Some users of Wegovy will now be able to access a new injection that will cut down their doses to aid weight loss.
Some Wegovy users will soon have access to a new weight loss injection.(Image: Getty Images)
Weight loss has continually been a topic of conversation over recent years. With many people wanting to lose some extra pounds, slimming hacks and exercise trends have been advertised all over social media to bring in customers with the ‘promise’ of helping them lose weight.
However, since the emergence of weight loss injections, which help curb the user’s appetite, it is believed that more than 1.6million in the UK have signed up to use brands such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. As the injections have continued to rise in popularity, a health body has now confirmed that thousands of people may see a change to their current drug.
As of April 14, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have made available a new weight loss pen that will change how Wegovy is administered. Like most weight loss injections, users of Wegovy increase their dose gradually over time.
Back in January 2026, it was authorised that the weekly dose of Wegovy would move up to 7.2mg. However, this has needed to be administered through three 2.4mg doses on the same day using the standard 2.4mg pen – up until now.
As of Tuesday, users who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30kg/m² or higher will be offered a new single-dose 7.2mg semaglutide (Wegovy) pen to help treat adult patients with obesity. This new pen will mean users will only need to administer one injection to get their weekly dose, reports the Express.
It is hoped that this move will support reducing obesity in adults as they now have the option of a single-dose injection to help manage their weight loss. The newly approved device includes an automatic dosing mechanism with a built-in needle which is enclosed in a needle cover and locks after use.
However, it should be noted that this new pen won’t be available to Wegovy patients who have a BMI of less than 30kg/m².
Additionally, patients using the injections to lower their risk of heart disease will also not be offered the new dose. Both groups will need to continue with their regular doses.
Manufacturer Novo Nordisk has welcomed the change and is said to be working with healthcare providers and partners to support the UK in rolling out this new device.
As the single-dose pen was only made available yesterday, the manufacturer is currently expecting stock to be with users in four to six weeks.
Sebnem Avsar Tuna, UK general manager at Novo Nordisk, said: “The approval of this new single‑dose device provides an additional administration option for people in the UK who are prescribed the 7.2 mg once weekly maintenance dose of Wegovy.
“We welcome the MHRA’s decision and will continue to work with healthcare professionals and partners to support its introduction in line with local prescribing arrangements.”
When patients first start using Wegovy, they will be put on a starting dose of 0.25mg per week. This then gradually increases every four weeks if required, however this needs to be prescribed by an appropriate healthcare professional. The maximum dose per week is 7.2mg.
The MHRA has also stated that it will continue to monitor the safety and efficacy of Wegovy, as it does with all medicines.
It added: “Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.”
