How Long Does Wegovy Take To Work?

If you’re thinking about starting weight loss treatment with Wegovy, you’ll likely want to know how long you’d have to wait before starting to notice the benefits. You may have heard that the treatment takes effect immediately, but how accurate is this claim?

Containing the active ingredient, semaglutide, Wegovy is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works to suppress your appetite, reduce food cravings, and support weight loss. The treatment is known to deliver impressive before-and-after transformations, with one clinical trial showing that 36% of participants lost around 20% of their body weight over 104 weeks. This is compared to just 2% of people who took a placebo.

While this is all well and good for the long term, how do the early stages of the journey measure up? How long does Wegovy take to work and deliver real results? Join us as we discuss the length of time it could take to feel the effects of semaglutide on your weight and appearance. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to maximise weight loss with Wegovy, so you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your treatment. 

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When Does Wegovy Start Working?

Wegovy's active ingredient, semaglutide, begins to take effect soon after your first injection. The medication is readily absorbed into the body and reaches peak blood levels within 1-3 days of your first dose. Some people notice a reduction in appetite within days of starting treatment, and this effect increases over time and with dose escalation.

By week 12, most Wegovy users require substantially less food than usual to feel full. They also report a significant decline in food cravings and a reduced preference for fatty foods. These effects make it much easier for people on Wegovy to stick to a calorie-restricted diet, which often translates to meaningful weight loss.

After several more weeks, the Wegovy dosage will increase to a maximum of 2.4 mg of semaglutide. It’s at this point that the medication reaches maximum effectiveness. The gradual increase in strength over at least a 17-week period is designed to minimise the impact of side effects such as constipation and diarrhoea.

At What Dose Does Wegovy Start Working?

Wegovy starts working soon after the first dose, which is also the lowest. Treatment begins with an initiation dose of 0.25 mg, administered once weekly for the first four weeks. Even at this low dose, users frequently experience reduced appetite and weight loss.

In the early days of taking Wegovy, it’s important to focus on the subtle differences and use them as motivators to keep you on the straight and narrow. Some telltale signs of progress include:

• Looser-fitting clothes
• Improved mobility
• Enhanced fitness levels
• Changes in appearance

Though most people can expect modest weight loss with a low dose of Wegovy, the medication's effects are dose-dependent. Therefore, the weight loss results will become more significant as your dose increases.

This is demonstrated by studies on the weight-reduction benefits of Wegovy at different doses. One meta-analysis found that people on 1.7 mg Wegovy lost an average of 7.52% of their body weight after 68 weeks of treatment. Those taking the maximum dose of Wegovy (2.4 mg) had an average body weight reduction of 11.06%.

Wegovy Dosage Explained

The Wegovy treatment schedule involves a series of dose escalations. Users will start treatment with an initiation dose of 0.25 mg per week. The user then increases the dose every 4 weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. These gradual dose increases give your body time to adjust to the medication and may help to mitigate the gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy.

The Wegovy dosing schedule recommended by doctors is as follows:

• Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg per week 
• Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg per week
• Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg per week
• Weeks 13 to 15: 1.7 mg per week
• Weeks 17 to 20: 2.4 mg per week

How Long Does Semaglutide Take to Work?

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, can start to take effect within days of your first injection. Many users notice an appetite reduction soon after starting the medication and may see modest weight loss after just a few weeks. However, the most significant weight loss results typically occur with higher doses of Wegovy.

First Six Months on Wegovy

Wegovy starts working quickly, and many people begin losing weight within the first four weeks. The rate of weight loss typically accelerates as users increase their dose, and many experience rapid weight loss in the first six months of treatment.

Weight loss is often quickest during the initial six months of Wegovy treatment. This is partly due to the relative ease of maintaining a large calorie deficit when a person is at their heaviest. Heavier bodies require more calories to maintain. The appetite changes caused by Wegovy lead users to sharply reduce their calorie intake, often resulting in a substantial deficit and dramatic weight loss.

As a person’s body weight diminishes, so does the number of calories required to sustain them. If their calorie intake remains the same throughout treatment, the deficit will shrink as they lose weight. Therefore, weight loss typically slows down in the latter six months on Wegovy.

First Year on Wegovy

By the six-month mark, many Wegovy users have lost 5-10% of their starting body weight. Most users continue to lose weight throughout their first year of treatment, but the rate of weight loss often slows from months 6-12.

Clinical trials have found that, when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise, Wegovy can help people achieve weight reductions of up to 15% after one year of treatment. Continue experimenting with new, healthy foods – our Wegovy Diet Plan is a useful resource here – and keep pushing yourself to meet your exercise goals. The continued hard work will pay off.  

Beyond Year One

The rate of weight loss with Wegovy slows over the first 12 months of treatment and often plateaus after a year. People who continue using Wegovy beyond this point often do so to maintain their weight loss.

Research has found that people who discontinue Wegovy treatment are at risk of regaining weight. One study reported that participants regained two-thirds of the weight they lost on Wegovy in the year after stopping the injections.

This finding highlights the importance of using weight loss injections as part of a holistic weight loss plan that includes diet and exercise. Adopting better eating habits and incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle can make long-term weight management easier, even if you discontinue Wegovy.

For a more detailed week-by-week weight loss guide, please read our dedicated article. You can also take a look at Wegovy reviews from real customers and check out some impressive before-and-after pictures to get a good idea of what to expect. 

How Long Do You Take Wegovy for Weight Loss?

There’s no limit to how long you can take Wegovy, and it's considered safe for long-term use. The duration of treatment can vary depending on factors like:

• Side effects: If you experience Wegovy side effects, you may need to remain on a dose for longer or adjust the dosage schedule to suit.
• Your weight loss goals: How much weight you want to lose and in what timeframe can affect how long you continue treatment for.
• How you respond to the medication: Not everyone will tolerate or respond to Wegovy the same way, which can affect how quickly you notice its effects.
• Clinical guidance: Your clinician will assess your progress and response to Wegovy and discuss how long you should continue your treatment.
• Lifestyle: Making changes to your diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep patterns can all contribute to enhanced weight loss.

Many clinicians recommend a minimum of 12-24 months on Wegovy, as they consider longer treatment plans best for sustained weight management. However, some people choose to discontinue treatment when they have reached their goal weight, or for other reasons relating to side effects.

You don’t have to decide how long you will stay on Wegovy straight away. Waiting to see how your body responds to the medication may help you make a better-informed decision about your treatment plan. If you have any questions about how long you should use Wegovy or when to stop, contact a healthcare professional for further advice.

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Is Wegovy Safe for Long-Term Use?

Doctors consider Wegovy safe for long-term use and often recommend that people use the medication for up to two years. This gives users the best chance of maintaining their weight loss and confers a multitude of other potential health benefits.

Studies of semaglutide’s long-term effects in overweight and obese people revealed several positive changes in health status, including:

• Better glycemic control
• Improved blood pressure
• Improved blood lipid levels
• Reduced waist circumference
• Better body composition
• Improved metabolic parameters
• Improved weight-related quality of life

These changes are beneficial for long-term health and may reduce people’s risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Studies also report that long-term Wegovy use is associated with a reduction in liver enzymes and inflammation markers, suggesting potential benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

How Long Does Wegovy Stay in Your System?

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, stays in your system for approximately 5-7 weeks after your last dose. The appetite-suppressing effects of the medication wear off as it leaves your system, and you may notice an increase in hunger within days or weeks of your last injection.

If you want to switch to another GLP-1 medication, consult a healthcare professional on the best way to proceed. Current clinical recommendations are to leave at least 7 days between the last dose of your previous medication and the first dose of your new one.

Different weight loss injections have different dosing regimens, so it’s important to make the switch under the guidance of a licensed clinician. They can provide specific instructions for safely managing the switch, dietary recommendations, and your new treatment plan.

How to Boost Wegovy Weight Loss

Wegovy works best when used as part of an integrated weight loss plan that includes diet and physical activity. Adopting healthy eating and exercise habits can boost the efficacy of the medication, promote sustained weight loss, and improve body composition.

Other ways in which you can maximise the efficacy of your Wegovy injections include:

• Follow a balanced diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and wholegrains, but avoid greasy, fatty, or sugary foods
• Be physically active for at least 150 minutes per week 
• Stay hydrated, because not getting enough water can worsen side effects like feeling sick, but drinking water can also help to reduce hunger
• Get good sleep to support normal hormone levels
• Manage stress to avoid emotional eating habits

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

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• Approved Weight Loss treatment
• Weekly injection
• Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £129.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

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Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a weight loss injection regimen can have significant benefits for your long-term health and overall quality of life. However, it is a decision that requires careful consideration of the efficacy and treatment plan for your chosen medication.

Many people want to know how long it takes for Wegovy to affect their appetite, what happens when they stop using the injections, and what dose they should take for the best results. We’ll explore the answers to those questions here.

How Long Does it Take for Wegovy to Suppress Appetite?

Wegovy is quickly absorbed by the body and reaches peak blood levels within 1-3 days of your first injection. Its effect on digestive function begins shortly after you start treatment, and many people report an almost-immediate decrease in appetite.

It’s important to remember that the appetite-suppressing effects of Wegovy are dose-dependent, meaning they escalate as you increase your dose. While many people feel noticeably less hungry in the days after starting Wegovy, it may take others a little longer to notice an effect. This is because the initiation dose is low (0.25 mg), and some people may only achieve the full benefit of the medication at higher doses.

What Happens When You Stop Wegovy?

When you discontinue Wegovy, your appetite will gradually return as the medication's effects wear off. Studies have found that many people regain weight after stopping weight loss injections, as renewed hunger and cravings drive them to increase their calorie intake.

Therefore, doctors recommend using Wegovy as part of a weight-management plan that includes diet, exercise, and behavioural changes. Adopting a healthier lifestyle while on Wegovy will make it easier to sustain weight loss when you stop using the injections.

What Dose of Wegovy is Most Effective?

Wegovy’s effects are dose-dependent, so the highest licensed dose (2.4 mg) will produce the greatest weight loss benefits. However, this doesn’t mean you have to take the highest possible dose to lose weight. The ‘most effective’ dose of Wegovy is one that achieves the desired result (a satisfactory rate of weight loss) and that you can tolerate well.

Finding the optimal dose for your needs can take some trial-and-error - for example, you may choose to maintain a lower dose if you experience more gastrointestinal symptoms on 2.4 mg. If you have any questions about Wegovy doses and side effects, consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Your Next Step: Effective Weight Loss with Wegovy at Prescription Doctor

Wegovy is a powerful treatment that gets to work right away, providing meaningful long-term weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. That being said, embarking on a journey with medication may seem like a daunting process to go through alone, so you could feel more comfortable knowing that you have a trusted and respected provider in your corner.

At Prescription Doctor, we’re here to support you throughout your entire weight loss journey. Our specialist clinicians will help you determine whether Wegovy is suitable for your requirements, while our UK-based General Pharmaceutical Council-registered dispensing pharmacy can issue your medication promptly in discreet packaging. We’ll also check in with you regularly to monitor progress and ensure everything is working as it should.

In addition, we have a library of information you can refer to if you ever have any questions. Whether it’s answering queries such as ‘How long does Wegovy take to work?’ or providing information on subjects like how to use the injection pens, increasing your dosage, managing side effects, and what to do if you’re not achieving the results you expected, you can rely on us. We can even help if you’re thinking of switching to Wegovy from another treatment, such as Mounjaro.

Ready to kick-start your Wegovy journey? Take control of your health and request a consultation today. 

Authored By

Kate Latham

Medical Content Writer

Kate has been a scientific content writer since 2017. With a BSc in Biology and a background in cancer research, she is adept at identifying the latest findings in medical research and utilising these

Published on: 12/10/2023 Re-Published on: 19/09/2025

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 19/09/2025