What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medication containing semaglutide 2.4mg, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Wegovy is a Schedule 4 (S4) prescription-only medicine.
Wegovy uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) but at a higher dose. The 2.4mg weekly dose was specifically studied in the STEP weight management clinical trial programme, which led to TGA approval for this indication.
Active ingredient: Semaglutide 2.4mg
Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Schedule: S4 — Prescription Only
Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
ARTG-registered indication: Weight management in adults (specific eligibility criteria apply)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Wegovy vs Ozempic: The Difference
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but they are distinct products with different doses and different registered indications:
- Ozempic (0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg): registered on the ARTG for type 2 diabetes management in adults
- Wegovy (2.4mg): registered on the ARTG for weight management in adults meeting the eligibility criteria
The higher dose in Wegovy reflects the clinical dosing studied in the STEP programme, which specifically examined semaglutide in the context of weight management.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy works by activating GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors in the body. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring gut hormone involved in glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying, and appetite signalling via receptors in the brain.
By mimicking GLP-1, semaglutide at the Wegovy dose activates these same receptors — influencing appetite signalling pathways, slowing gastric emptying, and supporting glucose-dependent insulin regulation.
Clinical Evidence
The STEP programme specifically evaluated semaglutide 2.4mg across several populations. Published trial data includes:
- STEP 1 (Wilding et al., NEJM, 2021): Average body weight reduction of approximately 14.9% at 68 weeks (vs 2.4% placebo) in adults without type 2 diabetes
- STEP 2 (Davies et al., Lancet, 2021): Average body weight reduction of approximately 9.6% at 68 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes
Who Can Access Wegovy in Australia?
Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine requiring a valid prescription from a registered Australian medical practitioner. Eligibility for prescribing is determined through a clinical assessment.
TGA approval criteria specify adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater with a weight-related comorbidity. However, meeting these criteria does not guarantee prescribing — the clinician makes a prescribing decision based on your full individual health assessment.
Speaking With Your Clinician
Whether Wegovy is appropriate for your circumstances is a clinical decision made in consultation with a registered medical practitioner. Your clinician will review your complete medical history, current medications, and individual health circumstances before making any prescribing decision.