Wegovy Prescription: What You Need to Know

When considering Wegovy prescription, the use of semaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist, for weight management under a doctor's order. Also called semaglutide injection, it provides a new approach for people battling obesity.

GLP‑1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs that mimic the gut hormone glucagon‑like peptide‑1 to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite, GLP‑1 therapy is the core technology behind Wegovy. The drug activates the same pathways that naturally signal fullness, which helps users cut calories without feeling deprived. In India, the prescription typically starts at 0.25 mg weekly and gradually ramps up to 2.4 mg, allowing the body to adapt and minimizing nausea. Because it’s a prescription‑only medication, a qualified endocrinologist or weight‑management specialist must assess eligibility based on BMI, comorbidities, and prior diet attempts.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, was originally approved for type 2 diabetes but earned a separate brand name for obesity because the dose required for weight loss is higher. Clinical trials showed an average loss of 15 % of body weight after 68 weeks, which translates to about 30 kg for many participants. Besides shedding pounds, users often see improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood‑sugar control. However, side effects like mild nausea, diarrhea, and occasional headaches are common during the titration phase. Rarely, pancreatitis or gallbladder disease can occur, so regular monitoring is crucial.

Another contender in the GLP‑1 arena is Mounjaro, tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP‑1 receptor agonist that shows even greater weight‑loss potential in recent studies. While Mounjaro is still gaining traction in Indian clinics, its ability to hit 20 % body‑weight reduction has sparked interest among physicians who treat severe obesity. Comparing the two, Wegovy has a longer track record and more established safety data, whereas Mounjaro may offer a stronger effect but comes with a slightly different side‑effect profile, including more frequent gastrointestinal upset.

Ozempic, known formally as Ozempic, semaglutide formulated primarily for diabetes management, often prescribed off‑label for weight loss, shares the same molecule as Wegovy but at lower doses (0.5‑1 mg weekly). Many patients start with Ozempic for blood‑sugar control and later switch to Wegovy for higher weight‑loss dosing. The overlap means doctors need to carefully track the transition to avoid duplication and ensure insurance coverage aligns with the intended use.

In practice, the decision to start a Wegovy prescription hinges on three main factors: confirmed obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² or ≥ 27 kg/m² with comorbidities), failure of lifestyle interventions, and the absence of contraindications like medullary thyroid carcinoma. Indian regulatory guidelines require baseline labs—thyroid panel, liver enzymes, and kidney function—followed by quarterly check‑ins to adjust dosage and monitor adverse events. When used responsibly, Wegovy can become a pivotal tool in a broader weight‑management plan that includes diet, exercise, and behavioral support.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into dosage schedules, side‑effect management, and how Wegovy compares with other GLP‑1 options like Mounjaro and Ozempic. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a medical professional, these resources will help you navigate the prescription process with confidence.