Wegovy 7.2mg: New dose explained
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, has conducted studies on a new higher dose of 7.2mg. Until now, the highest licensed dose of Wegovy was 2.4mg, but new clinical trial data suggests this increased strength could deliver greater weight loss, with results approaching those seen with Mounjaro.
Who is Wegovy 7.2mg suitable for?
- Patients who have already reached 2.4mg and plateaued
- Individuals with a higher starting BMI who need additional clinical support
- Patients who tolerate semaglutide well and have no contraindications
It is not suitable for everyone and requires a full clinical assessment, including medical history, current medications, and previous response to GLP-1 therapy.
Wegovy 7.2mg. results and comparison
Clinical trial data shows that Wegovy 7.2mg delivers an average weight loss of 20.7%, compared with 17.5% for Wegovy 2.4mg and 22.5% for Mounjaro 15mg.
Wegovy 2.4mg is already highly effective for many people, but some patients reach a plateau or find progress slows before they hit their target weight. For those individuals, the higher 7.2mg dose may offer a meaningful next step by providing stronger appetite suppression and enhanced weight loss.
Two major studies, STEP UP and STEP UP T2D, evaluated the 7.2mg dose in people living with obesity, both with and without type 2 diabetes. The results were notable:
- Average total weight loss of up to 20.7% of body weight
- Around one in three participants lost 25% or more of their starting weight
- The treatment was well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with the 2.4mg dose and earlier semaglutide trials from Novo Nordisk
These outcomes place Wegovy 7.2mg firmly alongside Mounjaro 15mg in terms of overall effectiveness.
At a glance comparison
Wegovy 2.4mg. approximately 17.5% total body weight loss
Wegovy 7.2mg. approximately 20.7%
Mounjaro 15mg. approximately 22.5%
If you are considering stepping up or switching treatments, comparing weight loss options can help determine the most suitable path forward.
Who might benefit from Wegovy 7.2mg?
Wegovy 7.2mg is intended for people who need more support than the standard 2.4mg dose can provide. It is not a starting dose, but it may be an appropriate next step if your weight loss has slowed or plateaued and you are continuing to tolerate semaglutide well. This higher strength has been specifically studied in people who did not achieve sufficient weight loss on lower doses of semaglutide. For those patients, increasing to 7.2mg may help restart progress and improve overall outcomes.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You are currently using Wegovy 2.4mg and your weight loss has levelled off
- You tolerate semaglutide well, with side effects that are mild or manageable
- You have been using Mounjaro but have not seen the results you expected and are considering a switch to Wegovy
- You are experiencing side effects on Mounjaro and want to explore an alternative weight loss option
It is important to note that Wegovy 7.2mg is not suitable as an initial dose. If you are new to Wegovy or switching from Mounjaro, you will need to follow a clinician-approved titration schedule before becoming eligible for this higher dose. Pending availability in the UK.
If you're switching from Mounjaro
If you are considering switching, a 7-day washout period is required before starting Wegovy. You must also be tolerating any previous treatment side effects and complete an online assessment, which is then fully reviewed by one of our prescribers.
Key points at a glance
- Weight loss results: Average losses of up to 20.7% seen in STEP UP trials (1/3 of patients experienced 25%)
- Comparison: Outcomes are in a similar range to Mounjaro 15mg
- UK access: Currently not available in the UK
- Who it may suit: people established on Wegovy 2.4mg who have plateaued and tolerate semaglutide well
- Side effects: mainly digestive, such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea, in line with lower doses