What should I expect the first week of Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weight loss medication available on the NHS if you’re referred to a weight management service like Oviva. You can seek a referral from your GP if you meet the eligibility criteria – usually a BMI over 30 and at least one weight-related health condition.
The medication contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is self-administered via injection. It helps suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness. So, what should you expect during the first week of Wegovy treatment, and does it work straight away?
Key Takeaways
- Your first Wegovy injection can be self-administered at a time that suits your schedule.
- Wegovy starts working from the first dose, and you may notice initial effects, such as increased feelings of fullness, during the first week.
- You may also experience some side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, which are usually mild and generally ease over time.
- With Oviva, you’ll access personalised care and an app for symptom, weight and food tracking – you can take note of your whole experience and report any concerns.
Week 1 on Wegovy – what you’ll do
Week 1 will begin with your first injection at the starter dose of 0.25 mg/week. This is a low dose, which helps to ease your body into the effects of the medication. The injection is self-administered using a single-use injectable pen.
You can inject it into your stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm. The stomach or thigh are generally the recommended locations, as they’re easy to access.
You can take your Wegovy injection at any time of the day, so choose a time that suits your schedule.
Some people find it easier to take the injection at roughly the same time every week, as this can help to establish a routine.
Week 1 on Wegovy – how you’ll feel
The injection is quick and painless: many people barely feel it and you will not see the pen. In week 1, you may start to feel full for longer after your meals and could start to experience appetite suppression. At a low dose, the effects are usually more noticeable in the first 5 days.
For some people, the medication’s appetite suppression effects are not felt until the second or third injection, so do not panic if you do not experience this right away.
During your first week of taking the medication, you may also start to experience some negative side effects of Wegovy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain. These side effects are usually mild and generally ease over time.
If you’re referred to Oviva, you’ll have access to a smartphone app that offers options to track your symptoms, side effects, and feelings. You’ll also have direct contact with healthcare professionals so you can report any concerns.
Wegovy should be combined with lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise. Oviva’s healthcare team can work with you to make recommendations and create a personalised plan.
After the first dose
If you experience side effects from Wegovy, they may become less severe as you get further away from the time of your injection. However, everyone’s experience with side effects will be different, and some people will not experience negative side effects.
It’s likely your calorie intake will reduce during the first week as you start to implement lifestyle changes and experience the appetite suppression effects of Wegovy. If this leads to reduced energy levels, you can expect this to correct itself over time as your body adjusts.
Some people also experience fatigue as a side effect of the medication. This may become less noticeable after a few days, and the side effect often subsides with subsequent doses.
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Does Wegovy work straight away?
Wegovy starts to work within the body straight away, but the effects are not always immediately noticeable. This initial experience is different for everyone, but many patients start to feel increased feelings of fullness and a reduced appetite during the first week.
Some people experience initial weight loss results on Wegovy during the first week, but you should not feel discouraged if you do not see these benefits immediately.
It’s important to re-emphasise that you’ll start on a very low dose and gradually increase it over several months. As you increase the dose, the effects become more apparent.
Accessing professional support
If you have a BMI over 30 (27.5 if you’re from an ethnic minority background) and have at least one weight-related comorbidity, like asthma, depression, polycystic ovary syndrome, heart disease or type 2 diabetes, you can request a referral to Oviva from your doctor.
Oviva is a weight management programme accredited by the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Our team of experts can provide personalised care as you adjust to your medication and new lifestyle.
The healthcare professionals at Oviva can help with everything from dietary advice and psychological support to providing answers for why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy.
Monitor your goals
Receive personalised recommendations to help you to work towards your goal. Log your food, mood, water intake, exercise and other health metrics using the Oviva app.
Keep a food journal
Snap photos of your daily meals effortlessly within the Oviva app.
Get meal analysis
Get an in-depth meal analysis instantly with a daily summary of your diet.
Stay connected
Connect with your Oviva coach anytime through the app.
Browse learning resources
Written by Oviva’s team of experts, explore advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation to guide you through the programme and maximise long term weight maintenance.
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