red

In the UK, coverage depends on NHS commissioning rather than insurance, and NICE now recommends Wegovy within specialist services. Saxenda has more limited NHS use. In private healthcare or in other countries, coverage varies by insurer, but newer guidance tends to prioritise Wegovy because of its stronger results. The UK context: NHS commissioning, not insurance Unlike in the United States, where health insurance policies determine which drugs are covered, the UK relies on t

Wegovy works directly on appetite signals in the brain, helping people feel full sooner and think less about food. Other medicines act...

Wegovy has shown sustained weight loss of around 15% at 68 weeks, and many participants maintained benefits at two years. Qsymia (not...

Survey and trial follow-ups suggest people report higher satisfaction with Wegovy than older GLP-1 drugs, mainly because of greater...

Yes, NICE guidance states that Wegovy can be offered to adults with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related condition, or sometimes with a BMI over 30 if criteria are met. Other drugs, like Saxenda or Mysimba, have similar but slightly different BMI thresholds, while diabetes drugs like Trulicity are prescribed on blood sugar criteria instead. Wegovy and its eligibility rules In the UK, NICE sets out clear criteria for who can be prescribed Wegovy. It is recommended for