Wegovy 7.2mg: Wegovy’s New Dose Explained

Wegovy is undoubtedly an effective weight loss injection. Positive customer reviews and impressive before-and-after stories highlight the medication's impact when taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

However, Wegovy does have a rival when it comes to determining the most effective injection on the market. Mounjaro, with its active ingredient tirzepatide, can lead to greater weight loss. Its dual agonist mechanism of action and higher maximum dosage mean you could lose around 22.5% of your starting body weight, compared to 15% with Wegovy.

This gap is soon set to close, as Novo Nordisk has submitted a new Wegovy 7.2mg dose for regulatory approval. But what exactly is this higher dose, and just how effective is it? Read on to find out everything you need to know. 

 

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What is the New 7.2mg Wegovy Dose?

The new 7.2mg Wegovy dose is an investigational once-weekly weight loss injection containing semaglutide. It is currently being investigated for people who have already reached the current maximum of 2.4mg to provide extra weight loss support in people who already tolerate the medication well.

If approved, the Wegovy 7.2mg dose will still be given in the same way as existing doses and will be added to the end of the current dosing schedule. Because research shows that not everyone on the highest 2.4mg dose of Wegovy reaches their target body weight, a higher 7.2mg dose could be beneficial for people who respond well to semaglutide but need additional weight loss support.  

How Effective is Wegovy 7.2mg?

Early clinical trial data show that the 7.2mg Wegovy dose could deliver significantly greater weight loss than the standard 2.4mg dose. The average weight loss with the new Wegovy dose was 18.7%, compared to 15.6% with the current 2.4mg maintenance dose and 3.9% with placebo.

The table below compares the effectiveness of the potential new dose of Wegovy (7.2mg) with the current 2.4mg dose based on the results from the Step Up trial:

 

 

Wegovy 7.2mg

Wegovy 2.4mg

Average weight loss over 72 weeks

18.7%

15.6%

% of people who lost at least 5% of their starting weight

90.7%

89.9%

% of people who lost at least 10% of their starting weight

82.4%

75.1%

% of people who lost at least 15% of their starting weight

66.5%

54.5%

% of people who lost at least 20% of their starting weight

47.7%

33.3%

% of people who lost at least 25% of their starting weight

31.2%

15.3%

 

Gastrointestinal side effects were common in both groups receiving Wegovy. Among those receiving the 7.2mg Wegovy dose, 70.8% experienced adverse effects and 3.3% had to stop treatment, while 61.2% experienced Wegovy side effects in the 2.4mg group and 2% had to stop taking it.

The Step Up trial demonstrates that the higher strength of semaglutide could offer greater benefit for people who can tolerate it but need an extra boost to achieve their weight loss targets.

Can You Buy Wegovy 7.2mg in the UK?

No, Wegovy 7.2mg is not yet licensed or approved for use in the UK. Before the new dose of Wegovy becomes available, it has to go through approval processes. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will evaluate its safety and effectiveness based on clinical trial data.  

As things stand, the new Wegovy dose is currently being assessed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which also oversees the UK market. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, submitted an application to the EMA in July 2025; however, the review process can take several months. Therefore, we may not expect to see Wegovy 7.2mg become available in the UK until 2026 at the earliest. 

Approval Timeline of the New Wegovy Dose

The approval timeline will depend on the regulatory review speed, manufacturing capacity, and rollout plans. While Novo Nordisk has already submitted its application to the EMA, each stage can take several months, and real-world availability will depend on supply priorities.

Here’s what the timeline for the new dose of Wegovy becoming available might look like:

  • Submission: July 2025
  • EMA Approval: Late 2025 or early 2026
  • MHRA Approval: Early to mid 2026 
  • Private Availability: 2026 
  • NHS Availability: 2026 to 2027

The timeline is an estimate and will depend on the length of the review process. However, like other weight loss medications, it’s likely that the 7.2mg Wegovy dose will be available privately before it's rolled out on the NHS. 

 

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
  • Approved Weight Loss treatment
  • Weekly injection
  • Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

Prices from £129.99

 

What Will Happen When the New Dose of Wegovy Becomes Available?

If approved, the Wegovy 7.2mg dose will be rolled out gradually and only for people who meet strict clinical criteria. Clinicians will probably prescribe it to people who are already stable on 2.4 mg, but who need further support. Currently, it is not known if Novo Nordisk plans to introduce any intermediate doses between 2.4 mg and 7.2mg.

Clinicians will closely monitor patients, especially during dose escalation, to manage side effects and ensure safe use. Initial supplies may be limited, similar to the rollout of Wegovy’s existing strengths, and those with the greatest need may access it first.

Currently Available Wegovy Doses

Wegovy is currently available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2,4mg strengths. Everyone begins treatment on the lowest starting dose of 0.25mg and gradually increases every four weeks to help minimise the risk of side effects, until they reach the highest maintenance dose of 2.4mg per week.

At the moment, the 2.4mg weekly dose is the maximum strength available in the UK. If you see higher doses advertised, including the Wegovy 7.2mg dose, do not attempt to buy them, as they are unlicensed and potentially dangerous. 

 

 

Who Will Be Eligible for the New 7.2mg Wegovy Dose?

Exact eligibility criteria for the new 7.2mg Wegovy dose have not yet been confirmed, but it is likely to be reserved for people already taking the 2.4mg dose who are tolerating it well. It will not be suitable as a starting dose, even for those who are switching from an alternative weight loss medication.

The NHS criteria for the Wegovy 7.2mg dose are likely to be more restrictive than those of private clinics. Privately, the eligibility criteria will probably focus on people with body mass index (BMI) thresholds similar to current guidelines. On the NHS, Wegovy is restricted to people who are severely obese (BMI = 35 or above) or obese with weight-related health conditions, so access to higher doses may be limited.

Side Effects of Wegovy 7.2mg

Wegovy side effects are similar across all doses, and the most commonly reported are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain. Because the dose is higher, clinical trial data show that more people experience side effects at the 7.2mg dose compared to the 2.4mg dose.

 

 

Interestingly, 22.9% of people receiving the 7.2mg Wegovy dose experienced dysaesthesia, painful, burning, or tingling sensations, compared to 6% receiving the 2.4mg dose and 0.5% who were given a placebo.

Other potential Wegovy side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Injection-site reactions

Side effects are most likely to happen at the beginning of treatment and when the dose increases, but some people may find they last longer. It all depends on how your body reacts to the active ingredient.

Wegovy 7.2mg Price Expectations

The exact price for Wegovy 7.2mg is not yet available, but it is likely to cost more than the 2.4mg dose because it contains a higher amount of the active ingredient and has higher manufacturing costs. At Prescription Doctor, the cost of the 2.4mg Wegovy dose is currently £253.99. You can learn more in our Wegovy Cost article.

Wegovy 7.2mg vs Mounjaro

Early data suggest that the 7.2mg Wegovy dose could produce weight loss results similar to those of Mounjaro, one of the most effective weight loss injections available. If confirmed, this could make Wegovy a more cost-effective alternative for some people once a higher dose has been approved, especially those affected by the Mounjaro price increase in 2025.

Let’s take a look at how Wegovy 7.2mg compares to the highest weekly dose of Mounjaro:

 

 

Wegovy 7.2mg

Mounjaro 15mg

Active Ingredient

Semaglutide

Tirzepatide

Average Weight Loss

18.7%

22.5%

Trial Duration

72 weeks

72 weeks

Available in the UK?

No

Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wegovy 7.2mg

If you’re currently receiving Wegovy to help you lose weight, the prospect of a higher dose to help you achieve your goals is exciting. It may also leave you with questions about why it’s being considered, how you can switch to it, and whether it will be available on the NHS. We’ll answer some of those queries here. 

Why Did Novo Nordisk Introduce the New Wegovy Dose?

The new 7.2mg Wegovy dose aims to provide additional weight loss support to people who have plateaued on the current highest 2.4mg per week dose or who have not quite met their targets. The Step Up trial showed that some people benefit from a higher weekly dose, resulting in an average weight loss of 18.7% over 72 weeks. 

Can I Switch to Wegovy 7.2mg?

Not yet because the 7.2mg Wegovy dose is still in phase 3 clinical trials and has not yet been approved for use. If it is approved, switching will only be possible for people already taking and tolerating the 2.4mg dose. Your clinician will need to assess whether the new Wegovy dose is safe and suitable for you. 

 

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
  • Approved Weight Loss treatment
  • Weekly injection
  • Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

Prices from £129.99

 

Will I Need to Use the New Wegovy Dose if I’m Already on Wegovy 2.4mg?

No, most people will not need the 7.2mg Wegovy dose or may choose not to increase their dose. Many people achieve significant weight loss on the 2.4mg strength. The higher dose will be intended for anyone who is struggling with weight management on Wegovy despite making lifestyle changes and tolerating the treatment well. 

Will Wegovy 7.2mg Be Available on the NHS?

If Wegovy 7.2mg is approved by the MHRA and NICE, it is likely to become available later in 2026 or 2027, after it has been made available for private prescriptions. Higher doses of medication are often subject to stricter cost-effectiveness evaluations, which can delay access to them.

Begin Your Wegovy Journey with Prescription Doctor

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or are already incorporating Wegovy into your healthy lifestyle, Prescription Doctor is here to help. Since 2013, we’ve supported countless individuals in reaching their goals, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Our experienced clinicians will be with you every step of the way, determining whether Wegovy is suitable for your circumstances and offering guidance and support whenever needed. We will even regularly check in with you to monitor progress.

We also have a library of useful information on our website, including a complete dosage guide, a breakdown of cost, a diet plan, and tips and tricks for success. No matter what you want to know, we’ll be able to help.

If you’re looking to make real progress with your weight loss efforts, don’t wait for the new, higher Wegovy 7.2 mg dose to come out. Begin your consultation with Prescription Doctor today. 

 

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer
Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 25/11/2025

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: 25/11/2025
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