If you’re exploring weight loss options, you may have heard of Wegovy. But what is Wegovy, and how does it help? In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this powerful prescription treatment – from how it works to its proven benefits.
What Is Wegovy?
Doctors prescribe Wegovy® to help adults and adolescents manage their weight. It contains semaglutide, a substance that mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) in your body to help regulate appetite and food intake.
The UK has also approved Wegovy®—unlike many other weight loss medications—to reduce the risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, in people who are overweight or obese and already living with cardiovascular disease.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy works by affecting areas of the brain that control hunger and fullness. As a result, it helps you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to eat less and lose weight.
Because Wegovy is injected once weekly, it fits easily into most people’s routines. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, it becomes a powerful tool for long-term weight loss.
What Are the Benefits?
Wegovy offers multiple health benefits, both for weight loss and heart health. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Significant Weight Loss
Firstly, this medication can lead to substantial weight loss. In a major clinical trial (STEP 1), patients using Wegovy lost an average of 15–17% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group.
Because this weight loss is sustainable over time, many users have reported better energy levels, improved mobility, and reduced joint pain.
2. Heart Health Protection
In addition to weight loss, Wegovy also lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events. In the SELECT trial, patients with existing heart disease and a BMI of 27 or higher had a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes when using Wegovy.
Even more importantly, this benefit was seen on top of standard heart treatments, such as cholesterol and blood pressure medications.
3. Approved for Adults and Teens
Wegovy is not just for adults. Adolescents aged 12 and older can also use it if they meet certain weight and health criteria. However, if a teen doesn’t lose at least 5% of their BMI after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, doctors may recommend stopping the treatment.
4. Backed by Extensive Research
Wegovy has been tested in more than 13,000 people through the SELECT and STEP clinical trial programmes. This strong body of research supports both its safety and effectiveness.
Who Should Use Wegovy?
You may be eligible for Wegovy if:
- You are an adult with a BMI of 30 or more (obesity), or
- You have a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol), or
- You are a teen (12+) with obesity and weigh more than 60 kg
Because Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine, you should speak with a healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.
Is Wegovy Right for You?
If you’ve struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, it may offer the extra support you need. Since it also helps reduce heart risks in certain patients, it may deliver benefits that go far beyond the number on the scale.
Final Thoughts
Wegovy is more than just a weight loss injection – it’s a clinically proven tool for improving overall health. With consistent use, lifestyle changes, and medical guidance, you may find it helps you reach your weight and health goals more effectively.
