Wegovy (Semaglutide): The Weight-Management-Specific GLP-1 Injection

Wegovy is a brand of semaglutide specifically approved for chronic weight management, distinct from the diabetes-labeled version of the same active ingredient sold as Ozempic.

How Wegovy Works

Semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, slowing digestion and signaling the brain to reduce appetite. Wegovy is formulated and dosed specifically for weight management rather than diabetes, and its approval process specifically studied outcomes in people with obesity or excess weight and a related health condition.

Wegovy vs. Ozempic

The active ingredient is the same, but the approved use, typical dosing, and labeling differ. Wegovy's approval is built around weight management outcomes, while Ozempic's is built around diabetes management. See our full comparison guide for how this affects which one a doctor might discuss with you.

How It's Taken and What to Expect

Wegovy is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin. Like other GLP-1 medications, treatment typically starts at a low dose that's gradually increased under medical supervision, both to build tolerance and to manage side effects. The typical approach starts at 0.25 mg weekly, then increases roughly every four weeks (through 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 1.7 mg) up to a target maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly, though a doctor may adjust this pace or settle on a lower maintenance dose based on tolerability — your specific schedule should always come from your prescribing doctor, not this general description. Common early side effects include nausea and digestive changes — see our side effects and risks guide for the fuller picture.

How It Compares in Practice

Beyond the clinical differences covered in our full comparison guide, coverage and cost are often what actually determine access: insurance or national health system coverage for weight-management-specific medications like Wegovy varies significantly by country and plan, and local availability can differ from Ozempic or Mounjaro even where all three are technically registered. It's worth asking your doctor or pharmacist about this directly rather than assuming one option is automatically accessible.

Who Might Be a Candidate

Wegovy is intended for adults meeting specific weight and health criteria, evaluated individually by a doctor. Our eligibility guide covers who is generally considered — and who generally is not.