MHRA approves higher Wegovy dose for adults with obesity

The UK medicines regulator has approved a higher maximum dose of the weight-loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide), allowing some patients with obesity to receive up to 7.2mg per week under medical supervision.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed on 6 January 2026 that the increased dose is authorised only for adult patients with obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30kg/m² or higher, and must be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The approval does not apply to people who are overweight with a BMI below 30kg/m² using Wegovy for weight management, nor to patients prescribed the medicine to reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

How the new 7.2mg dose works

Wegovy is administered by injection, and the newly approved maximum dose of 7.2mg per week is delivered as three separate injections of 2.4mg, taken one after the other on the same day.

Patients starting Wegovy begin at a much lower dose of 0.25mg per week. A prescribing healthcare professional will guide patients through gradual dose increases every four weeks until they reach the standard maintenance dose of 2.4mg per week.

If additional weight-management benefit is needed, and after a minimum of four weeks on the 2.4mg dose, a further increase to 7.2mg per week may be made. This is now the maximum approved weekly dose.

For the 7.2mg dose, injections can be given in the same area of the body but must be spaced at least 5cm apart. Patients must change the needle between each injection and may need to use more than one pen to complete their dose.

Practical guidance for patients

Each Wegovy pen contains four doses of 2.4mg. Patients are advised not to discard a pen until all four doses have been used. Partially used pens should be stored in the fridge with the needle removed.

Patients are also advised to ensure they have enough pens available before starting the higher dose. Once all four doses have been used, the pen should be disposed of safely in line with advice from a prescribing healthcare professional.

The MHRA emphasised that patients should always use Wegovy exactly as prescribed and to check with their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they are unsure about dosing or administration.

Monitoring safety and side effects

Anyone who suspects they are experiencing a side effect from Wegovy is encouraged to speak to a healthcare professional and report it through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

Reports can be submitted online at:

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

Alternatively, patients can download the MHRA Yellow Card app via the Google Play or Apple App stores.

Impact amid rising obesity levels

The approval comes as obesity continues to place increasing pressure on the NHS, with demand growing for effective, clinically supervised treatments. For patients who have struggled to achieve meaningful weight loss through lifestyle changes alone, the higher dose option may offer additional support — though regulators stress it must be used carefully and only in eligible patients.

Healthcare professionals are expected to assess each patient individually, balancing potential benefits against risks, and ensuring that medication remains part of a broader, long-term approach to health.