What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA in June 2021 specifically for chronic weight management. It represents the highest approved dose of semaglutide and is the first GLP-1 medication specifically labeled for obesity treatment in a decade.

Formulation: Weekly subcutaneous injection (single-dose pen)

Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist

Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk official patient site ↗

FDA Approved: 2021 — Key Trial: STEP-1 ↗ (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Who Is Wegovy For?

FDA-Approved Indication: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity

Adults with initial BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or BMI ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Also FDA-approved for cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with obesity/overweight plus established CVD (SELECT trial, 2023).

Eligibility criteria: BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, T2D, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease)

Dosing & Titration Schedule

The standard titration protocol for Wegovy (Semaglutide) allows your body to adjust gradually to the medication, minimizing GI side effects. Each dose is typically maintained for 4 weeks before escalation, though your prescriber may modify this based on tolerability.

Dose	Approx. Weeks	Frequency	Phase
0.25 mg	Wk 1–4	Weekly	▶ Starting dose
0.5 mg	Wk 5–8	Weekly	→ Escalation
1.0 mg	Wk 9–12	Weekly	→ Escalation
1.7 mg	Wk 13–16	Weekly	→ Escalation
2.4 mg	Wk 17–20	Weekly	★ Maintenance

Data source: FDA Prescribing Information for Wegovy. Individual titration may vary based on tolerability and clinical response.

Weight Loss & Glycemic Outcomes

Clinical trial evidence (STEP-1): 14.9% mean body weight reduction (STEP-1, 68 weeks)

Cardiovascular benefit: Wegovy has demonstrated cardiovascular outcome benefits in clinical trials. Discuss cardiovascular risk reduction with your prescriber.

These figures are based on clinical trial populations meeting specific inclusion criteria. Real-world results may differ due to adherence, diet, activity level, and individual biology. Calculate your projected weight loss →

Side Effect Profile

The most commonly reported side effects of Wegovy are GI-related, typically most pronounced during dose escalation. They generally improve within 2–4 weeks at a stable dose.

•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•Constipation
•Fatigue
•Injection Site Reaction
•Headache

For detailed guidance on managing specific side effects, see the Semaglutide side effects hub →

Cost Overview

Scenario	Estimated Monthly Cost
Cash pay (no insurance)	$1,300–$1,400/month
Commercial insurance	$25/month with Novo Nordisk savings card for eligible commercially insured patients
Manufacturer savings program	Novo Nordisk Wegovy Savings Program — eligible patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $25/month

Estimated based on Q1 2026 data. Prices vary by pharmacy, region, and insurance plan. Always verify current pricing with your pharmacy or plan.

Visit Novo Nordisk’s savings program ↗ | Estimate your monthly cost →

Safety & Contraindications

Wegovy carries a Boxed Warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (based on animal studies). The clinical relevance in humans is unknown, but the following contraindications apply:

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
MEN type 2 syndrome
Hypersensitivity to semaglutide
Pregnancy (discontinue ≥2 months before planned pregnancy)

Pregnancy: Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy. Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy when possible. Discuss contraception and family planning with your prescriber.

Drug interactions: Delayed gastric emptying may affect absorption of oral medications. Increased hypoglycemia risk with insulin or sulfonylureas.

How Does Wegovy Compare to Other Options?

See all brand comparisons →

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Wegovy different from Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically dosed and labeled for chronic weight management (2.4 mg max) while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes (2.0 mg max). Wegovy went through separate obesity trials (STEP program).

How much weight can I lose on Wegovy?

In the STEP-1 trial (N=1,961, 68 weeks), adults taking Wegovy 2.4 mg lost an average of 14.9% body weight vs 2.4% on placebo. Approximately 69% of participants lost ≥5% body weight.

Do I need a specific BMI to get Wegovy?

FDA approval requires BMI ≥30 kg/m² OR BMI ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Insurers may have additional requirements including documented prior weight loss attempts.

Is Wegovy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies significantly. Many commercial plans cover Wegovy; Medicare Part D does not cover anti-obesity medications. Prior authorization is almost universally required.

What does the Wegovy titration schedule look like?

Standard titration: 0.25 mg (weeks 1–4) → 0.5 mg (weeks 5–8) → 1.0 mg (weeks 9–12) → 1.7 mg (weeks 13–16) → 2.4 mg (week 17+, maintenance). Dose escalation can be slowed if side effects are intolerable.

What happens if I stop Wegovy?

Multiple studies demonstrate significant weight regain after discontinuation — averaging 6.9% regain at 1 year (STEP-4 extension). Wegovy is indicated for chronic, ongoing treatment rather than a short-term intervention.

Can I take Wegovy if I have heart disease?

Yes — the SELECT trial (2023, N=17,604) showed Wegovy reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% vs placebo in adults with obesity/overweight and established CVD. This is now part of the approved labeling.

Wegovy: Complete Guide to Semaglutide (2026)