What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk, specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions.
Unlike Ozempic (which contains the same active ingredient but is approved for diabetes), Wegovy is prescribed at higher doses (up to 2.4 mg weekly) specifically for weight loss. It works by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing gastric emptying.
Clinical trials showed Wegovy users lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes. Tracking your journey is essential for maximizing results and maintaining healthy habits.
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved for Weight Loss. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone your body naturally produces, helping regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.
Wegovy Dosing Schedule
Schedule: Once weekly, same day each week
| Dose | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | 4 weeks | Starting dose — minimizes GI side effects |
| 0.5 mg | 4 weeks | First escalation dose |
| 1.0 mg | 4 weeks | Second escalation dose |
| 1.7 mg | 4 weeks | Third escalation dose |
| 2.4 mg | Ongoing | Target maintenance dose |
Important: The gradual titration schedule is designed to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Your doctor may adjust this schedule. Store pens refrigerated; after first use, they can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
How to Track Your Wegovy Journey
Consistent tracking helps you and your doctor optimize your treatment. Here's what to track:
- Log each weekly injection with dose, date, and injection site to track your titration progress
- Track side effects carefully during dose escalation weeks — nausea and GI issues are most common then
- Weigh in weekly and log it — Wegovy weight loss is gradual, so weekly trends matter more than daily changes
- Log your daily protein intake — preserving muscle during rapid weight loss is critical
- Track your workouts — strength training is especially important to prevent muscle loss on Wegovy
- Monitor your mood and energy — rapid weight loss can affect both, and tracking helps identify patterns
Track all of this free in OptimizeGLP
Log injections, side effects, weight, nutrition, and workouts — all in one app built for GLP-1 patients.
Get started freeWegovy Side Effects & Management
Most side effects are gastrointestinal and are most common during the first weeks of treatment and after dose increases. They typically improve as your body adjusts.
Nausea
Very commonWhen: Worst during titration weeks and after dose increases
Management: Small frequent meals, avoid fatty foods, stay hydrated. Ginger tea can help.
Vomiting
CommonWhen: During dose escalation
Management: If persistent, contact your doctor. Don't force large meals.
Diarrhea or constipation
CommonWhen: Variable
Management: Adjust fiber intake. Stay hydrated. Contact doctor if severe.
Fatigue
CommonWhen: During titration and calorie restriction
Management: Ensure adequate calorie and protein intake. Don't over-restrict.
Hair thinning
Less commonWhen: After significant weight loss (months in)
Management: Ensure adequate protein, iron, and zinc intake. Usually temporary.
When to call your doctor: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of pancreatitis, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. This guide is educational — always consult your doctor for medical advice.
Nutrition Tips for Wegovy Patients
What you eat matters as much as the medication itself. Proper nutrition helps manage side effects, preserves muscle, and maximizes your results:
- Aim for 0.8–1g of protein per pound of goal body weight to preserve muscle during rapid weight loss
- Eat protein first at every meal — it helps maintain muscle and keeps you full
- Incorporate resistance training 2–3x per week to signal your body to keep muscle, not lose it
- Stay hydrated — 80–100 oz daily minimum, more if you're active
- Take a daily multivitamin — reduced food intake means fewer micronutrients
- Avoid very large meals, especially during titration — they can trigger nausea and vomiting