What it is
Wegovy is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Initially developed for type 2 diabetes at lower doses under the name Ozempic, it was later approved at higher doses for chronic weight management.
Clinical studies report an average body weight reduction of approximately 15% over 68 weeks.
Wegovy received Medsafe approval for weight management in New Zealand in mid-2025, with stock and prescriptions available from 1 July 2025.
It is not funded by Pharmac, so patients are responsible for the full cost.
Cost & Availability
The estimated cost is between NZD 450–600 per month, depending on the pharmacy.
How it works
Wegovy mimics the endogenous hormone GLP-1, which is released in the gut after eating. It regulates appetite and food intake by acting on appetite-control centres in the brain. Additionally, it slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, and reduces cravings, contributing to decreased caloric intake and weight loss.
Indications
Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in:
- Adults with a BMI ≥30 (obesity), or
- Adults with a BMI ≥27 (overweight) who also have at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea).
It is indicated for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, with support from specialist dietitians and clinicians.
Side effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and typically occur during dose escalation:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain
Other possible side effects include:
- Headache, fatigue, dizziness, dyspepsia
- Injection site reactions
- Increased heart rate
- Rare but serious risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury, and potential risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (boxed warning; contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2).
In summary
Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist approved for chronic weight management. By mimicking a natural gut hormone, it reduces appetite and caloric intake, resulting in weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications. The medication is generally tolerated, though gastrointestinal side effects are common and there are specific safety considerations.
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Southern Weight Loss
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Ready to take the next step? Contact Southern Weight Loss to book a consultation and learn more about your options. We’re here to guide you through the process and answer your questions. Let our experienced team help you build a sustainable path to better health. Your journey starts with one simple conversation.