How Long Does Wegovy® Take to Work?
If you’re considering weight loss medicine, you’re likely curious how quickly you’ll start shedding those kilos. So, how long does Wegovy® take to work?
The Wegovy® weight loss timeline can vary from one person to the next. But you can generally expect to start losing weight within the first few weeks, so long as you’re also making healthy lifestyle choices.
Ahead, we’ll discuss how quickly Wegovy® works, the Wegovy® weight loss timeline, how you can maximise results, and more.
How Fast Does Wegovy® Work for Weight Loss?
Wegovy® starts working soon after it’s injected. The medicine reaches peak concentration in the body within one to three days.
That doesn’t mean your weight will change in the first few days, though. Generally, you can expect to start seeing weight loss over the first couple of weeks or months.
How Wegovy® Works for Weight Loss
Let’s briefly explain how Wegovy® works.
Wegovy® is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1). This means Wegovy® mimics GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar (glucose) levels.
So, Wegovy® can reduce hunger, slow stomach emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity — all of which can help you lose weight.
Research on Wegovy® for Weight Loss
In a large STEP 1 clinical trial, people taking Wegovy® lost an average of two percent of their body weight within the first four weeks of treatment. (Over time, that percentage increased — on average, participants lost 14.9 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks.)
Since they also made healthy lifestyle choices — like eating a reduced-calorie diet and training frequently — it’s unclear whether this initial weight loss was because of Wegovy®, a balanced diet, or a combination of both.
But Wegovy® makes it easier to stick to healthy eating patterns because it reduces cravings and appetite.
How long does it take for Wegovy® to suppress appetite? Anecdotally, people report having a smaller appetite (less hunger and food cravings) within the first few weeks of taking Wegovy®.
Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Ozempic®, a weekly injection used to manage type 2 diabetes. While Wegovy® and Ozempic® work in similar ways, Ozempic® is not licensed for weight management in the United Kingdom.
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At What Dose Does Wegovy® Start Working?
As little as 0.25 milligrams (mg) of Wegovy® (the typical starting dose) can have some effect on weight.
To explain this better, it’s essential to understand how Wegovy® doses work.
In STEP 1, the 2021 clinical trial mentioned above, people started losing weight in the first four weeks — when they were taking the starting dose of 0.25 milligrams. This suggests that Wegovy® starts working at the introductory dose of 0.25 milligrams.
Participants in the trial increased their dose every four weeks until reaching a maintenance dose of 2.4 milligrams. Higher doses were associated with a higher rate of weight loss, but they can also come with more noticeable side effects until the body adjusts.
When you first take Wegovy®, you’ll take a starting dose (likely 0.25 milligrams). Over time, your dose will increase — typically every four weeks — until you reach your long-term maintenance dose.
When Does the First Shot of Wegovy® Start Working?
Wegovy® starts working soon after it’s injected. The medication reaches peak concentration in the body within one to three days. You may begin noticing the effects of your first Wegovy® dose within a few days — or it could take a few weeks to feel a difference.
Common early effects include:
A reduced appetite and fewer cravings
Feeling full more quickly
Eating less food
You might also experience gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, which usually go away within the first few weeks. These side effects can include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Stomach upset
Although the common side effects of Wegovy® can be a pain, be patient. Over time, your body will likely get used to the medicine, and you’ll reap the rewards of weight loss and better health.
If you're curious about the bigger picture, you can also read about the long-term side effects of Wegovy® to understand how it may affect you over time.
How Quickly Can You Lose Weight on Wegovy®?
Your experience with Wegovy® may depend on many factors, including your unique biology, lifestyle, and medication dose.
But, if you’d like a rough idea of what to expect, the Wegovy® study mentioned above found that people lost weight steadily over the course of several months.
The average weight loss among participants in that clinical study is summarised in the table below. Remember, they also made healthy lifestyle changes, including eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising.
While your personal path to weight loss may look different from the average person, these milestones can offer a general sense of what to expect.
Time | Average Weight Loss |
Week 4 | -2% of body weight |
Week 8 | -4% of body weight |
Week 12 | -6% of body weight |
Week 20 | -10% of body weight |
Week 68 | -15.3% of body weight |
For a closer look at the broader timeline, you can read more about how long semaglutide takes to work and what to expect as treatment continues.
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Factors Affecting Your Wegovy® Weight Loss Timeline
Everybody (and every body) is different. Several factors could potentially affect how quickly Wegovy® works and how much weight you lose.
Here’s what may influence how soon you start seeing results:
Starting body weight. If you start off with more weight to lose, you might lose more weight in the end than someone who had a lower body weight to begin with.
Dose. Higher doses of Wegovy® are associated with more weight loss. You’ll typically start on a low dose and increase it over time.
Side effects. If you happen to experience intense side effects, your prescribing clinician might adjust your dosing schedule. Staying on a lower dose for longer will give your body time to get used to the medication.
Missed doses. It’s alright to forget your injection once in a while. But regularly missing your dose of Wegovy® could slow down your weight loss.
Lifestyle. Weight loss medications make it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet — but it’s still possible to overeat and go over your calorie budget. Sticking to a portion-controlled, balanced diet will help you lose weight. Since nutrition plays a big role in how you feel on treatment, you might find it helpful to review guidance on what to eat on Wegovy® to support steady, sustainable progress.
Some people happen to be what’s called “super-responders“ on GLP-1s, losing weight more quickly than others. If you’re a “slow responder,“ don’t be discouraged — healthy, sustained weight loss is still possible.
Stick to your dosage schedule, keep making healthy choices, and speak to your prescribing clinician if you have any concerns.
If your progress feels slower than expected, it may help to explore some of the common reasons you might not be losing weight while on a treatment like Wegovy®.
Tips for Speeding Up Weight Loss on Wegovy®
Though it’s a powerful weight loss drug, Wegovy® works best when combined with supportive habits. Here are a few pointers for making the most of your weight loss programme:
Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Be consistent with your weekly injections and stick to your treatment plan.
Prioritise protein. A high-protein diet supports muscle retention during weight loss. Aim for a serving of protein with every meal, and consider tracking your intake — it should make up 20 to 30 percent of your daily food intake.
Mind your calories. You want to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. The NHS recommends women eat 1,400 kcal a day if they’re trying to lose weight (and 1,900 for men), although this will depend on your activity level.
Eat a balanced diet. Opt for whole foods that support satiety and stable energy — think fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Avoid ultra-processed foods, which can be calorie-dense.
Move your body regularly. Exercise doesn’t need to be intense to be effective. Even brisk walking, strength training twice a week, or incorporating more daily steps can make a big difference over time.
Get quality sleep. Sleep affects hunger hormones and metabolism — which may be why sleep deprivation is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI). Aim for seven to nine hours each night and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help yourself nod off.
Stay hydrated. Thirst is often confused with hunger. Drinking water before meals may also help you feel fuller faster.
Track your progress. Journaling can help you notice patterns, celebrate victories, and address hitches.
With Hers UK, you can schedule follow-up appointments with a medical provider. This can be helpful if you need medical advice for managing common side effects, navigating lifestyle changes, or overcoming a weight loss plateau (stalled progress).
Remember, slow and steady progress is the goal. These habits not only support weight loss but also make it more sustainable long-term.
Don’t Just Focus On the Scale
It’s easy to get taken up with the number on the scale, but kilos alone don’t paint the full picture — particularly when you’re on a medication like Wegovy®.
One important thing to bear in mind: muscle is denser than fat. This means you could be losing fat and gaining muscle, resulting in a more toned physique or reduced waist circumference without a dramatic drop in weight. Remember, you want to lose primarily fat, not muscle.
If you’re maintaining muscle but losing fat — which is a good thing — the number on the scale might not move very quickly. So instead of focusing solely on the scale, consider these other ways to track your progress:
Progress photos. Taking regular photos (ideally at the same time of day, in similar lighting) can help you visually track changes that the scale might miss.
Body measurements. Use a soft measuring tape to track changes in your waist, hips, chest, and other key areas over time.
Clothing fit. Notice how your clothes feel. Looser waistbands and better-fitting tops can mark fat loss and body recomposition.
Health. Obesity is linked to many health conditions, from high blood pressure (hypertension) to cholesterol problems. As you lose weight, you might notice gradual improvements in your health — think better cardiovascular health, more energy, and less knee pain.
Mental wins. Many people find that GLP-1 medications help quiet “food noise“ — intrusive thoughts about eating — and reduce emotional eating. Journaling about your relationship with food, cravings, or meal-time stress can help you recognise non-scale victories.
These changes may not show up on the scale, but they’re powerful signs of progress. Take time to celebrate these successes.
Alternatives to Wegovy® for Weight Loss
If you’re not satisfied with your weight loss results on Wegovy®, it may be worth reassessing your approach with a clinician. They can help determine whether you’re maintaining a healthy caloric deficit and getting the nutrients you need for sustainable progress.
Another option might be trying a different weight loss medication. Tirzepatide, available in the UK under the brand name Mounjaro®, is a once-weekly injection that has shown strong results in clinical trials.
Unlike Wegovy®, which targets only GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro® is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means the active ingredient mimics both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which might enhance appetite suppression and metabolic regulation.
Other weight loss treatments available in the UK include:
Saxenda® (liraglutide), a daily GLP-1 injection
Orlistat, a non-prescription oral medication that partially blocks fat absorption
Certain off-licence combinations of diabetes medications
A healthcare provider can help you work out the best option based on your weight loss goals and health profile.
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Summary: How Long Does It Take for Wegovy® to Work?
Wegovy® is a popular weight-management drug. While every person’s experience is different, it generally works fairly quickly, particularly if you pair it with healthy lifestyle changes.
How long does Wegovy® take to work, and how long do you take Wegovy® for weight loss? Here’s what you need to know about the Wegovy® weight loss timeline:
You might feel some effects in the first week. This can include reduced appetite, eventually resulting in a lower food intake.
You might notice weight loss in the first month or two. Studies suggest people lose weight within their first four weeks of taking Wegovy®.
You might notice significant weight loss in the following months. As your dose increases, you may experience steady, sustained weight loss over the next few months or years.
For best results, pair your weekly injections with a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, frequent physical activity, and stress-management techniques. This can help you achieve your weight loss goals in a sustainable, healthy way.
Ready to take the next step? Start a free online assessment to see if you’re eligible for weight loss medication. If you're exploring your options, you might find it helpful to learn more about how to get Wegovy® online through private weight loss care in the UK.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.