Wegovy 7.2mg Explained: UK Information Guide
As of January 12, 2026, the UK’s medicines regulator (MHRA) has officially approved Wegovy 7.2mg for weight management. This move marks a significant shift in the obesity treatment landscape, making it the strongest semaglutide dose available in the UK. Wegovy 7.2mg Explained: This new dosage offers patients an innovative solution to manage their weight effectively.
The following guide explains the new high-dose protocol, the clinical data behind it, and how it compares to other leading treatments like Mounjaro.
What Wegovy 7.2mg Is and How It Works
Wegovy 7.2mg serves as a newly approved, high-strength maintenance dose of semaglutide. While the previous maximum dose was 2.4mg, the MHRA’s 2026 approval allows clinicians to escalate treatment for patients who have reached a weight-loss plateau or require more intensive appetite suppression.
Why was it approved?
The approval is based on the STEP UP Phase 3b clinical trial, which proved that a higher “ceiling” for semaglutide could deliver weight loss results comparable to other leading treatments.
| Clinical Metric (72 Weeks) | Wegovy 7.2mg | Wegovy 2.4mg |
| Average Weight Loss | 20.7% | 17.5% |
| Lost ≥25% Body Weight | 33.2% | 16.7% |
| Tolerability (GI Side Effects) | 70.8% | 61.2% |
The 300% Jump: A Significant Clinical Escalation
Why Wegovy 7.2mg Is Different From Lower Doses
Moving from 2.4mg to 7.2mg is not a standard “step up”; it is a tripling of the active medication. Because this increase is substantial, clinicians therefore assess patients against strict clinical criteria before they prescribe it.
1. Mandatory Pre-Requisites
Firstly, under the new 2026 guidelines, clinicians require patients to:
- Have already reached and tolerated the 2.4mg dose well.
- Have reached a documented weight-loss plateau (where weight loss has stalled despite 2.4mg use).
- Patients must show no history of severe gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis at lower doses.
2. Current UK Supply (Multi-Pen Protocol)
As of early 2026, pharmacies supply Wegovy 7.2mg as three separate 2.4 mg pens.
- The Dose: All three 2.4mg injections are administered on the same day, once a week.
- No “Intermediate” Doses: There is no licensed 4.8mg dose. Following the validated STEP UP protocol, clinicians move directly from 2.4mg to 7.2mg; therefore, they consider any unapproved intermediate dosing clinically unsafe due to the lack of supporting safety or efficacy data.
Wegovy 7.2mg vs. Mounjaro 15mg
For patients considering the highest potency options, the 2026 Wegovy approval has narrowed the gap between semaglutide and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
| Feature | Wegovy 7.2mg | Mounjaro 15mg |
| Primary Mechanism | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Dual GLP-1 & GIP Agonist |
| Total Weight Loss | 20.7% | 22.5% |
| Dosing Format | 3 x 2.4mg pens (Current) | 1 x KwikPen (Standard) |
| Primary Benefit | High GLP-1 concentration | Multi-hormone metabolic boost |
Wegovy 7.2mg Explained: The Verdict:
As a result, the MHRA approval of Wegovy 7.2mg now gives people using Wegovy 2.4 mg Mounjaro-level weight-loss results without switching medication or completing a washout period.
Side Effects: What to Expect
As a result, increasing the dose by 300% raises the likelihood of side effects.
- GI Sensitivity: Nausea and vomiting are more frequent during the first 4 weeks of the 7.2mg dose.
- Dysaesthesia: A specific side effect noted in the 7.2mg trials is increased skin sensitivity or tingling. While usually mild, it is more common at this higher dose.
- Nutritional Monitoring: Because 7.2mg causes significantly slower gastric emptying, clinicians should monitor for “malnutrition risk, ensuring patients still consume enough protein and vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7.2mg available on the NHS?
Although the MHRA has approved it, NICE must assess it before the NHS provides funding. This typically takes 6–9 months, making late 2026 the likely window for NHS availability.
Can I take two 2.4mg pens to reach 4.8mg?
No. Clinicians do not license or clinically validate a 4.8 mg dose. A prescriber must assess your tolerance and specifically guide any move from 2.4 mg to 7.2mg.
Medical Safety Disclaimer
This information does not constitute medical advice. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only medication (POM) in the UK. Lastly, a qualified and regulated healthcare professional makes all treatment decisions, including dose escalation to 7.2 mg, after completing an individual clinical assessment. Higher doses of GLP-1 medications carry an increased risk of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and more serious risks such as pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any adverse effects.