Ready to unlock the potential of Wegovy for weight loss? Understanding the right dosage is key to maximising its benefits. Let’s dive into the world of Wegovy and explore the optimal dosage for your weight management journey.
Understanding Wegovy
Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a weight loss prescription injection approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for chronic weight management. It’s part of a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
GLPs mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. It’s prescribed to people with obesity or overweight who also have at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion. By mimicking GLP-1, Wegovy can:
- Reduce appetite
- Slow down the rate at which your stomach empties
- Improve blood sugar control
Dosage Guidelines for UK Patients
Your healthcare professional will tailor your Wegovy dosage based on individual factors, such as:
- Your weight
- Your health conditions
- Your response to the medication
Here’s a general breakdown of the typical Wegovy dosage schedule:
- Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg, administered once a week.
- Dose Adjustment: Your doctor may gradually increase your dose over time, depending on your progress. Possible dosage increases include 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and a maximum of 2.4 mg per week.
- Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg per week.
Wegovy Dosage Escalation
The dosage of Wegovy is gradually increased to minimise side effects. Here’s a typical dosing schedule:
Your clinician will determine if you need to increase your dose further based on your response to the medication.
Important Tips
- Injection: Wegovy is administered as a weekly injection.
- Missed doses: If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Do not inject double doses.
- Side effects: Common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. These effects often subside over time.
FAQs about Wegovy Dosage
- Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
While Mounjaro and Wegovy are both GLP-1 agonists used for weight management, they have distinct mechanisms of action and dosing schedules. If you’re considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare professional.
- Can you switch from Saxenda to Wegovy dosage?
Both Saxenda and Wegovy are GLP-1 agonists used for weight management. While they share similarities, there are differences in their formulations and dosing schedules. If you’re considering switching from Saxenda to Wegovy, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare professional.
- When to Increase Your Wegovy Dosage?
Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist used for weight management. Its dosage is typically started low and gradually increased over several weeks to minimise side effects. The specific timing of dosage increases will depend on your individual response to the medication.
- Do Wegovy Side Effects Increase with Dosage?
Wegovy, a GLP-1 agonist used for weight management, can cause side effects. While these side effects often improve over time, some individuals may experience more severe or persistent symptoms as the dosage increases.
It’s important to note that the severity and frequency of side effects can vary greatly from person to person. Consult a doctor: If you experience severe or persistent side effects, if side effects significantly interfere with your daily life and if you have concerns about your Wegovy dosage.
References
British Heart Foundation (2024) Wegovy, British Heart Foundation. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/wegovy
Wegovy (2024) Diabetes UK. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/semaglutide/wegovy
Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc) (2024) Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13799/smpc
Wilding, J. P. H. et al. (2021) “Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity,” The New England journal of medicine, 384(11), pp. 989–1002. doi: 10.1056/nejmoa2032183.
