Are you thinking about getting started on Wegovy? If so, then you probably want to know what to expect… 

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We’ve got you covered. Read on to find out what to expect during your first week on Wegovy, including what to expect during your initial assessment, how to take your first dose, and what potential side effects you may notice. 

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What to Expect When Being Assessed for Wegovy

To get your hands on Wegovy, you will need to undergo an assessment. This will help you – and your clinician/ healthcare provider – determine whether Wegovy is the right choice for you or not. 

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During this assessment, your clinician will determine your eligibility. You will be asked about your:

• Medical history
• Weight loss goals
• Current medications you are taking 
• Any pre-existing conditions you may have 
• Your starting weight 
• Any allergies or potential contraindications to consider 

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To be eligible for Wegovy, you will need: 

• To be 18 years old 
• To have a BMI of 30 + or 
• To have a BMI of 27+  and a weight-related health condition 
• To have tried other conventional weight loss strategies

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During this pre-treatment stage, your doctor will also discuss any potential side effects to expect (scroll down to learn all about Wegovy side effects!). 

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At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we will work with you to determine whether Wegovy is the right choice for you – and if not, we can assess whether alternatives such as Mounjaro may be more suitable. Begin an assessment with Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic today to get started on your Wegovy journey. 

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How to Take Your First Dose of Wegovy

When you’ve had your assessment and got your medication, it’s time to actually take it. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how you take it: 

1. Prepare the injection pen, checking it’s not damaged 
2. Remove the pen cap and attach a new needle 
3. Choose your injection site (abdomen, upper thigh or upper arm)
4. Clean your injection site 
5. Set your prescribed dose (0.25mg to start with) 
6. Inject the medication, positioning the pen against your skin 
7. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container
8. Store other doses in the fridge for future use

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How Will I Feel After My First Dose of Wegovy?

Wegovy, unlike some other medications, starts working in your body immediately. Some people don’t notice any immediate effects after taking their first dose of Wegovy, whereas others might experience some side effects. Many people don’t notice any changes until their second or third injection. 

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That being said, you may notice some effects such as reduced appetite – or you may start feeling more full after eating than you usually do. You might also notice that you’re not thinking about food as much as normal, which is a good sign. 

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You shouldn’t expect to notice any significant weight loss after your first injection – although it starts working in your body quickly, it still takes time to lose weight. Most people can go about their daily routine without any disturbance during their first week of Wegovy.

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Wegovy Side Effects 

Although many people don’t experience side effects right away, there’s still a chance you may notice some more common side effects such as: 

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Diarrhoea 
• Headache 
• Injection site reactions

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You can learn more about Wegovy side effects here. If these side effects are causing you trouble, speak to our team at Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic. We can provide you with actionable advice on how to reduce these – or tailor your dose as needed. 

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However, with our weight loss plan, we gradually increase your dosage to give your body a chance to adjust to the medication and reduce the risk of side effects. 

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When Will I Increase My Wegovy Dosage?

Put simply, you will increase your Wegovy dose when you’re ready. Many people, however, move up to 0.5mg on the 5th week of taking Wegovy – this is usually sufficient time for your body to get used to the medication. 

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Here’s a typical dose escalation: 

• Weeks 1-4 – start at 0.25mg once a week 
• Weeks 5-8 – increase to 0.5mg once a week 
• Weeks 9-12 – increase to 1mg once a week 
• Weeks 13-16 – increase to 1.7mg once a week
• Week 17+ – increase to 2.4mg and stay on this maintenance dose 

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You will probably increase your dose after taking Wegovy for about a month. 

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When Will I Start to Lose Weight on Wegovy?

One size does not fit all when it comes to weight loss injections. Most people will lose weight after just a few weeks, whereas others might not notice weight loss a little slower. Let’s look at what some trials and studies suggest: 

• The STEP 1 clinical trial reported a weight loss of around 2% after just 4 weeks of taking Wegovy  
• In another trial, patients lost between 5-10% of their starting weight in the first 3 months. 

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You can learn more about how long it takes to lose weight on Wegovy here. 

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If you notice that you’re not losing weight on Wegovy, speak to us at Dr Franks. We can adjust your dosage or recommend an alternative – and work together to ensure you get the best results possible on your weight loss journey. 

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If you’re looking to get started on Wegovy, you’re in the right place. Start an assessment today to get started and determine whether it’s the right choice for you. 

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