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.
Since December 2025 Wegovy also comes as a pill. The FDA approved oral semaglutide 25 mg as the first GLP-1 tablet for weight loss, and it reached US pharmacies in January 2026. Same molecule, same brand name, no needle. The tablet is a separate product line from the weekly pen, with its own dose strengths and its own price.
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 (injection) | $900–$1,400 / month |
| NovoCare cash-pay pharmacy | ~$499 / month, all injection doses |
| Wegovy tablets (cash-pay) | From ~$149 first month, ~$299 / month after |
| 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.
Is there a Wegovy pill, and does it work as well as the shot?
Yes. The FDA approved oral semaglutide 25 mg as Wegovy tablets in December 2025 (the first GLP-1 pill approved for weight loss) and it launched in January 2026. In the OASIS 4 trial, adherent participants lost about 16.6% of body weight at 64 weeks, close to the injection. Tablets come in 1.5, 4, 9, and 25 mg strengths and are taken daily.
Related medications
Guides
Primary sources
- Wegovy prescribing information, Novo Nordisk
- STEP 1 trial, New England Journal of Medicine
- Current pharmacy pricing and terms, NovoCare
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.