What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection for weight loss containing semaglutide as its active ingredient. It was specifically approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight⁴.

This is an important distinction from Ozempic, which was originally approved only for type 2 diabetes.

This is where confusion often arises: Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient - semaglutide.

However, there are crucial differences⁴:

• Wegovy has a higher maximum dose: 2.4 mg vs 2 mg for Ozempic

• Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, Ozempic for diabetes

• Since 2024, Wegovy has also been approved for cardiovascular risk reduction

• Wegovy pens have built-in needles, while Ozempic uses separate needles

In simple terms: Ozempic is the lower-dose version for diabetes treatment, while Wegovy is the higher-dose version developed specifically for weight loss. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists and work by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone⁵.

In the Netherlands, Wegovy is available by prescription for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.

How does Wegovy work for weight loss?

Wegovy works via the GLP-1 mechanism. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally released by your intestines after eating. Wegovy mimics this hormone and triggers the same responses in your body⁵:

• Slows gastric emptying - food stays in your stomach longer, keeping you fuller for longer

• Reduces appetite by sending signals to your brain

• Increases feelings of fullness after meals

• Stimulates insulin production when blood sugar rises

• Suppresses glucagon release (which normally raises blood sugar)

• Signals the liver to produce less glucose

Through these combined effects, you consume fewer calories without feeling hungry. Your body uses available energy more efficiently and stores less excess sugar as fat⁵.

Many people using Wegovy also report a reduction in “food noise” - the constant thoughts about food, checking delivery apps, or cravings that are hard to ignore. This makes it easier to make healthy choices and stick to a nutrition plan⁵.

Important to note: Wegovy acts on one hormone (GLP-1), while Mounjaro acts on two (GLP-1 + GIP). However, because Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic, it is highly effective for weight loss.

How much weight do you lose with Wegovy?

The STEP clinical trials provide a clear picture of what to expect. Wegovy (2.4 mg semaglutide) led to an average weight loss of about 15% after 68–104 weeks. In studies with intensive lifestyle counseling or selected responders, results were higher - up to around  16–17%⁶:

• STEP 1: average 14.9% weight loss after 68 weeks

• STEP 3: average 16% weight loss after 68 weeks (with intensive lifestyle intervention)

• STEP 4: average 17% total weight loss, measured in a selected responder population after 20 weeks

• STEP 5: average 15.2% weight loss after 104 weeks (2 years)

More recent research using a higher 7.2 mg dose showed an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks, with about one-third of participants losing 25% or more of their starting weight. This higher dose is not yet standard, but it demonstrates how effective semaglutide can be.

In practical terms:

• Starting weight 100 kg: 15–20 kg weight loss possible

• Starting weight 120 kg: 18–24 kg weight loss possible

• Starting weight 90 kg: 13.5–18 kg weight loss possible

The typical timeline looks like this: during the first month, you lose about 2% of your body weight (on the low starting dose). Appetite suppression is often noticeable within days. Most weight loss occurs between months 3 and 9, with maximum effect reached after 12–18 months¹˒⁶.

For comparison, placebo groups in the same studies lost only 2–4% of their body weight¹. Wegovy is therefore significantly more effective than diet and exercise alone. Importantly, all studies combined Wegovy with healthy nutrition and regular physical activity - the medication amplifies your efforts.

Who is Wegovy suitable for?

Wegovy is available for adults (18+) who meet the following criteria⁴:

• A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)

• Or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2

  diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or respiratory problems (asthma or sleep apnea)

Wegovy is particularly suitable for people without diabetes whose primary goal is weight loss. Unlike Ozempic, which is approved for diabetes, Wegovy was specifically developed as a weight-loss medication⁴.

A unique advantage of Wegovy is its proven cardiovascular protection. In 2024, Wegovy received an additional approval: it reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with overweight or obesity and existing cardiovascular disease³.

This makes Wegovy especially suitable for people with cardiovascular risk factors.

Wegovy is not suitable if you:

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

• Have a severe allergy to semaglutide

• Have type 1 diabetes

• Have a history of pancreatitis

• (Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding)

Extra caution is required in cases of gastroparesis, kidney disease, a history of gallstones, or if you use other diabetes medications⁴. Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Wegovy can cause side effects, especially at the start of treatment. The most common are gastrointestinal and affect more than 1 in 10 people⁴:

• Nausea – may occur in more than 40% of users

• Diarrhea – about 30% of users

• Vomiting – about 24% of users

• Constipation – about 20% of users

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• FatigueReduced appetite (this is actually the desired effect)

These side effects occur because Wegovy slows gastric emptying. Because Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), their side effects are similar. Symptoms are strongest during the first 4–8 weeks and after each dose increase⁴. Most side effects are mild and resolve as your body adapts.

Tips to reduce side effects:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones

• Avoid fatty, heavy, or fried foods

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly

• Drink enough water (2–3 liters per day)

• Try ginger or peppermint tea for nausea

• Follow the gradual dose escalation as prescribed

Rare but serious side effects (<1%) include pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain), severe allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, and kidney problems⁴. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or other serious symptoms.

How do you use Wegovy?

Wegovy is administered once weekly as a subcutaneous injection - under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or back of the upper arm. Choose the same day each week, but rotate injection sites⁴.

Dose escalation schedule (every 4 weeks):

• Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg (starting dose)

• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg

• Weeks 9–12: 1 mg

• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg

• Week 17 and beyond: 2.4 mg (maintenance dose)

This gradual titration minimizes side effects and allows your body time to adjust. Not everyone needs to reach the full 2.4 mg - your doctor will determine the optimal dose for you⁴.

A practical advantage of Wegovy: each pen has a built-in needle. After use, the entire pen is discarded in a sharps container. This is more user-friendly than Ozempic, which requires attaching separate needles⁴.

Practical tips:

• Set a reminder for your weekly injection day

• Store Wegovy in the refrigerator (2–8°C); do not freeze

• Let the pen reach room temperature before use (30–60 minutes)

• Check the solution - it should be clear and colorless

• Use each pen only once

• Dispose of used pens safely in a sharps container

Wegovy is most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle: nutritious eating, regular physical activity (both strength and cardio), 7–9 hours of sleep per night, and stress management. The medication strengthens your efforts and makes it easier to maintain healthy habits¹˒⁶.

How long do you use Wegovy?

Wegovy is designed for long-term use in chronic weight management. The medication supports weight loss as long as you use it, but the effect stops when treatment is discontinued. Many users therefore choose continued use to maintain results. Others successfully stop by making lasting lifestyle changes: consistently healthy eating, staying active, and maintaining strong daily routines. The key is that these changes must be permanent.

Thinking about tapering off? Always do so in consultation with your doctor and create a clear plan for weight maintenance. View Wegovy as a catalyst for lasting change, not a quick fix.

Start your weight loss journey with Menkind

At Menkind, we support men in their weight loss with the full range of GLP-1 medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Our BIG-registered physicians assess which treatment best fits your situation. Wegovy may be the right choice if your primary goal is weight loss without diabetes, or if you are seeking cardiovascular protection.

You gain access to ongoing medical supervision, progress monitoring, and practical support. Our platform is 100% online, allowing you to receive flexible and discreet care whenever it suits you. Start an intake today and discover which treatment can help you achieve your health goals.

References

1. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/

2. Rubino, D., Abrahamsson, N., Davies, M., et al. (2021). Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1414–1425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33755728/

3. Lincoff, A. M., Brown-Frandsen, K., Colhoun, H. M., et al. (2023). Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 389(22), 2221–2232. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37952131/

4. European Medicines Agency. (2024). Wegovy (semaglutide): EPAR - Productinformatie. https://www.ema.europa.eu/nl/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_nl.pdf

5. Blundell, J., Finlayson, G., Axelsen, M., et al. (2017). Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, 19(9), 1242–1251. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28266779/

6. Garvey, W. T., Batterham, R. L., Bhatta, M., et al. (2022). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature Medicine, 28, 2083–2091. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36216945/

7. Rubino, D., Abrahamsson, N., Davies, M., et al. (2021). Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1414–1425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33755728/