What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is semaglutide at 2.4 mg weekly — the dose specifically tested and FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Approved in 2021, it was the first drug to reliably deliver double-digit percentage weight loss, and in 2024 it added an approval for reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity.
Qualification follows FDA labeling: BMI of 30+, or 27+ with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. A licensed provider must evaluate you first.
The cardiovascular approval matters for coverage — it is why Medicare now covers Wegovy for some patients, something previously blocked for weight loss drugs.
How it works
Wegovy delivers the same GLP-1 receptor agonist as Ozempic, but titrated to a higher 2.4 mg maintenance dose. It mimics the gut hormone that signals fullness: appetite drops, stomach emptying slows, and cravings quiet down.
The higher dose is the whole point — weight loss scales with dose in semaglutide trials, and 2.4 mg is where the ~15% average results come from.
Dosing schedule
Wegovy uses a 5-step titration over 16+ weeks to reach full dose:
| Dose | When |
|---|---|
| 0.25 mg / week | Weeks 1–4 |
| 0.5 mg / week | Weeks 5–8 |
| 1.0 mg / week | Weeks 9–12 |
| 1.7 mg / week | Weeks 13–16 |
| 2.4 mg / week | Maintenance dose |
Results in clinical trials
STEP 1 (NEJM 2021): adults without diabetes lost an average 14.9% of body weight versus 2.4% on placebo. A third of participants lost over 20%. The SELECT trial (2023) added a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events, which drove the 2024 label expansion.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea (44% in trials)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney injury
- Increased heart rate
- Suicidal ideation (monitor mood changes)
How much does Wegovy cost?
Wegovy is one of the most expensive maintenance drugs in America at list price — but rarely what people actually pay:
| Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| List price | $900–$1,400 / month |
| NovoCare cash-pay pharmacy | ~$499 / month, all doses |
| With commercial insurance | $0–$100 / month copay (when covered) |
| Medicare | Covered only for cardiovascular risk indication |
Prices vary by clinic, dose, and location — always confirm directly. See real local pricing on our clinic listings.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Wegovy?
Adults with BMI 30+, or BMI 27+ with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea). Also approved for adolescents 12+ with obesity. A provider consultation is required — no legitimate clinic skips it.
Does insurance cover Wegovy?
Inconsistently. Many commercial plans cover it with prior authorization; many employer plans still exclude weight loss drugs entirely. Medicare covers it only for the cardiovascular indication. If uncovered, NovoCare cash-pay at ~$499/month is the fallback most clinics recommend.
How long do you stay on Wegovy?
It is labeled for chronic use — obesity is treated as a long-term condition. Trial data shows most weight returns within a year of stopping. Some patients taper to lower maintenance doses; discuss the long-term plan with your provider up front.
Wegovy vs Zepbound — which is better?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) posts higher average weight loss (~21% vs ~15%) and won the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head. Wegovy counters with the cardiovascular outcomes approval and broader insurance history. Coverage and tolerability usually decide it — both are strong options.
Related medications
This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Wegovy is a prescription medication — talk to a licensed healthcare provider about whether it is right for you. GLPFinders is a directory service and does not prescribe, sell, or dispense medications.