Wegovy is licensed specifically for chronic weight management. It contains semaglutide — the same active
ingredient found in Ozempic — but at a higher maintenance dose, calibrated for weight loss rather than
glycaemic control. This article sets out how the medicine acts on the body.
Mechanism of action
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It mimics a naturally occurring gut hormone
released after eating, which signals to the brain and digestive system that the body has received sufficient food.
In Wegovy, this pathway is engaged more strongly, reflecting its higher target dose and its specific licensing for
weight management.
Site-by-site effects
● Brain: acts on appetite-regulating centres in the hypothalamus, reducing hunger and food-seeking
behaviour
● Stomach: slows gastric emptying, extending the feeling of fullness after meals
● Pancreas: increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, which also supports metabolic health during
weight loss
Administration and dosing
Wegovy is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Dosing begins at a low starting level and is increased
gradually over a period of months to the target maintenance dose, in line with tolerability. This gradual titration
is designed specifically to reduce gastrointestinal side effects during initiation.
What patients should know
The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea — and these
are typically most noticeable during dose increases. As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, a full clinical
assessment is required before starting treatment, including a review of personal and family medical history and
any contraindications.
Because Wegovy is licensed for long-term weight management, ongoing clinical review is important, both to
monitor progress safely and to plan for maintenance once a target weight is reached.
Ready to find out if this is right for you?
Stemax Consult offers CQC-accredited assessment and GMC-led prescribing for Wegovy at our Milton Keynes
and Aberdeen clinics. Call us today on 01908 032992 to book a consultation and discuss whether Wegovy is
right for you.
This article is provided for general clinical information and does not constitute individual medical advice.
Patients should discuss suitability for treatment with a registered healthcare professional.