Weight Management

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

Wegovy is taken once weekly via an injection pen, with doses stepped up over 16 weeks. Saxenda requires a daily injection, Mounjaro is a...

After first use, a pen can usually be kept below 30 °C (cap on, away from light) for up to 6 weeks — then it must be discarded, even if medicine remains. Unopened pens belong in the fridge; if they have been kept at room temperature on purpose, many packs allow a limited period out of the fridge — your leaflet sets the exact limit. Never freeze, never overheat (hot cars, radiators, direct sun), and never store with a needle attached. Why storage rules matter Wegovy (semagluti

Phentermine can produce modest, short-term weight loss, but it is not licensed in the UK for obesity treatment. In contrast, semaglutide...

Since both contain semaglutide, their side-effect profiles are similar — most commonly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Wegovy uses a...

On the NHS, costs are set through commercial arrangements and are not always public, while in private practice the listed prices for...

In major STEP trials, Wegovy led to about 15% weight loss over 68 weeks. Contrave (called Mysimba in the UK) generally achieves around 6–9% across pivotal studies. This means semaglutide tends to provide greater weight reduction than naltrexone/bupropion combinations. Two very different approaches Although both Wegovy and Contrave are prescribed for weight management, they work in completely different ways. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces ap

Yes, Wegovy and metformin are often used together in people with type 2 diabetes, and no special dose adjustment is typically required. They work differently: Wegovy (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and boosts insulin release, while metformin mainly reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Why these medicines are combined Doctors frequently prescribe Wegovy (semaglutide) alongside metformin, particularly in

In a head-to-head trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine , people taking Wegovy lost on average about 15.8% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared with 6.4% for those on Saxenda (liraglutide). This makes Wegovy the more effective of the two for weight loss in most cases. Two GLP-1 medicines, one key difference Both Wegovy and Saxenda belong to the same class of medicines, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that redu

For weight management, Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) is the licensed option and generally achieves greater weight loss than the...

Choosing between Wegovy and Mounjaro comes down to what you’re aiming for (weight, blood sugar, side-effect profile) and what’s available to you. Many people see strong results with both; tirzepatide can yield greater reductions for some, while semaglutide has a longer real-world track record. Why these two drugs stand out Wegovy and Mounjaro are often compared because they’re part of the same family of treatments known as incretin-based medicines. Both act on hormones that h

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used at higher weekly doses for weight management. It helps reduce appetite and supports lower energy intake alongside everyday habits like balanced eating and movement. What semaglutide actually is Semaglutide is a medicine that mimics GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a natural hormone in the body. GLP-1 plays a key role in appetite and metabolism: it slows the emptying of the stomach, enhances the release of insulin when

Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they’re licensed for different uses and doses — Wegovy for weight...

Wegovy isn’t licensed in the UK to treat fatty liver or other conditions directly, but weight reduction can improve liver fat and broader...

Storage is straightforward: keep pens in the refrigerator in their original carton, and do not freeze. Protect from light and check the...

Wegovy is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection given into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites each week and avoid areas that...

In UK services, routine age use focuses on adults within specialist pathways. Use in people under 18 is specialist and not part of standard adult commissioning routes. If a young person is being considered for treatment, this would happen in paediatric services with multidisciplinary input and careful assessment of risks and benefits. Focus on adults in UK guidance In the UK, Wegovy is commissioned primarily for adults who meet strict eligibility criteria. NICE guidance and c

Energy levels often feel steadier as erratic snacking and large swings in intake settle down. Some people notice early fatigue during dose increases; this usually improves with better hydration, regular meals, and enough protein. If tiredness persists, your team can adjust the titration pace or check for other contributors such as low iron or not eating enough. What to expect in the first weeks Many people describe two parallel experiences at the start. On the one hand, appet

Wegovy was developed by Novo Nordisk as a higher-dose formulation of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide for chronic weight management, building on earlier experience with semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. Its evidence base comes from large, international STEP trials focused on weight and related health markers, with additional research exploring cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in selected groups. UK adoption is guided by national appraisals and commissioning policies; S

Combination weight loss medications aren’t routine in UK services because evidence for stacking treatments is limited and side-effect...