What should you expect during the first few weeks of taking Wegovy?

The first few weeks focus on getting used to weekly injections and allowing your body to adapt at a low dose. Common early effects include mild nausea, bloating, or changes in bowel habit; eating slowly, smaller portions, and staying hydrated usually help. Many people notice fewer intrusive food thoughts and an easier time leaving food on the plate. If symptoms persist or feel disruptive, clinicians may hold the dose for longer before stepping up, switch injection day, or review meal composition to keep things comfortable.

Settling into a new routine

Starting Wegovy means adjusting to a weekly injection, often the first time many people have used this type of treatment. NHS teams provide practical training on how to use the pre-filled pen and encourage choosing a consistent day of the week. Early on, the focus is less on dramatic results and more on building confidence with the process. Most people find that once the routine is set, injections become just another part of the week, similar to taking a regular tablet.

Early side effects and how to manage them

Digestive changes are the most common early experience. Mild nausea, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea can occur, especially in the first few weeks. NHS guidance stresses that these effects are usually temporary and improve as the body adjusts. Eating smaller, slower meals and maintaining good hydration can make a noticeable difference. Clinicians may recommend staying at the starting dose for longer before increasing if side effects feel disruptive. This flexible approach helps people remain comfortable while giving their body time to adapt.

Appetite changes

One of the first benefits many people report is a shift in appetite. Even at the lowest dose, semaglutide begins to influence GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut. This often means meals feel more satisfying and cravings become easier to resist. People describe being able to leave food on the plate or skip snacks without the sense of constant hunger that typically undermines diets. While visible weight change is less likely in the first weeks, these appetite adjustments are an encouraging sign that the treatment is starting to take effect.

When results start to show

NHS services explain that the first few weeks are mainly about tolerability, not rapid weight loss. The dose remains low to limit side effects, and only after several weeks of titration does it approach the therapeutic level tested in trials. For this reason, noticeable changes on the scale usually take longer to appear. Clinical teams often highlight the three-month mark as a realistic point to assess progress, with research showing that many people start to see measurable changes between months two and four.

Support from NHS services

Because Wegovy is prescribed only in specialist weight-management services, people starting it have access to dietitians, psychologists, and activity specialists. This support is especially valuable in the first few weeks, when side effects and new routines can feel challenging. NHS staff can suggest practical adjustments, such as altering meal composition or switching injection days, to make the process easier. Having regular contact also reassures people that they are not managing side effects or uncertainties alone.

Key takeaways

The first few weeks with Wegovy are about adaptation, not instant results. It is normal to experience mild digestive side effects as the body adjusts to the starting dose, and these are usually managed with simple changes like eating slowly and staying hydrated. Appetite often begins to settle early, with fewer cravings and easier portion control, even before visible weight loss appears. NHS guidance emphasises flexibility in titration, regular check-ins, and support from a multidisciplinary team to keep the experience safe and manageable. By understanding what to expect, people can approach the early weeks with realistic goals and confidence in the support available.