If you’ve been hearing a lot about Wegovy lately, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most talked-about weight loss medications, and for good reason - it’s been shown to help people lose significant amounts of weight when used safely and correctly.

As with any medication, it’s important to understand how Wegovy works, what the evidence says, and whether it’s right for you.

Let’s break it all down so you can make an informed decision.

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What is Wegovy?

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Wegovy is a prescription-only medication designed to support weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings. It works best when combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient Semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite and digestion. Wegovy is given as a weekly injection, which you administer yourself using a pre-filled pen.

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Does Wegovy Really Work?

Yes, there’s solid scientific evidence behind it. Wegovy has been approved by regulators like the MHRA and more recently by the NHS. These organisations only approve medications after thorough testing to ensure they’re effective and that their benefits outweigh any risks.

Clinical trials have shown impressive results. In one major study, participants taking Semaglutide lost around 5% of their body weight within the first eight weeks. Over a 68-week period, that figure rose to an average weight loss of about 15%. Longer-term research has also found that these results can be maintained for at least two years when treatment with Semaglutide is continued.

However, it’s important to note that long-term success still depends on maintaining healthy habits like balanced eating and regular physical activity.

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Other Health Benefits of Wegovy

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Beyond weight loss, Wegovy has been linked to improved heart health. In a large study called SELECT, people taking Wegovy had fewer serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Wegovy’s heart benefits seem to go beyond what you’d expect from weight loss alone. It may directly support your heart and blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

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What are the potential side effects and risks of taking Wegovy?

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Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. However, these are generally mild to moderate and often improve over time.

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Common side effects

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The most common ones are gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Stomach discomfort

Clinical trials have found these effects are usually mild, temporary, and tend to appear during the dose-increase phase (when your body is getting used to the medication). Most people find they settle over time.

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More serious but rare side effects to be aware of

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While uncommon, there are a few more serious risks to be aware of:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): This can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, and fever. Seek urgent medical help if this happens.

• Allergic reactions: Rarely, people may experience anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. Signs include swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat. Call emergency services immediately if you notice these.

• Thyroid concerns: Animal studies found a potential link to a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Because of this, Wegovy isn’t suitable for anyone with a personal or family history of MTC or a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

Prescribers continue to monitor the long-term safety of Semaglutide, but current research suggests that serious side effects are uncommon and that the benefits outweigh the risks for most people.

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What if I have other medical conditions?

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If you have pre-existing health conditions or take other medications, it’s essential to tell your prescriber before starting Wegovy.

Wegovy may slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which could affect how some oral medicines are absorbed - although this isn’t usually a major issue at standard doses.

No dose adjustment is usually needed for people with kidney or liver problems, but Wegovy is not recommended for those with end-stage kidney disease.

Always share a full list of everything you take - including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, or anything bought abroad - so your prescriber can check for interactions.

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Can I take Wegovy if I might get pregnant?

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If you can become pregnant, you’ll need to use effective contraception while taking Wegovy.

Studies in animals have shown potential risks to unborn babies, and there isn’t enough data yet on its safety in pregnancy. For that reason, Wegovy should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s best to stop Wegovy at least two months before trying to conceive, since it stays in your system for a while.

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Choosing a safe and reputable clinic

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Since Wegovy has become so popular, lots of online clinics are now offering it - but not all are legitimate. Here’s what to look for when choosing a provider:

• Regulated: The clinic should be registered and have a valid GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) number.
• Comprehensive care: They should offer proper medical screening, lifestyle support, and follow-up appointments. Just look at everything you get at Phlo Clinc with your Wegovy pen prescription.
• Transparency: A reputable clinic will clearly explain the process, costs, and who the prescribers are.
• Good reviews: Check independent review sites like Trustpilot for feedback from real patients.
  

Avoid clinics that offer no medical consultation, unclear dosing, or off-label prescriptions without proper assessment.

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Wegovy can be a powerful tool for weight management when used as part of a broader healthy lifestyle. It’s backed by strong clinical evidence, approved by medical regulators, and shown to improve not just weight, but also heart health.

If you’re considering Wegovy, our prescribing pharmacists here at Phlo Clinic can guide you safely, monitor your progress and support you along the way!

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References

Wilding, J.P.H. et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989–1002.

Garvey, W.T. et al. (2022) Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: The step 5 trial, Nature medicine.

Ryan, D.H. et al. (2024) Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the select trial, Nature News.

Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen. Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 13799.

Rodriguez, P.J, et al. Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, JAMA internal medicine.