Wegovy
Wegovy at a Glance
Semaglutide 2.4 mg, sold under the brand name Wegovy and manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is a once-weekly self-injectable treatment developed specifically for chronic weight management in adults. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of medication that works with the body’s own hormonal system to support sustained weight loss.
MHRA approval for Wegovy in the UK was granted in 2023, covering adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² or above alongside a weight-related health condition. It is worth noting that Wegovy is not the same as Ozempic. Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is a lower-dose formulation licensed for type 2 diabetes only.
Our prescribers at Mistry Pharmacy will assess your suitability before any prescription is issued, ensuring Wegovy is clinically appropriate for you and in full keeping with GPhC standards.
How Does Wegovy Produce Weight Loss?
GLP-1 is a hormone that the gut releases naturally after eating. Semaglutide mimics this hormone, but at the 2.4 mg dose used in Wegovy the effect is sustained and significantly stronger than what the body produces on its own. This influences several processes central to weight regulation:
- Reduced hunger: appetite signals in the brain are dampened, making it easier to eat less without feeling deprived.
- Increased satiety: food moves through the stomach more slowly, so the feeling of fullness lasts longer after meals.
- Lower calorie intake: as a natural consequence of reduced hunger and increased fullness, daily food consumption typically falls.
- Improved blood sugar regulation: insulin secretion is enhanced in a glucose-dependent manner, and glucagon levels are reduced, supporting more stable blood sugar throughout the day.
The 2.4 mg dose is higher than those used in diabetes formulations, and this distinction matters. This is why Wegovy consistently produces greater weight loss than lower-dose semaglutide treatments.
What Did the Clinical Trials Show?
The STEP trial programme formed the basis of Wegovy’s MHRA approval, testing semaglutide 2.4 mg in thousands of participants across different patient profiles.
STEP 1: Adults with Obesity
Non-diabetic adults with a BMI of 30 or above taking semaglutide 2.4 mg over 68 weeks achieved:
- Mean weight loss of 14.9% of starting body weight
- Approximately 86% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight
STEP 2: Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Weight loss is generally harder to achieve in people with type 2 diabetes, making these results particularly notable:
- Mean weight loss of 9.6% over 68 weeks
- Significant HbA1c reductions achieved alongside weight loss
Across the STEP programme, weight loss was consistent, progressive, and maintained with ongoing treatment.
Accessing Wegovy at Our Clinic
To access Wegovy through Market Harborough Weight Loss, operated by Mistry Pharmacy, the first step is booking a consultation. Pricing is based on the dose prescribed and the length of treatment, and you will receive a full breakdown before anything is agreed. There are no hidden costs.
Disclaimer: All prescriptions are issued in full compliance with MHRA regulations and GPhC professional standards.
