What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Wegovy is a powerful weight-loss medication, but as with all medicines, side effects may occur. In this blog, you can read about the side effects that may occur, when they most commonly occur, and how Goodweigh helps you to undergo a safe and comfortable treatment. If you would first like to read more about how this medicine works, you can find more information about Wegovy on our product page.

Which side effects are most common?

The most common side effects of Wegovy are gastrointestinal issues. Nausea is by far the most common side effect: the STEP 1 study shows that just over 44% of users experienced this to some degree, compared with 16% in the placebo group. Diarrhoea occurred in around 30% of participants, vomiting in 25% and constipation in 24%. In addition, some users report headaches and fatigue, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Hair loss occurs in around 2.5% of users. This is almost always telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss in response to physical changes, which usually resolves on its own. A slight increase in heart rate has also been observed, averaging around three extra beats per minute.

When do most side effects occur?

Side effects are most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment, and this is no coincidence. Wegovy is started at a low dose of 0.25 mg per week and is then increased every four weeks until the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week is reached. With each new dose increase, the body may again react temporarily with nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Safety studies show that this gradual dosing schedule is specifically designed to make the side effects as tolerable as possible. For most people, the symptoms subside noticeably after a few days to weeks.

Are there also rare or serious side effects?

Although the majority of users experience only mild to moderate symptoms, rare but serious side effects have also been reported. Clinical research published in The Lancet shows that acute pancreatitis, gallstones (cholelithiasis) and cholecystitis can occur, albeit rarely. In exceptional cases, acute kidney failure has been reported, almost always as a result of severe dehydration due to persistent vomiting or diarrhoea. In people who are also using insulin, there is an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia. Anaphylaxis and intestinal obstruction are extremely rare but are mentioned in the official product information from the European Medicines Agency. Wegovy is contraindicated for people with a history of pancreatitis, severe kidney or liver failure, type 1 diabetes, and during pregnancy.

How can mild side effects be alleviated?

Mild side effects are troublesome, but for most people they can be managed with a few practical adjustments. Eating smaller meals, chewing more slowly and avoiding fatty or strongly spiced foods can help with nausea. Read our page on what to eat whilst taking Wegovy for further advice. It is important to drink enough fluids, especially if you have diarrhoea or are vomiting, to prevent dehydration. Constipation usually responds well to a high-fibre diet and exercise. It is also a good idea to administer the injection at a fixed time each week, so that any side effects become predictable and you can take them into account.

What should you do if you experience serious side effects?

If you have persistent, severe abdominal pain radiating to your back, you should stop injecting immediately and contact a doctor or your GP. This also applies to symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or signs of dehydration. Please also read our page on safe use of Wegovy for an overview of situations where you must take action. If in doubt, it is always wise to contact your healthcare provider, even outside of your regular check-ups.

Do the side effects go away on their own?

For the vast majority of users, the answer is yes. Researchers conclude that gastrointestinal symptoms when using Wegovy are usually temporary and are most severe at the start or after a dose increase. As soon as the dose is stable, the body gets used to the medicine and the symptoms decrease significantly in most people. A long-term study published in Nature Medicine shows that people who complete the treatment also achieve the greatest weight loss, which underlines that in most cases it is worth persevering.

How does Goodweigh help with Wegovy side effects?

At Goodweigh, you are not alone. Our doctors and coaches actively support you throughout your treatment, even if you experience side effects. Through support from Goodweigh, you gain access to personalised advice on dose adjustments, lifestyle and diet. If a side effect persists or feels too overwhelming, we’ll decide together whether to postpone the dose increase or adjust the treatment. That’s exactly what sets this apart from treatment without support: there’s always someone available to help you.

A safe start with Wegovy, with support from Goodweigh

Side effects are common in the initial phase of treatment for many people, but they are manageable and temporary. The gradual dosing schedule, combined with the right lifestyle advice and active medical guidance, means that most people tolerate the treatment well. If you have questions about the difference compared to a similar medicine, please read our article on the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy. At Goodweigh, we guide you step by step, so that you can safely and comfortably work towards a healthier weight.

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