Wegovy
Wegovy is the FDA-approved weekly semaglutide injection for chronic weight management. Compare cost, coverage, and the telehealth programs that prescribe it.
- Manufacturer
- Novo Nordisk
- Drug class
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Dose range
- 0.25 mg → 2.4 mg weekly
- Average monthly cost
- $1,349 without insurance · $0–$25 with most commercial plans
- Insurance covered
- Often, with prior authorization
Overview
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is Novo Nordisk's brand-name GLP-1 indicated specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is the same active ingredient as Ozempic but dosed higher and labeled for weight loss rather than type 2 diabetes. In the STEP clinical trials, patients lost an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks compared with 2.4% on placebo.
How it works
Semaglutide mimics the gut hormone GLP-1. It slows gastric emptying, blunts appetite, and helps the pancreas release insulin in response to meals — together this reduces calorie intake and improves glycemic control.
Side effects
- Nausea, especially during dose escalation
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue and headache
- Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning)
Who should consider Wegovy
Adults with a BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with a comorbidity like hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and no personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
Telehealth programs that prescribe Wegovy
Editorial only — not medical advice. Drug pricing and availability change frequently; verify with the prescribing program before relying on any figure on this page.