Wegovy
How does Wegovy work for weight loss?
7 min read · Updated September 2026 · Reviewed by the Miva clinical team
Weight loss is influenced by genetics, diet and activity, not willpower alone. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly prescription injection authorised by Health Canada to support weight management alongside diet and exercise.
It is typically prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes.
How Wegovy works
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist: it mimics glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that acts on the appetite centres of the brain.
- Reduces appetite — you feel hungry less often, full sooner and for longer
- Slows gastric emptying, so food stays in the stomach longer
- Improves insulin sensitivity and steadies blood sugar, reducing cravings and energy crashes
Benefits beyond the scale
The SELECT trial found semaglutide significantly reduced major adverse cardiovascular events — including heart attack and stroke — in overweight or obese adults with established cardiovascular disease. In 2024 Wegovy became the first medicine in Canada authorised for both weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Dosing and administration
Wegovy comes in a pre-filled pen containing four doses, stored in the fridge between injections. It is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, once a week on the same day.
| Weeks | Weekly dose |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9–12 | 1 mg |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg |
| 17 onwards | 2.4 mg (maintenance) |
If you miss a dose
- More than 48 hours until your next dose: take the missed dose, then resume your normal schedule
- Less than 48 hours until your next dose: skip it and take the next dose as planned — never double up
- More than two weeks missed: speak to your prescriber, as you may need to restart at a lower dose
How effective is it?
In clinical trials, participants on the 2.4 mg maintenance dose lost an average of roughly 15% to 17% of body weight over 68 weeks. For someone weighing 220 lb (100 kg) that is around 33–37 lb.
Patients also commonly report improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar control, mobility and energy. Results vary and depend on sustained changes to diet and activity.
Side effects and how to manage them
Most side effects are digestive, strongest after starting or stepping up a dose, and settle within days to weeks.
- Nausea: smaller, more frequent meals; avoid greasy and spicy food; ginger can help
- Heartburn: eat earlier in the evening and stay upright after meals
- Diarrhoea or constipation: hydrate well, adjust fibre, and ask your pharmacist about suitable products
- Fatigue and headaches: usually dehydration or low intake — aim for steady fluids and nutrient-dense meals
- Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, or signs of an allergic reaction
Frequently asked questions
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide and are made by Novo Nordisk, but Wegovy is authorised in Canada for weight management at higher doses, while Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes. They should never be taken together.
Do I still need to diet and exercise?
Yes. Wegovy is authorised as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity — Canadian guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
Is Wegovy safe long term?
GLP-1 medicines have been used for years and are monitored continuously by Health Canada. Long-term use should always be reviewed regularly with your prescriber.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only medicines in Canada. This page is general information, not medical advice — a Canadian-licensed clinician reviews every assessment and decides whether treatment is suitable for you.
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