Written by: Isabel Finch
Published: August 29, 2025
Alternative obesity management treatments available
Since its launch in 2023, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy has become one of the most popular weight loss injections in the UK.
But if you’re thinking about starting this treatment, getting clear advice and information on Wegovy can be challenging. With so much information online, you might be left with more questions than answers. Sometimes you just need factual guidance from experts you can trust.
So in our latest episode of Ask the Expert, Lead Pharmacist Aamina Rafiq asked our Clinical Director Abdal Alvi 13 of the most common patient questions about Wegovy. For example on how quickly it works, how long you can use it for, possible side effects – and much more.
Here are the answers.
They’re both weight management treatments you inject once a week, usually into the upper arm, thigh or stomach. But what makes Wegovy and Mounjaro different?
The medications have different active ingredients. Wegovy has the active ingredient semaglutide. It mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).
However, Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. This mimics both GLP-1 and another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
While some people respond better to Wegovy, others respond better to Mounjaro. Your clinician will help you find the treatment best suited to you. They will base this on your preferences, goals and medical history.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which your body naturally produces.
By mimicking this hormone, it helps regulate blood sugar, slows the rate food moves through your stomach, and sends a message to the part of the brain that controls hunger. This helps you feel fuller quicker (and for longer). It also reduces cravings, especially foods high in fat and sugar.
Studies have proved Wegovy to be effective at helping patients lose weight. In clinical trials, patients lost around 15 to 17 percent of their body weight over a 68-week period.
The medication is more effective when you combine it with a healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. The weight loss you experience will likely not be fast – but that’s a good thing. Losing a steady amount of weight slowly is far healthier. You’ll also be more likely to keep the weight off in the long-term.
[elementor-template id=”7540″]Yes, Wegovy benefits heart health.
A recent major study, the SELECT trial, found Wegovy cut the risk of repeat heart incidents (like a heart attack or stroke) for overweight or obese patients by about 20%.
Patients also saw improvements in the beginning stages of treatment. This suggests the treatment itself can improve heart health – not just the weight loss it causes.
This is especially important for people living with conditions such as high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes.
The rate of weight loss varies between patients. Some patients notice changes early while, for others, it takes longer. Gradual progress is more typical.
But remember, slow and steady weight loss is actually a good thing. Losing weight too quickly can be hard to sustain. It can also lead to other issues, like fatigue, hair loss and muscle loss.
There’s no strict time limit for how long you can use Wegovy. You can take it as long as it’s safe to do so for you and you’re still seeing benefits. We’ll assess you regularly to see how you’re getting on.
We recommend you keep using Wegovy for as long as possible, even once you’ve reached your goal weight. Maintaining weight is often harder than losing it. And Wegovy is effective at keeping the weight off, as it gives you time to establish healthy habits.
Remember that Wegovy is a tool to help manage your weight in the long-term – it’s not a short-term fix.
When you stop taking Wegovy, there is a chance you might put some – or all – of the weight you’ve lost back on. This happened to participants in clinical trials, who regained the weight after taking the medication for six months.
Wegovy works by regulating your appetite. When you stop, your previous appetite, cravings and hunger signals will come back.
However, that doesn’t mean you will necessarily regain the weight.
Other studies suggest the likelihood of regaining weight drops the longer you use treatment. This might be because it gives you more time to develop healthy habits that help you keep the weight off long-term. Remember that Wegovy is a long-term treatment.
If you’re thinking of coming off the medication, talk to your prescriber first. They might suggest more effective steps, like reducing your dose or changing to a maintenance plan. If you’re certain you want to stop, they’ll help you come off the medication safely.
You shouldn’t use Wegovy if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Wegovy won’t be suitable for patients with a history of certain health issues. This includes thyroid cancers and pancreatitis.
A legitimate, registered pharmacy will always carry out a full medical review before you start the treatment. A medical review will determine if it’s safe for you to use, and rule out risks like a potential allergic reaction.
Yes, Wegovy can make you tired. Most patients who do feel tired will usually experience it at the beginning of their weight loss journey. This feeling is usually temporary and it should improve as you get used to the treatment and your new lifestyle.
Make sure you’re eating enough nutritious food. This will help you sustain your energy levels. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned.
Some people might experience hair loss on Wegovy. However, this is usually an indirect cause of the medication.
Your hair may start shedding if you experience rapid weight loss or if you’re not getting the nutrients you need from your diet. When this happens, your body prioritises essential processes (like circulation) over non-essential processes (like hair growth).
This kind of hair loss is usually temporary. It should stop when you start eating enough nutrient-dense food and as your weight stabilises.
So focus on eating enough and eating varied and balanced meals. Avoid skipping meals or eating too little. Inadequate nutrition can affect your hair, skin and energy levels.
Talk to us if you’re concerned. We can assess your diet, food intake, your dose and your overall health. Our prescribers can adjust your dose and our team of nutritionists can give you extra diet support.
While you can drink alcohol on Wegovy, it can worsen side effects, like nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. So it might be wise to avoid drinking if you’re feeling sick from the treatment.
A lot of patients find that the medication reduces your alcohol cravings. So you might not want to drink as much on Wegovy.
Are there foods to avoid on Wegovy? Certain foods can worsen common side effects, like nausea and heartburn. So being mindful of – and avoiding – foods that trigger them can help you manage them. This can be particularly helpful during the early stages of treatment.
A lot of patients will find these foods worsen side effects:
When you start taking Wegovy, you’ll probably find you don’t crave certain foods as much. For example high-fat foods or foods that contain a lot of sugar. One of the biggest benefits of the treatment is that it makes it easier to make healthier food choices.
Making small and manageable changes is the best approach. This will be more sustainable than completely overhauling your diet or cutting out entire food groups. For example, you could try cooking in less oil, finding healthy swaps, or creating your favourite takeaways at home.
Wegovy takes time, so you might not notice changes straight away. If you’re worried the medication isn’t working for you, make sure you give yourself some time. Most patients will notice changes to their weight gradually, over a period of weeks and months.
Remember that each person responds to the medication differently. Some may experience change straight away. For others, weight loss takes longer. Your starting weight, diet and lifestyle will all play a role in how fast you lose weight.
But if you’re not seeing significant weight loss, talk to your clinician. We can assess you and we may make adjustments to your dose if needed. We can also give you advice on diet, lifestyle and how you take your medication. While small, these changes can make a difference.
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