On 6th January 2026, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for a maximum weekly dose of 7.2 mg, specifically for adult patients with obesity.
Indications and Eligibility
The approved dose is intended for weight management in adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
This approval does not cover:
*Overweight patients with a BMI below 30 kg/m² using Wegovy for weight management
*Patients taking Wegovy to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events
Patients are advised to follow their prescriber’s instructions carefully and consult their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if they have any doubts.
Starting Dose and Gradual Titration
Patients beginning Wegovy therapy for obesity start at a low dose of 0.25 mg per week. Healthcare professionals then gradually increase the dose every 4 weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week. If necessary, the dose can be further increased to a maximum of 7.2 mg per week, administered as three consecutive injections of 2.4 mg on the same day, after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg.
Administration Instructions for 7.2 mg Dose
For the 7.2 mg weekly dose:
*Patients inject three 2.4 mg doses consecutively on the same day.
*Injections can be administered in the same body area, but each should be at least 5 cm apart.
*Change the needle between each injection.
*Multiple pens may be needed to complete the dose.
Each pen contains four 2.4 mg doses. Patients should:
*Store partially used pens in the fridge with the needle removed
*Ensure sufficient supply to complete the planned dose
*Dispose of the pen safely after the fourth dose, following prescriber instructions
Key Takeaway
As reported by pharmabiz.com, the new 7.2 mg weekly dose of Wegovy provides a flexible and effective option for obese adults, but requires careful adherence to dosing instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.