Wegovy: A Weight Loss Injection Now Available in the UK

Sep 05, 2023 Weight Loss

The long-awaited arrival of Wegovy in the UK is here. Wegovy is a new weight-loss injection manufactured by Novo Nordisk. This is a product that many believe will make a significant difference to those struggling with obesity and associated issues such as prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy offers a new way to manage weight loss and is available on the NHS and private prescriptions for selected individuals.

You can now buy Wegovy online from our pharmacy here.

 

What is Wegovy?

 

Wegovy is the brand name for Semaglutide. This is a GLP-1 analogue manufactured by Novo Nordisk. This medication is designed to help individuals shed excess weight and regain control of their health.

 

Who Can Benefit from Wegovy?

 

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) issued guidelines recommending Wegovy for individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30kg/m² and above who also have at least one weight-related health condition. The guidelines include prioritising Wegovy to individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

 

Wegovy's Availability in the UK

 

On September 4, 2023, Novo Nordisk announced the limited availability of Wegovy in the UK. It will be accessible to those meeting the NICE eligibility criteria through specialist NHS weight management services or private prescription through registered healthcare professionals. Patients receiving Wegovy through NHS services will also receive comprehensive support, including dietary advice and exercise guidance. If you are prescribed Wegovy, you can order this as part of your regular prescriptions from Simply Meds Online.

 

While initially, the recommendations will make Wegovy accessible to approximately 35,000 people to start with, many more will benefit after the pilot programme expands. The aim is to work with GPs and weight professionals to increase availability alongside weight loss support for a larger number of individuals.

 

Is Wegovy the Same as Other Semaglutide Brand Names?

 

Semaglutide is also available as Ozempic and Rybelsus. These are both already available to help type 2 diabetics manage their blood glucose more successfully. The difference is that while Ozempic and Rybelsus focus on blood glucose management, Wegovy is tailored specifically for weight management in individuals, whether or not they have type 2 diabetes and comes in 5 different dosed pens, which are a higher dose than Ozempic. 

 

How Does Wegovy Work

 

Wegovy works by suppressing appetite, helping individuals consume fewer calories. It mimics how the gut hormone.  GLP-1 works. GLP-1 is released after eating and slows down food movement in the gut. This makes you feel fuller for longer. Wegovy is a weekly injection that you do at home. It’s important to remember that the amount of weight lost with Wegovy varies depending on individual circumstances.

 

The STEP 1 study indicated that those using Wegovy lost 12% more weight than those not using it. It also highlights the importance of using Wegovy alongside physical activity and a healthier/balanced diet.

 

Managing Weight After Wegovy

 

It's important to note that, like other weight loss medications, individuals may experience weight regain when they stop using Wegovy. Continued support for dietary and exercise changes is essential for maintaining weight loss achievements.

 

Possible Side Effects With Wegovy

 

As with all medications, Wegovy comes with the potential for side effects. Common side effects when starting Wegovy include nausea, constipation and diarrhoea. Detailed information about side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) included with the medication. Wegovy may not be suitable for those with diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) who are using insulin. Your GP will discuss this with you when assessing suitability.

 

Other Options for Weight Loss From Simply Meds Online

 

Everyone’s weight loss journey is individual and therefore how they lose weight and what support they need, medically and otherwise, varies. Here at Simply Meds Online, we will offer Wegovy but also other weight loss options such as Orlistat (Xenical) and Saxenda. If Wegovy is not yet available for you or not appropriate speak to your GP or pharmacist for alternatives that suit your needs.

Maintaining a healthy weight plays a large part in lowering risk factors for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. If you are struggling to lose or manage your weight with diet and exercise alone, please see your healthcare team for advice.