Who it's for
Adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea).
What the trials show
Wegovy's registration trial was STEP-1 (NEJM, 2021). At 68 weeks at the maximum dose, mean weight loss was 14.9% (12.4 percentage points greater than placebo). 86.4% of patients lost at least 5% of body weight; 50.5% lost at least 15%. Real-world results vary; trial patients are typically more adherent and more closely managed than typical telehealth patients.
Dose schedule
Dose levels: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg. Standard practice is to titrate up monthly, holding at any tolerated dose. Maximum dose is 2.4mg weekly; many patients reach goal weight at sub-maximum doses and stay there.
What it costs in 2026
| Retail cash (no insurance, no DTC) | $1,349/mo |
| Manufacturer DTC (cash-pay direct) | $199-$499/mo via NovoCare |
| With insurance + prior authorization | $25-$50/mo with prior authorization |
| Compounded version (503A pharmacy) | $99-$249/mo via 503A pharmacies |
Telehealth programs add a membership fee on top of the medication cost (typically $40-$200/mo). For all-in monthly costs by program, see the chart.
Common side effects
The most commonly reported side effects in the registration trial:
- nausea (44%)
- diarrhea (30%)
- constipation (24%)
- vomiting (24%)
- abdominal pain (20%)
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data); contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome.
How Wegovy differs from related drugs
Same molecule as Ozempic and Rybelsus, branded specifically for weight loss at higher doses than the diabetes formulations.
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is the same active molecule prepared by a 503A pharmacy under prescription rather than manufactured under FDA new-drug approval as Wegovy. Cash-pay savings versus branded Wegovy are typically 50-80%, but the regulatory environment has tightened. FDA shortage list resolved October 2024; compounded semaglutide enforcement increased through 2025. For the comparison, see compounded vs FDA-approved semaglutide.
Programs that prescribe Wegovy
These programs in our chart prescribe Wegovy (with insurance coverage where applicable, or as a cash-pay option). Ranked by overall score.
Wegovy vs other GLP-1s
Editorial disclosure
GLP Chart is an editorial comparison site. We do not dispense, prescribe, or fulfill medications. Talk to a licensed clinician about whether Wegovy is appropriate for you. Pricing reflects publicly verified rates as of 12 May 2026; verify with the manufacturer or your prescriber before committing.