Wegovy: What is it?
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In the world of medical weight management, few names have made as much noise recently as Wegovy. With increasing media coverage, celebrity endorsements, and patient interest, this once little-known medication has become a headline-maker. But what exactly is Wegovy, how does it work, and what should you know before considering it?
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, it has since been repurposed and approved specifically for chronic weight management. In 2021, the U.S. FDA approved Wegovy for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). It was approved in New Zealand in 2024, with growing uptake in clinics across the country.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Wegovy helps:
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Reduce appetite
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Slow gastric emptying (making you feel fuller for longer)
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Control cravings
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Support sustainable calorie reduction
When used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as improved nutrition and movement, many patients see significant and sustained weight loss over time.
Who Is It For?
Wegovy is typically prescribed for:
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Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or
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Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health issues
It is not a "quick fix" or cosmetic solution. Instead, it's a tool for managing chronic metabolic health under medical supervision. It is not suitable for everyone, including those with a history of certain thyroid cancers or pancreatitis, and it should always be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
What Are the Side Effects?
Like any medication, Wegovy comes with potential side effects. The most common include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhoea or constipation
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Headache
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Fatigue
These are usually more common at the start of treatment and tend to settle over time. However, more serious (but less common) risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. Your clinician will discuss a full risk profile during consultation.
How Is It Taken?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, usually self-administered at home. The dosage is gradually increased over the first few months to minimise side effects and allow the body to adjust.
What About ‘Ozempic’? Are They the Same?
This is a common question. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but they are approved for different purposes and come in different doses. Ozempic is prescribed primarily for type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is specifically indicated for weight management. They should not be used interchangeably without medical guidance.
Why the Hype?
The results speak for themselves. In clinical trials, patients using Wegovy lost an average of 15–20% of their body weight over 68 weeks—significantly more than lifestyle changes alone. These results have sparked renewed optimism in the field of obesity medicine, shifting the narrative from willpower-based approaches to evidence-based medical support.
Is Wegovy Right for You?
Wegovy isn’t for everyone—but for the right patient, it can be a powerful part of a long-term health journey. It’s important to speak with a qualified clinician who can assess your medical history, goals, and lifestyle to determine if it’s a safe and suitable option.
At our clinic, we take a holistic approach to weight management, combining medical treatment with support for nutrition, mindset, and skin health—especially as body composition changes. If you’re curious about Wegovy or similar treatments, we’re here to help guide you through the options with care, integrity, and science at the core.
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