Wegovy Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Wegovy Weight Loss Injections

Introduction: Why Wegovy Belongs in the Conversation

I’m Emmanuel, lead clinician at Edinburgh Travel, Weight Loss & Ear Wax Clinic at Avante Pharmacy. In recent years, Wegovy (semaglutide) has gained strong reputation as a leading weight loss injection. Many patients ask: is Wegovy better than Mounjaro? Is it more affordable now that Mounjaro prices have soared?

This guide provides a thorough, up-to-date look at Wegovy in 2025: how it works, clinical data, UK pricing, user reports, side effects, who qualifies, and how we use it here in Edinburgh. Use this alongside our Mounjaro guide and Starting Weight Loss Injections to compare your options.

Quick Answers About Wegovy Injections

• What is Wegovy?
  Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable drug (semaglutide) that mimics the natural gut hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite, delay digestion, and support weight loss.

• How effective are Wegovy injections?
  In clinical trials (STEP series), many patients achieved ~15 % body weight loss, and newer dosing studies suggest up to ~17 %.

• How soon will I see results with Wegovy weight loss injections?
  Appetite suppression often begins in week 1–2. Noticeable weight loss typically appears by week 4 to 8, increasing with time.

• What are common side effects?
  Nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort. These are most intense during dose escalation.

• How much does Wegovy cost in the UK (2025)?
  Private prices vary between £109 and £299 per month, depending on dose and provider.

• Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
  Access is extremely limited. Only patients meeting strict obesity criteria via specialized weight management services (tier-3) are eligible. Financial Times

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy is a formulation of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone your body naturally uses to signal fullness, slow down digestion, and moderate blood sugar rises after eating.

By boosting GLP-1 signaling, Wegovy helps you feel satisfied sooner, eat less, and maintain better blood sugar control. Over weeks and months, this suppression of appetite leads to sustained weight loss.

Unlike Mounjaro, which acts on two pathways (GLP-1 + GIP), Wegovy focuses on the GLP-1 axis. That can mean slightly slower or lower maximum weight loss, but many patients find Wegovy more tolerable and stable.

Clinical trials of Wegovy (the STEP trials) have shown consistent results: many participants lost ~10-15 % of body weight; some approaches and extension studies suggest up to 17 % in certain populations. Others exploring higher doses are testing even stronger weight loss responses.

Clinical Evidence & Comparative Data

STEP Trials & Efficacy

The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) trials form the backbone of Wegovy’s evidence. Key results:

• In STEP 1, patients on 2.4 mg semaglutide lost ~15 % of their body weight over 68 weeks (vs ~2–4 % for placebo).

• Other STEP trials confirmed benefits in populations with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk, or long-term maintenance.

• Extension studies show that continued therapy maintains or further enhances weight loss.

Comparisons to Mounjaro

Because Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is newer and more powerful in many patients, it often delivers higher average weight loss in trials. But Wegovy still remains a strong, well-validated option with benefits such as:

• Lower rates of injection site reactions in some studies

• More stable side effect profiles for certain patients

• Proven cardiovascular risk reduction in overweight or obese patients with heart disease

It’s also worth noting that Mounjaro’s pricing surge in 2025 has made Wegovy a relatively more attractive option in cost-sensitive cases.

NHS Access and Constraints

• Wegovy is licensed for weight management, yet NHS prescribing is extremely limited. It’s typically reserved for patients in specialist weight management programmes (Tier-3) with severe obesity. Financial Times

• Reports indicate only 3,300 NHS prescriptions since its launch, far below anticipated volumes, largely due to shortage of weight management clinics. Financial Times

• Some patients report GPs refuse to prescribe it, even when they believe it would help. Reddit+1

Because of these barriers, many patients exploring Wegovy must use private clinics or pharmacies.

User Experiences: What Real People Say

Hearing user stories helps ground clinical data in lived experience. Reddit forums like r/WegovyUK, r/WegovyWeightLoss, and crossover threads offer a view into side effects, progress, and struggles.

✅ Positive Outcomes

• Some users report strong appetite suppression from week 1.

• “I started Wegovy 1 mg … had intense lack of hunger, nausea, vomiting … nausea subsided after ~36 hours” Reddit

• One long-time user noted a plateau when increasing dosage, but overall steady loss. Reddit

• In r/WegovyUK, a patient on 0.25mg during first 4 weeks reported ~8 lb loss (likely fluid / initial adjustment) along with side effects like constipation, bloating, soreness post injection. Reddit

⚠️ Challenges / Drawbacks

• Many report nausea, GI discomfort, bloating, constipation, especially when stepping up dose.

• Some find the plateau arrives faster than with Mounjaro: one user said side effects were worse on Wegovy, and progress plateaued faster. Reddit

• Others mention difficulties getting prescriptions via NHS channels, or GPs refusing to engage. Reddit+1

• In r/AskUK, one user on Wegovy noted reduced inflammation and body pain early in treatment, which surprised them. Reddit

These reports reinforce that tolerance varies, and close clinical support is critical — something we emphasise in our Edinburgh clinic.

Who Is Eligible for Wegovy?

General Criteria

• Wegovy is approved when BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with weight-related health condition (e.g. hypertension, type 2 diabetes)

• Must have tried lifestyle interventions first (diet, exercise)

• No contraindications such as severe pancreatitis, certain GI disorders, or personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

NHS vs Private Criteria

• NHS prescribing is stricter: requires referral through specialist obesity services, often limited to patients with BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities

• Private route allows more flexibility; clinics like ours may approve eligibility at BMI 30+ if other health risks are present

In Edinburgh, we evaluate each case individually with blood panels, medical history, and weigh risks vs benefits.

Starting Wegovy: What to Expect in Our Clinic

Here is how we administer Wegovy in a safe, patient-centric way:

1. Initial Consultation & Assessment

   • Review medical history, screening labs, goals

   • Explain mechanism, expectations, side effects

   • Determine starting dose (commonly 0.25 mg)

2. Titration Schedule

   • Each ~4 weeks, we assess tolerance and decide whether to raise the dose

   • Typical schedule: 0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg

3. Monitoring & Support

   • We check in regularly (in-person or remotely)

   • Monitor labs (kidney, liver, glucose)

   • Adjust dose or pause escalation if side effects are intolerable

4. Lifestyle and Behavioural Support

   • Diet, nutrition, and fitness advice always included

   • Behavioural strategies to make the medication more effective over time

With this approach, we aim for steady, sustainable progress rather than drastic short-term losses.

Side Effects & Safety Profile

Wegovy is generally well tolerated when supervised. But side effects are real and must be managed.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal discomfort / bloating

• Indigestion or heartburn

These often peak during dose escalation and improve with time.

Less Common / Serious Risks

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Thyroid C-cell tumors (in animal studies)

• Possible adverse GI events

Hence monitoring, patient selection, and medical supervision are vital.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Choosing the Right One

Because both drugs are powerful, many patients wonder which is best. Here’s how the tradeoffs often line up:

If cost, tolerability, or NHS access are critical factors, Wegovy is often the more balanced option in 2025.

At our Edinburgh clinic, we evaluate which drug aligns best with your goals, risk tolerance, and budget. Many patients start with Wegovy and later escalate or switch as needed.

FAQ: Wegovy Injections (Keyword-Oriented)

How soon will I see results with Wegovy weight loss injections?
Many individuals start noticing appetite reduction within 1–2 weeks. Measurable weight loss commonly begins in weeks 4–8, with the greatest losses occurring over months.

What are side effects with Wegovy injections?
The most common are nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, and indigestion. These typically occur during dose increases and lessen over time.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy injections?
Yes. Many patients switch due to cost or side effect concerns. Transitioning generally involves selecting an appropriate starting Wegovy dose and close monitoring.

Will the 2025 Mounjaro price increase affect me if I use Wegovy?
Indirectly yes. With Mounjaro becoming more expensive, many compare costs and choose Wegovy instead. Wegovy prices have remained more stable.

Is Wegovy available via the NHS in Scotland/Edinburgh?
Access is very limited. Only patients in specialist weight management services (Tier-3) meeting strict criteria might qualify. For most, private routes are necessary.

Do I need to continue Wegovy indefinitely?
Long-term continuation is common to maintain weight loss. Stopping often leads to weight regain unless lifestyle changes are fully entrenched.

How do I book Wegovy consultation in Edinburgh?
You can book online or call us at 0131 287 2020. We guide you through eligibility, dosing, and monitoring.

How to Book Your Wegovy Appointment

Online Booking

Use our booking page to choose a time that suits you.

Visit Us In Person

📍 Edinburgh Travel, Weight Loss & Ear Wax Clinic at Avante Pharmacy
39 Westfield Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2QW
☎️ 0131 287 2020

🕐 Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm

• Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm

• Sunday: Closed

We strive to make your visit seamless and supportive.

Conclusion: Is Wegovy Right for You?

Wegovy is a powerful, well-studied option in the landscape of weight loss injections. It offers strong results with a more predictable side effect profile and more stable pricing (especially post-2025 Mounjaro hike). But it is not for everyone.

At Avante Pharmacy’s Edinburgh clinic, we evaluate:

• Your medical history and risks

• Your BMI and weight-related conditions

• Your tolerance for side effects

• Your financial budget & preferred duration

Together, we will choose whether Wegovy, Mounjaro, or switching between them fits you best.

👉 Book your consultation today and let us guide you on the path to safe, sustainable weight loss.