Key facts
At a glance
The numbers you need before deciding.
~33–37 lbs for a 220 lb person
Pill form (Wegovy 25mg): ~$149/month self-pay
Same drug — pill ~$149/mo · injection ~$1,350/mo
About 4 in 10 people · usually temporary
21% lean · STEP 1 body scan analysis
Within 1 year · STEP 1 extension — Wilding et al. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022
Before you start
Learn about this treatment
Everything you'd want to know before deciding.
On treatment
Already taking this?
Practical guides for people currently on this medication.
Clinical evidence
How it compares in trials
Average weight loss % — from individual phase 3 trials
What does the lost weight consist of?
Resistance training (weight lifting, bodyweight exercises) can significantly reduce the muscle loss. Aim for 2–3 sessions per week during weight loss.
Source: STEP 1 body scan analysis
What happens when you stop
Source: STEP 1 extension — Wilding et al. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022
medication
after stopping
after 1 year
In studies, people regained about 68% of the weight they lost within a year of stopping — ending about 5.6% below their starting weight. This is the body returning to its defended weight — not a personal failure. Current evidence supports long-term use for people who respond well.
Affordability
Cost & savings
Savings options
Pill form (Wegovy 25mg): ~$149/month self-pay. Injection form (Wegovy 2.4mg): ~$1,350/month list. NovoCare assistance available.
Is this right for you?
Who this tends to fit
Relevant if you
- Want a proven GLP-1 drug with proven heart benefits
- Want the choice between injection and a more affordable pill (~$149/month)
- BMI 30+ or 27+ with health conditions
- Prefer one of the most established weight loss medications
Not right if you
- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- You have a history of pancreatitis
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You want the highest weight loss available
Safety
Important cautions
In animal studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumours. It is unknown whether this applies to humans, but it is not prescribed to people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Stop taking and contact your doctor immediately if you have persistent severe abdominal pain — this may be a sign of pancreatitis.
This drug may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Tell your doctor if you develop sudden upper abdominal pain.
Practical guide
How to take Wegovy & Ozempic
Available as a weekly injection (Wegovy 2.4mg) or a daily pill (Wegovy 25mg)
Injection: inject under the skin of your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm once per week. Store in the refrigerator.
Pill: take on an empty stomach with no more than 4 oz of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
You start at a low dose and your doctor gradually increases it over about 4–5 months so your body can adjust
Common questions
FAQ
Questions to ask your doctor
- →Am I a good candidate given my health history and any other conditions I have?
- →Do I have any contraindications I should know about?
- →What results should I realistically expect, and over what timeframe?
- →Which side effects should make me contact you?
- →How long should I try this before we decide if it's working?
- →What happens if I need to stop — how do I come off it safely?