What kind of follow-up is recommended while on Wegovy?

Follow-up typically includes regular weight checks, symptom review, pulse and blood pressure, and a look at your food/activity plan. Many services set an early review after the first few dose steps to check tolerability, then periodic assessments to confirm progress and decide on continuation. Bring your injection log (date, site, dose) and note any side effects or missed doses — it speeds up good decision-making.

Why regular follow-up matters

Wegovy (semaglutide) isn’t a “set-and-forget” treatment. NICE TA875 and NHS England’s 2025 weight-management framework both emphasise that structured follow-up is central to safe and effective use. Because the medicine influences appetite, digestion, and metabolism, progress needs to be reviewed in context — including physical measures, lifestyle factors, and comfort with the injections. These reviews ensure that dosing remains appropriate, side effects are addressed early, and the overall plan stays sustainable.

The structure of early reviews

Most NHS and SMC services schedule the first review about 6–8 weeks after starting Wegovy. This aligns with the first two or three steps of the dose-ladder (0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 mg). The focus is on how the body is adapting — especially regarding nausea, bowel changes, and hydration. Clinicians also check weight, blood pressure, pulse, and overall wellbeing. NICE guidance highlights that early reviews are educational as much as medical: they allow staff to reinforce injection technique, safe storage, and site rotation, while also setting expectations about gradual weight change rather than quick results.

Mid-course and continuation assessments

After the initial phase, reviews usually take place every 3–4 months. NHS and MHRA guidance recommend monitoring body weight, waist measurement, and cardiovascular markers such as blood pressure and pulse. Many clinics incorporate blood tests periodically to track kidney and liver function, particularly in those taking other long-term medicines. At each checkpoint, clinicians also review adherence and tolerability. This is where your injection log becomes essential — it gives a clear picture of consistency and makes it easier to spot patterns in side effects or missed doses.

Continuation decisions are typically made around the 16–20-week mark. NICE TA875 and NHS England commissioning criteria define “clinically meaningful improvement” as about a 5 % reduction in baseline body weight by 6 months. If progress is on track and side effects remain manageable, treatment continues at the established maintenance dose. If improvement is limited, the team may reassess contributing factors such as diet, medication timing, or co-existing health conditions before deciding whether to proceed.

Lifestyle review as part of every visit

NICE and NHS guidance view Wegovy as one part of a broader lifestyle programme. Each follow-up includes discussion of food choices, activity levels, sleep quality, and emotional wellbeing. Weight loss plateaus are often addressed by reviewing calorie intake or adjusting physical-activity goals rather than automatically changing the dose. Dietitians and behaviour specialists may join review sessions to help build long-term habits. The SMC and AWTTC frameworks in Scotland and Wales echo this approach, ensuring that medication review always goes hand-in-hand with practical support.

Monitoring side effects and general health

Common side effects such as nausea, reflux, constipation, or fatigue are reviewed at each contact. Clinicians check hydration, encourage balanced meals, and may suggest simple remedies like ginger tea, smaller meals, or anti-sickness medication. MHRA product information also advises documenting any new or persistent abdominal pain, visual changes, or mood symptoms, even if mild. These conversations help detect rare complications early and maintain confidence in treatment. Many people find it reassuring to discuss expected symptoms rather than worry privately.

The role of self-monitoring

Keeping a personal record of injections, side effects, and weight trends improves the quality of each appointment. NHS nurses frequently recommend simple tracking tools — a paper log, phone notes, or an app that stores dose dates and body-measure data. Some users have mentioned that taking a weekly photo of the scale reading or pen label helps them stay organised and motivated. Bringing this information to reviews saves time and supports precise dose decisions.

What happens if you miss an appointment

If a review is delayed, clinicians can usually provide a short repeat prescription to avoid a dosing gap, but regular contact is still required. NICE guidance makes ongoing review a condition for continuation — not just a recommendation. Missing multiple appointments may pause the prescription until reassessment, ensuring that treatment remains both safe and purposeful. NHS clinics aim to be flexible with scheduling, but they rely on active participation to maintain care quality.

How clinicians view follow-up

Healthcare teams see these reviews as checkpoints for collaboration rather than inspection. They track not only kilograms lost but also improvements in energy, confidence, and metabolic health. NICE, NHS, and MHRA frameworks describe follow-up as a shared responsibility: clinicians guide the plan, but the person using Wegovy leads by logging doses, staying hydrated, and communicating openly. This shared model helps people remain engaged and reduces early discontinuation.

Putting it all together

Follow-up with Wegovy ensures that treatment stays safe, effective, and personal. Early reviews check comfort and technique; later ones confirm benefit and decide on continuation. Weight, blood pressure, and side-effect monitoring sit alongside lifestyle support to make progress sustainable. NICE, NHS, MHRA, and SMC guidance all agree: consistent review is the backbone of semaglutide therapy — protecting wellbeing, reinforcing good habits, and turning weekly injections into lasting results.