Wegovy 7.2mg UK: New Higher Dose Approved — What It Means

In January 2026, the MHRA approved a new higher dose of Wegovy (semaglutide) — 7.2mg weekly injection, triple the previous maximum dose of 2.4mg. This approval was based on the landmark STEP UP trial, which demonstrated 20.7% average body weight loss after 72 weeks.

This is significant because the previous 2.4mg dose achieved approximately 15% weight loss in the original STEP trials. The new 7.2mg dose closes the effectiveness gap with tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which achieves approximately 22% weight loss at its highest dose. For many patients, the difference is now clinically negligible.

The higher dose uses the same FlexTouch pen delivery system, administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. It's titrated up gradually from the starting 0.25mg dose, with the 7.2mg dose typically reached after 16-20 weeks of titration.

Novo Nordisk positioned this approval strategically — just months after Eli Lilly's 170% Mounjaro price increase. The competitive timing is not coincidental. Patients now have a clinically comparable option at potentially lower cost.

The STEP UP trial (NCT05564039) was a Phase 3b, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling approximately 1,500 adults with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities). Key results:

Primary Endpoint — Weight Loss at 72 Weeks: - Semaglutide 7.2mg: -20.7% (vs -6.0% placebo) - This translates to approximately 23kg (3.5 stone) average loss from a starting weight of 110kg

Secondary Outcomes: - 68% of patients achieved ≥15% weight loss - 45% achieved ≥20% weight loss - Significant improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, HbA1c, and lipid profiles - Consistent weight loss across age groups, genders, and baseline BMI categories

Side Effects: - Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhoea, constipation) were more common at the higher dose but generally manageable - Discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 8.2% (vs 4.1% placebo) - No new safety signals compared to the established 2.4mg dose

The results confirm that semaglutide's dose-response relationship continues beyond 2.4mg — more drug equals more weight loss, up to this new ceiling. Whether even higher doses would produce further benefit is unknown.

Private Prescription Pricing (March 2026): - Wegovy 7.2mg: approximately £220-270/month from private clinics and online pharmacies - This compares to £310-375/month for Mounjaro at 15mg - Saving of approximately £90-105/month (£1,080-1,260/year)

NHS Availability: Wegovy is NICE-approved (TA875) for weight management in adults with BMI ≥35 (or ≥30 with weight-related conditions). The 7.2mg dose is expected to be added to NHS formularies, though rollout timelines vary by region. The standard NHS pathway requires referral through a Tier 3 weight management service, with typical waiting times of 6-24 months.

Who Qualifies for the 7.2mg Dose: - Patients already on Wegovy 2.4mg who haven't reached their weight loss goals - New patients who can be titrated up to the higher dose - The prescribing clinician determines appropriateness based on individual response and tolerability

Supply Situation: Novo Nordisk has stated that Wegovy supply is now stable in the UK following shortages in 2024-2025. The 7.2mg pen uses the same manufacturing process as existing doses, so supply disruption is not expected.

The key comparison everyone wants:

Weight Loss: - Wegovy 7.2mg: 20.7% (STEP UP trial) - Mounjaro 15mg: 22.5% (SURMOUNT-1 trial) - Difference: ~1.8 percentage points — statistically significant but clinically modest

Cost (UK Private, March 2026): - Wegovy 7.2mg: £220-270/month - Mounjaro 15mg: £310-375/month - Saving with Wegovy: £90-105/month

Side Effects: - Both cause GI side effects (nausea, constipation, diarrhoea) - Mounjaro may have more sulfur burps - Wegovy may have more persistent nausea - Tolerability is highly individual

Cardiovascular Benefits: - Wegovy: Proven 20% MACE reduction (SELECT trial) — this is a major advantage - Mounjaro: SURPASS-CVOT trial still ongoing — no confirmed CV data yet

Dosing: - Both: once-weekly subcutaneous injection - Both: require gradual dose titration

Bottom Line: For most patients, the differences are small enough that cost and tolerability should drive the decision. Wegovy has the edge on cardiovascular evidence and price; Mounjaro has a slight edge on maximum weight loss.

*This information is for educational purposes. All weight loss medications require medical supervision. Consult your prescribing doctor for personalised advice.*