What is Wegovy and How Does it Work in New Zealand?

Introduction

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly prescription medicine now available in New Zealand for adults and adolescents struggling with obesity or overweight. More than just a weight loss injection, Wegovy can also reduce the risk of heart-related events in certain people living with cardiovascular disease.

If you’ve been considering Wegovy, here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who it’s for, and what to expect on your treatment journey.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a medicine that works with your body’s natural appetite-regulating system. It is given once a week using a FlexTouch® injection pen. Alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, Wegovy helps reduce weight and maintain weight loss.

In New Zealand, Wegovy may be prescribed if you:

• Have a BMI ≥30 (classified as obesity), or

• Have a BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, or

• Have a BMI ≥27 and cardiovascular disease, without diabetes, to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes

  
  

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy mimics the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone sends signals between your gut and your brain to help control appetite.

By enhancing GLP-1 activity, Wegovy helps you:

• Feel less hungry

• Experience a greater sense of fullness after meals

• Reduce cravings, making it easier to stick to healthy eating

  
  

For many New Zealanders, this means being able to manage food choices and portions more effectively, supporting long-term weight management.

Why is Wegovy Important for Heart Health?

Carrying excess weight isn’t just about appearance — it increases your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood clots, all of which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Waist circumference, in particular, is a strong indicator of cardiovascular risk.

Wegovy has been shown to help lower this risk when prescribed to people with cardiovascular disease and overweight/obesity, but without diabetes. This makes it an important treatment option for Kiwis facing high rates of heart disease.

What to Expect from Wegovy Treatment in NZ

• Once-weekly injection: You give the dose yourself at home, using the FlexTouch® pen.

• Gradual dose increases: Starting at 0.25 mg per week and slowly increasing every 4 weeks to 2.4 mg, which helps reduce side effects like nausea.

• Lifestyle support: Wegovy works best when combined with diet changes and physical activity.

• Regular GP reviews: Your doctor will check progress and side effects at 1 month, 3 months, and then every 3 months.

  
  

How Pocket Lab Helps

At Pocket Lab, we make accessing Wegovy simple and supportive:

• Book an online GP consultation from anywhere in New Zealand.

• Get a personalised treatment plan to check if Wegovy is right for you.

• Enjoy convenient prescription delivery straight to your door.

• Benefit from regular check-ins with our doctors to keep you on track.

  
  

We specialise in online care that fits into your lifestyle, giving you expert medical support without the hassle of waiting rooms.

Side Effects and Safety

Like any medicine, Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

  
  

These are usually mild-to-moderate and tend to settle as your body adjusts. If you experience more severe symptoms, always contact your healthcare provider.

Wegovy in New Zealand: Key Takeaways

• Wegovy is available by prescription only.

• It works by mimicking a natural gut hormone to reduce appetite and cravings.

• It can support both weight loss and heart health in eligible patients.

• Pocket Lab offers an easy, online way to get started with doctor guidance and ongoing support.

  
  

👉 Book a consultation today to explore your options.

Reference: This article is based on the Wegovy® Launch Patient Brochure – Novo Nordisk New Zealand, June 2025