Everything you need to know about the new Wegovy 7.2mg dose

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The 7.2mg dose of Wegovy (semaglutide) is a new, higher maintenance dose recently approved and is expected to become one of the most effective GLP‑1 options available for weight loss.

Clinical trial data shows this dose can deliver even greater weight‑loss outcomes than the current highest approved Wegovy dose (2.4mg), bringing results close to those seen with Mounjaro and, in some cases, bariatric surgery.

Below, we explain how Wegovy 7.2mg works, who it may be suitable for, how it’s taken, what the clinical evidence shows.

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What is Wegovy 7.2mg?

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Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is an injectable GLP‑1 medication used for weight management in adults with obesity. It works by mimicking the hormone GLP‑1, helping to reduce appetite, increase fullness, and curb cravings.

The 7.2 mg weekly dose is administered as three separate 2.4 mg doses taken one after another on the same day, at the same time. Each injection uses a Wegovy® 2.4 mg FlexTouch® pen. Importantly, the 7.2mg dose works in exactly the same way as lower doses. It just simply delivers a higher total amount of semaglutide.

Until now, the highest approved weekly dose of Wegovy in the UK has been 2.4mg. The introduction of this new Wegovy 7.2mg higher dose option gives patients who have already reached and tolerated 2.4mg but need additional support, to continue losing weight.

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How do you take Wegovy 7.2mg?

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Wegovy 7.2mg is taken once weekly as a subcutaneous (under‑the‑skin) injection, similar to the other Wegovy doses. However, the higher dose is not available in a single pen.

Instead, you will use the Wegovy 2.4mg pen to give yourself three consecutive doses injected one after another, to reach the full 7.2mg dose. Each dose you inject should use a new needle.

Injection guidance

Injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm

If injecting in the same area, injections should be at least 5cm apart

Always inject at the same time and on the same day each week

Each pen contains four doses. This means you will typically:

Use three doses in one week

Then use the remaining dose the following week, alongside two doses from a new pen.

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Can I take more or less doses per week than prescribed?

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Please take your medication as prescribed. If you wish to discuss your treatment with a clinician (e.g. decreasing doses due to side effects) please get in touch with our team and we will advise you accordingly.

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Who might be offered Wegovy 7.2mg?

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Wegovy 7.2mg may be prescribed for adults with obesity (initial pre treatment BMI 30 or over) who need additional weight loss support after reaching the 2.4mg dose for at least 4 weeks. It may be considered if the 2.4mg dose has been tolerated well without significant side effects, although eligibility is always assessed by our expert clinicians.

At Phlo Clinic, any dose increase would only happen under close clinical supervision, based on your progress, side‑effect history, and individual treatment goals.

If you’re happy with your results on 2.4mg, there’s no need to increase to 7.2mg, and many people continue successfully on 2.4mg long‑term.

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Wegovy 7.2mg effectiveness: what the clinical evidence shows

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Clinical trials show that Wegovy 7.2mg can lead to greater weight loss than the 2.4mg dose. The STEP‑UP Phase 3b clinical trial (2024) studied 1,407 adults with obesity (without diabetes) over 72 weeks.

Results showed:

17.5% average weight loss with Wegovy 2.4mg

20.7–21% average weight loss with Wegovy 7.2mg

33.2% of participants lost ≥25% of their body weight on the 7.2mg dose

These outcomes place Wegovy 7.2mg very close to the highest dose of Mounjaro (15mg) and approach the results typically associated with weight loss from bariatric surgery.

As with all weight‑loss treatments, individual results vary and depend on adherence, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.

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Side effects of Wegovy 7.2mg

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The side‑effect profile of Wegovy 7.2mg is similar to lower doses, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Constipation

Bloating and indigestion

These effects are usually mild to moderate and most common during dose increases. Aswell, they often improve over time as the body adjusts.

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Other possible side effects

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Fatigue

Headache or dizziness

Hair loss

Injection‑site reactions

Some people may also experience changes in skin sensation, known as dysesthesia, which can feel like tingling, burning, numbness, or increased sensitivity to touch. In most cases, these symptoms are mild, manageable, and tend to improve over time. Importantly, 86% of patients continued their treatment without needing to stop.

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Staying hydrated

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Because nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea can occur, it’s important to drink enough fluids. Ongoing or severe symptoms can lead to dehydration and, in rare cases, affect kidney function.

Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Your clinical team will monitor for these.

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Pregnancy, fertility and breastfeeding

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Wegovy must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception and stop Wegovy at least two months before planning a pregnancy.

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Storage and handling

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Store unopened pens in the fridge (2–8°C)

After first use, pens can be stored below 30°C or in the fridge for up to 6 weeks

Do not freeze

Keep the pen cap on when not in use

Important: When taking Wegovy 7.2mg, three 2.4mg doses are taken once weekly on the same day. After this, one dose will remain in the pen. Store the opened pen correctly, as outlined above, and use the remaining dose the following week, together with two doses from a new pen. This pattern then continues each week.

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Is Wegovy 7.2mg safe?

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Lower doses of Wegovy are already approved by the MHRA and prescribed in the UK following NICE recommendations.

Clinical trial data suggests the overall safety profile of the 7.2mg dose is similar to lower doses. Most side effects are digestive, usually temporary, and manageable with clinical guidance.

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How much will Wegovy 7.2mg cost?

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As the 7.2mg dose contains significantly more medication, it will cost more than the current 2.4mg pen.

View all our Wegovy pricing for each dose here.

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How does Wegovy 7.2mg compare to Mounjaro?

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Wegovy 7.2mg: 20.7–21% average weight loss

Mounjaro 15mg: 20.9% average weight loss

This makes Wegovy 7.2mg a strong alternative for patients who cannot tolerate or access tirzepatide, or who prefer to remain on semaglutide.

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I’m already taking Wegovy, how can I access the 7.2mg dose?

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If you’re eligible, the Wegovy 7.2mg option will appear when you reorder your medication. Our clinical team will then review your treatment to confirm whether the higher dose is appropriate for you.

To qualify for the 7.2mg dose you must have been on the Wegovy 2.4mg dose for at least 4 weeks and we will assess your suitability based on your progress, side effect history and overall tolerability.

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What if I’m using another GLP‑1 medication?

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Patients switching from another GLP‑1 injectable weight‑loss medication, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), may still be eligible for Wegovy.

However, most patients will switch to a lower Wegovy dose first, gradually working up to higher doses (potentially including 7.2mg) to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects as your body gets used to the medication.

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