Starting Wegovy? Here's your friendly guide

Ready to try Wegovy? Get the key facts so you know what to do at each step of your weight loss journey.



Feeling unsure about injections? We get it

Injecting yourself can be scary at first. Many of our longstanding patients had the same worry when they first started treatment. 



The reassuring news? Starting Wegovy injections is quick, simple and surprisingly gentle. The needle is small and designed for maximum comfort. Most people tell us they barely notice it after the first few times.

One of the best perks of becoming a SemaPen member is that we're always here to lend an ear. Whether you want a quick demonstration or just need some moral support, we're right by your side. Use our live chat function on the SemaPen website or app whenever you need help. 

And in case you'd like a quick refresher, ourGetting Started guide has a helpful step-by-step video on using your injection pen.

Starting slow – and why that's so important

Your Wegovy journey begins gently. Rather than diving in at full dose, you'll build up gradually so your body has time to adjust.

Here are the doses you'll take, month by month:

• Month 1: 0.25mg weekly
  
  
• Month 2: 0.5mg weekly
  
  
• Month 3: 1mg weekly
  
  
• Month 4: 1.7mg weekly
  
  
• Month 5 onwards: 1.7mg or 2.4mg weekly



This slow-and-steady approach is designed to keep side effects to a minimum.

Most people only experience mild issues like nausea or headaches, which tend to fade quickly. Learn more about managing the side effects of weight loss drugs.

Realistic expectations – no two journeys are the same

When it comes to weight loss medication, every single person reacts differently. In our experience, here's a general picture of what you might see:

• Month 1: your body's in 'adjustment mode'. You probably won't notice any visible weight loss. If you do, the changes will be subtle.
  
  
• Month 3: many people notice around a 6% reduction in body weight.
  
  
• Month 5 and beyond: average weight loss at this point stands at around 10% to 15% of your starting weight.

One friendly tip: take a selfie each week (on weigh-in day) so you can truly see your progress. Our brains can be funny – sometimes it's hard to spot gradual changes in the mirror. Photos, however, reveal how far you've come.

And remember that Wegovy isn't a magic wand by itself. It works best with gentle lifestyle tweaks, like balanced meals and a regular exercise routine. Small, steady steps will make your changes last for the long haul.

Learn more about Wegovy's average weekly weight loss.

Caring for your Wegovy pen

Keep your medication in the fridge (but never the freezer) until you're ready to use it. If you're not currently part of the SemaPen programme, remember to use your pen within six weeks. If you are a SemaPen member, there's no need to worry – we'll send you a new weight loss injection pen each month, right on schedule.

If you've just joined us, we recommend visiting ourGetting Started page. You'll find a quick, helpful video on how to inject properly, so you can feel confident and at ease right from the start.

We're in this together

Starting Wegovy is a milestone worth celebrating. We see how much courage goes into a decision like this. Wherever you are in your journey, our team at SemaPen is here to guide you, encourage you, and cheer you on.

If you're feeling ready – or you still have questions – we invite you to complete our quick online consultation. We'll help you decide what works best, so you can take that exciting next step with confidence.

You've made a brave choice for a healthier future. Let us walk alongside you.

This article was reviewed by and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 April 2025.