How to use Wegovy?

Use once weekly, same day each week, with or without food, alongside a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular activity. Keep hydrated, eat slowly, and aim for enough protein — these small habits make dose increases more comfortable. Services in England, Scotland, and Wales may organise training and reviews slightly differently, but the day-to-day use is the same.

The basics of Wegovy dosing

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection of semaglutide, given on the same day each week. The medicine works gradually, staying active in the body for a full seven days, which is why dosing is not tied to meals or specific times. The dose escalation schedule starts low at 0.25 mg and increases every four weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. This step-up over sixteen weeks is designed to reduce the likelihood of nausea or other stomach issues, which are most common when the medicine is first introduced. Following this plan closely is essential, as it was the approach tested in clinical trials and written into NICE guidance.

Combining with lifestyle changes

Wegovy is not used alone; it is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. NICE and NHS guidance stress that medicine and lifestyle changes go hand in hand. In the STEP-1 trial, people who took semaglutide while also making dietary adjustments achieved average weight losses of around 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Those who received only lifestyle advice without the medicine lost significantly less. The message is clear: semaglutide amplifies the effects of lifestyle change, but it does not replace them.

Everyday tips to support treatment

Small daily habits can make a big difference. Staying hydrated helps reduce nausea and supports digestion. Eating slowly gives the medicine time to trigger feelings of fullness before you overeat. Including protein at each meal helps preserve muscle while losing weight, which is important for long-term health. Many people also find it useful to limit very rich, greasy, or spicy meals, especially during the dose-escalation phase, as these foods can worsen stomach upset. NHS services often provide dietitians or health coaches to reinforce these practical habits.

NHS training and support

When starting Wegovy through NHS specialist weight-management services, patients usually attend a training session. A nurse or pharmacist demonstrates how to use the injection pen, supervises a practice dose, and explains how to handle side effects. Written leaflets and official instructional videos provide backup, but the live demonstration helps reduce first-time nerves. Services in England, Scotland, and Wales may organise reviews slightly differently, but all emphasise regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust support as needed. These reviews are an opportunity to discuss eating patterns, physical activity, and how to manage any side effects.

Managing side effects

The most common side effects of Wegovy are related to the stomach, such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating. Most are temporary and settle after the body adjusts, but they can be discouraging at first. Strategies recommended by clinicians include eating smaller meals, stopping when comfortably full, and avoiding carbonated drinks. For people who continue to struggle, prescribers may slow down the dose escalation, allowing more time at a lower step before increasing. The goal is to help patients reach the full maintenance dose without giving up along the way.

What the evidence shows

Long-term studies like STEP-5 have shown that semaglutide maintains its effectiveness beyond the first year. Participants who continued treatment kept off most of the weight they had lost, while those who stopped saw partial weight regain. This underscores why Wegovy is prescribed as part of an ongoing management plan rather than a quick fix. People who build supportive routines — weekly injections, healthier eating, and regular activity — are more likely to sustain results over the long term.

How it feels in real life

For many people, using Wegovy soon becomes a familiar routine. At first, the idea of a weekly injection can feel daunting, but after a few supervised practices most find it straightforward. Patients often describe a sense of relief when their appetite begins to feel calmer and easier to manage. Combining the medicine with small lifestyle adjustments often leads to early successes, such as smaller portions feeling satisfying or fewer cravings for high-calorie snacks. These changes, though subtle at first, build confidence and motivation to continue.

What this means in practice

Using Wegovy is not complicated, but it does require consistency. A weekly injection, paired with healthy eating and activity, builds steady progress over time. Hydration, protein intake, and mindful eating make side effects easier to manage. NHS services provide structured support, ensuring people feel confident with the pen and with lifestyle adjustments. Taken together, these steps help people achieve and sustain the benefits of treatment.