GP prescribing guide for Otago and Southland
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is now available in Dunedin as part of a structured, evidence-based obesity treatment programme through Southern Weight Loss. For GPs across Dunedin, Otago and Southland, this page provides practical prescribing guidance, patient selection criteria, side effect management strategies and shared care pathways.
This is not a cosmetic weight loss service. It is medical obesity treatment delivered by a bariatric specialist.
Quick summary for GPs
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in New Zealand for chronic weight management. In Dunedin, it should be prescribed with slow dose escalation, structured side effect management and long-term metabolic planning. Southern Weight Loss provides GP shared care and surgical escalation pathways.
What is Wegovy and how does it work?
Wegovy is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the natural incretin hormone GLP-1, restoring impaired appetite signalling seen in obesity.
It works by:
- Reducing hunger
- Increasing satiety
- Slowing gastric emptying
- Improving glucose regulation
It regulates physiology, it does not enhance willpower.
Who can prescribe Wegovy in Dunedin?
In New Zealand, Wegovy can be prescribed by a GP or specialist for adults with:
- BMI ≥30 kg/m²
- BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidaemia
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
It may also be appropriate for patients awaiting bariatric surgery or experiencing post-surgical weight regain.
Southern Weight Loss supports Dunedin GPs with structured shared care, dose escalation guidance and surgical escalation pathways where appropriate.
What makes Wegovy different from weight loss clinics in Dunedin?
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist designed for long-term metabolic regulation.
At Southern Weight Loss:
- Prescribing follows evidence-based obesity medicine principles
- Dose escalation is individualised
- Plateaus are medically managed
- Lean mass preservation is prioritised
- Bariatric surgical pathways are available if required
How effective is Wegovy for patients in Dunedin?
Clinical trial data demonstrates:
- 10–15% total body weight loss over 12–18 months
- Reduction in HbA1c
- Improved blood pressure
- Reduced visceral fat
- Improved mobility
Early weight loss response within 12–16 weeks predicts long-term success.
Results vary and long-term therapy is required.
How should Wegovy be prescribed in primary care?
Start low and titrate slowly.
Standard dose escalation:
- 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks
- 0.5 mg weekly for 4+ weeks
- 1.0 mg weekly for 4+ weeks
- 1.7 mg weekly if needed
- 2.4 mg weekly (maximum)
There is no requirement to reach 2.4 mg if the patient is responding and tolerating treatment.
Many patients achieve optimal outcomes at 0.5–1.0 mg.
Common GP questions about Wegovy in Dunedin
Do patients need to reach 2.4 mg?
No. Many achieve excellent results at 0.5–1.0 mg. Escalation should follow tolerance and clinical response.
What if weight loss plateaus?
Review injection technique, adherence, caloric intake and resistance training before increasing dose.
Is Wegovy a short-term medication?
No. Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease. Discontinuation typically results in weight regain.
What are the most common side effects?
Common early side effects include:
- Nausea
- Early satiety
- Reflux
- Constipation
These are dose dependent and usually transient.
Management includes:
- Small, protein-focused meals
- Avoiding high-fat foods during escalation
- Adequate hydration
- Proactive constipation management
- Slower dose progression
What should GPs do if weight loss plateaus?
Weight loss plateaus are expected.
Before escalating dose, review:
- Injection technique
- Adherence
- Caloric intake (liquid calories, grazing, alcohol)
- Resistance training and lean mass preservation
If the patient is metabolically improving and clinically stable, dose escalation is optional.
Plateaus often reflect metabolic stabilisation rather than treatment failure.
When should Wegovy be stopped?
Reassess or discontinue if:
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Severe abdominal pain
- Suspected pancreatitis
- Malnutrition
- Severe functional decline
Use caution in patients with:
- History of pancreatitis
- Severe gastroparesis
- Active eating disorders
Is Wegovy a short-term or long-term treatment?
Wegovy is a long-term metabolic therapy.
Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease. Discontinuation commonly results in weight regain.
Long-term planning and expectation setting are essential at initiation.
How can Southern Weight Loss support GPs in Otago and Southland?
Serving Dunedin and wider Otago
Southern Weight Loss supports patients and GPs across:
- Dunedin
- Mosgiel
- Oamaru
- Queenstown
- Wanaka
- Central Otago
- Invercargill
- Southland
Support includes:
- GLP-1 prescribing guidance
- Plateau management advice
- Bariatric referral pathways
- Combined medical–surgical obesity care
- Structured shared care plans
Clinical leadership
This page is authored by Mark Grant, FRACS, Consultant Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon, Dunedin. Southern Weight Loss provides specialist obesity care across Otago and Southland with integrated medical and surgical pathways.
Start your weight loss journey with
Southern Weight Loss
If you’re considering weight loss medication like Wegovy/Ozempic, it’s important to work with professionals who understand your unique needs. At Southern Weight Loss, we offer personalised consultations and medical support tailored to your health goals. Our team helps you navigate treatment options that are safe and supported by clinical evidence. We’re focused on long-term results that support your overall well-being.
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.