Wegovy Injection Pens: What They Are and How They Support Weight Loss

Weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all, and for some, medical support can be a helpful part of the journey. As one of the most talked-about weight loss treatments in the UK, Wegovy injection pens have helped many people manage their weight more effectively when paired with healthy living habits and lifestyle changes.

At The Family Chemist, we’ve been supplying Wegovy to eligible patients as part of our medically supervised weight management service, and demand continues to grow. But what is Wegovy, how does it work, and is it right for you?

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription-only weekly injection containing semaglutide, a medication that helps regulate appetite. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)) which affects areas of the brain that control hunger.

By helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings, Wegovy supports a reduced-calorie diet, making it easier to lose weight and maintain weight care.

Who Can Use Wegovy?

Wegovy is suitable for adults who:

• Have a BMI of 30 or above (classed as obesity), or
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher and also have a weight-related condition.

It is intended to be used alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity as part of a long-term weight management plan. Wegovy will be most effective when paired with lifestyle changes. Wegovy is designed to make it easier to stick to a calorie deficit, without cravings or ‘food noise’.

How to Use Wegovy Pens

Wegovy comes in the form of simple, pre-filled injection pens used once a week. You inject the medication subcutaneously (just under the skin), in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

The pens come in gradually increasing doses, which help your body adjust and reduce the chance of side effects. When starting your treatment journey on Wegovy (as with any GLP-1), you’ll need to start on the lowest dose and gradually move up the dose after four weeks of the same dose. This increase is under guidance of a healthcare professional who will assess if it’s safe and will advise when to increase your dose.

Common Side Effects

Like most medications, Wegovy can cause side effects, especially in the beginning. These may include:

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Headaches

Most side effects are mild and temporary and will ease after a few days of treatment. There are a few ways to minimise the Wegovy side effects.

Wegovy’s Benefits for Cardiovascular Health

Maintaining cardiovascular health is vital for overall well-being, especially since heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally. For adults with obesity, effective weight management can significantly improve heart health. In a recent clinical trial, Wegovy was shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack and stroke) when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Participants receiving a once-weekly 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy experienced a notable reduction in serious cardiovascular events compared to those in the placebo group, despite both groups receiving the same standard care for heart health.

Is Wegovy Effective for Weight Loss?

Yes. In clinical trials, patients using Wegovy alongside diet and exercise lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 60 weeks. For many people, it’s been a game-changer, especially when combined with professional support.

The Bottom Line

Wegovy is a powerful weight loss tool that, when combined with healthy habits and the right support, can make a real difference in helping people reach their long-term weight goals. It’s not a quick fix, but for those who qualify, it can provide the boost needed to make sustainable progress.

We’re proud to support patients through every step of their weight loss journey, offering guidance, care, and access to clinically proven treatments like Wegovy. If you’re considering medical weight loss support, our pharmacy team is here to help you decide if Wegovy is right for you.

Explore our weight management services or start your confidential online consultation today.