What Is Wegovy? The Weight Loss GLP-1 Drug Explained

Approved in 2021, Wegovy by Novo Nordisk is a prescription medication developed specifically for weight loss. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to help reduce appetite and improve the body’s ability to manage blood sugar.

What made Wegovy stand out was its higher dose of semaglutide [1], which delivered impressive results: people who stayed on it for over a year lost an average of 15–16% of their body weight. This marked a significant improvement compared to earlier options like Saxenda and Victoza, which typically led to 5–6% weight loss.

Wegovy also has positive effect in many other areas. In the SELECT outcomes trial, Wegovy cut the combined risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death by about 20 % over 3.5 years in adults with obesity and established heart disease.  This clinically meaningful reduction led regulators to make Wegovy the first weight-management drug approved to lower major cardiovascular events, recognising additional benefits such as modest blood-pressure and lipid improvements alongside sustained weight loss.

So, what is Wegovy used for and how does it work?

What Is Wegovy and How Does it Work?

Wegovy is a weight-loss medication based on semaglutide [2], which targets areas of the brain involved in appetite control, including the hypothalamus.

By mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body, it helps reduce feelings of hunger and slows down digestion. This means you feel full for longer, are satisfied with smaller portions, and are less likely to snack between meals.

The medication also helps your body release insulin [3] more effectively after eating, while reducing levels of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. This activity supports better blood sugar balance.

Importantly, clinical studies [4] show that most of the weight lost while taking Wegovy comes from fat rather than muscle. However, since some muscle loss still occurs, physical activity during and after weight loss is crucial.

The structure of semaglutide allows it to remain active in the body for a full week after just one injection, making the treatment routine simple and manageable.

Application and Dosage

Each dose of Wegovy is designed to be injected once a week, just under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

The medication comes in five strengths [5], which are gradually increased over several weeks to help your body adjust:

• 0.25 mg – usually taken during the first 4 weeks,
• 0.5 mg – for weeks 5 to 8,
• 1.0 mg – for weeks 9 to 12,
• 1.7 mg – for weeks 13 to 16,
• 2.4 mg – from week 17 onwards, if well tolerated.

If the full 2.4 mg dose is not suitable, many people continue the treatment on 1.7 mg instead.

This step-by-step approach [6] helps reduce the risk of side effects, especially digestive issues, and gives your body time to adapt.

While this is the standard schedule, everyone is different. If your body needs more time, your healthcare provider may recommend staying on a lower dose for longer or adjusting the pace.

Wegovy – Side Effects to Be Aware Of

What is the most common side effect [7] of Wegovy?

The most frequently reported side effect is nausea, experienced by around 44% of users. This is followed by diarrhoea (30%), vomiting (24%), and constipation (24%).

Many other widespread side effects are related to the digestive system. These may include:

• Stomach discomfort,
• Bloating,
• Heartburn,
• Excess gas,
• Belching,
• A feeling of fullness.

Some people also report headaches, fatigue, occasional dizziness, and mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat.

If you have type 2 diabetes, it is crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels, as Wegovy can sometimes lower them too much, causing a condition known as hypoglycaemia.

Important but Rare Side Effects of Wegovy

Some side effects are rare but serious. If you experience any of the following, seek medical help immediately:

• Pancreatitis: sudden, severe tummy pain, sometimes spreading to the back, accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
• Gallbladder issues: pain in the upper abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale stools could signal gallstones.
• Severe allergic reaction: swelling, rash, breathing trouble.
• Increased heart rate: unusually fast or pounding.
• Eye changes in patients with diabetes: blurred or worsening vision.
• Thyroid-related issues: neck lumps, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.

Always tell your medical provider you are on Wegovy before a surgery, as it may affect how your stomach empties. Report to your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, eye complications from diabetes, or mental health concerns, before starting a treatment with Wegovy.

Who Should Not Take Wegovy?

Wegovy is not right for everyone. You should avoid it if:

• You or a family member has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), a condition that increases the risk of MTC.
• You have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of its ingredients.
• You are already using another GLP-1 medicine.
• You are under 12 years old, as Wegovy has not been approved for children.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, it is necessary to stop your treatment at least 2 months beforehand.

Ingredients in Wegovy

The active substance in Wegovy is semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that reduces appetite. The medication also contains inactive ingredients that help the medication work safely and effectively when injected under the skin, without interfering with your body’s normal functions. These are:

• Disodium phosphate dihydrate that helps maintain the right pH balance to keep the solution stable.
• Sodium chloride allows the solution to match the natural salt levels in your body, making it gentle and comfortable to inject.
• Small amounts of hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust the solution’s pH to the body’s natural pH.
• Sterile water for injection, used as the solvent and carrier for the ingredients.

Wegovy does not contain any preservatives because it comes in pre-filled single-use pens.

Staying on Track with Wegovy

The common digestive side effects of Wegovy often ease with time and do not affect everyone. However, when they do occur, supporting your digestive system can make a difference and help you achieve the results of your treatment, which requires taking the medication consistently.

With regular nutrient-rich, yet easy-to-digest meals and dedicated probiotic supplements, you will restore the balance of your gut microbiome affected by Wegovy, provide your body with all it needs even when appetite is low and improve tolerance to medication.

It is necessary to take extra care of your digestive system and stay well hydrated while on Wegovy, as vomiting and diarrhoea can become severe in some individuals, potentially leading to dehydration and affecting the kidneys.

Learn more about Forte80™

This article has been written with information taken from supported scientific research, and its purpose is purely educational. It should not be intended as medical advice or be used in personal diagnoses. Individuals on GLP-1 weight loss drugs should work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive, holistic health plan. With proper support, including targeted supplementation for digestive health, many more people may be able to benefit from these groundbreaking medications without sacrificing comfort or quality of life.