Brand semaglutide for weight loss

Wegovy® Complete Guide 2026

Wegovy® is Novo Nordisk's brand-name semaglutide approved for chronic weight management at the 2.4 mg weekly dose. Retail $1,349/month without insurance. STEP-1 demonstrated 14.9% mean weight loss at 68 weeks. SELECT trial established CV benefit in overweight/obese adults without diabetes.

Dr. Parmis - Medical Researcher
Researched By
Dr. Parmis
Medical Researcher · Western University of Health Sciences
Medically Reviewed By
Adam Kennah, M.D.
Board-Certified Physician
Last clinically reviewed: April 28, 2026 · This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.

About Wegovy®

Class: Brand semaglutide for weight loss
Brand/Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Dosing: Weekly subcutaneous (up to 2.4 mg)
Mean weight loss: 14.9%
Pivotal trial: STEP-1 through STEP-8

Wegovy® is Novo Nordisk's brand-name semaglutide approved for chronic weight management at the 2.4 mg weekly dose. Retail $1,349/month without insurance. STEP-1 demonstrated 14.9% mean weight loss at 68 weeks. SELECT trial established CV benefit in overweight/obese adults without diabetes.

Mechanism of action

Wegovy® acts on the GLP-1 receptor (and GIP receptor in the case of tirzepatide), producing four primary effects: central appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, glucose-dependent insulin release, and glucagon suppression. The combined effect on body weight averaged across pivotal trials is 14.9% body weight reduction at the trial endpoint.

Clinical evidence

The pivotal trial supporting Wegovy®'s weight management indication is STEP-1 through STEP-8. Detailed data including primary and secondary endpoints, population characteristics, and adverse event frequencies is summarized on our clinical research page.

How to access Wegovy® via telehealth

Wegovy® is available through several U.S. telehealth providers. Compounded versions (where applicable) are dispensed by 503A licensed compounding pharmacies and 503B FDA-registered outsourcing facilities. NexLife is our editorial #1 pick for Wegovy® access — see the side panel for details.

Compounded medications: Where Wegovy® is dispensed in compounded form, the compounded version is not FDA-approved and is not the same as the brand-name product.

FAQ

Is Wegovy® FDA-approved?

The brand-name versions of Wegovy® are FDA-approved for the indications listed above. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved.

How much does Wegovy® cost?

Brand-name Wegovy® typically costs hundreds to over a thousand dollars per month at retail. Compounded equivalents (where available) cost significantly less. See our cost guide for verified May 2026 pricing.