VEI Body · Wegovy

Checking criteria and health conditions first:
Wegovy prescription

Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection (semaglutide) that acts on the GLP-1 receptor. In Korea it is approved for weight management in adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, and also to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity who have cardiovascular disease. At VEI Clinic, a board-certified internist checks the prescribing criteria, your health conditions and current medicines before prescribing.

Wegovy prescribing criteria

Wegovy is prescribed, together with diet and exercise, for adults who meet the Korean approval criteria. If you do not meet them or should not use it, we first offer a diet and exercise plan or other options. Even if you do not meet the criteria below, it may still be prescribed at the doctor's discretion after a consultation, as long as there is no reason you should not use it.

Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
BMI of 27 to under 30 with at least one weight-related condition such as prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease

How Wegovy works and its effects

Wegovy acts like GLP-1, a hormone released by the gut after meals, sending fullness signals to the brain, reducing appetite and slowing how fast food leaves the stomach.

In the trial behind its approval (STEP 1), adults without diabetes who had obesity or overweight used it for 68 weeks, including a 16-week dose increase period (maintenance dose 2.4 mg), with diet and exercise, and lost on average 14.9% of body weight, compared with 2.4% on placebo. These are averages: results vary widely, some people respond less, and weight can return after stopping.

Wegovy doses and how it is given

To reduce stomach side effects such as nausea, treatment starts at a low dose and is increased every 4 weeks. If side effects are severe the increase is delayed, and whether to increase is decided at your visit.

Dose schedule: 0.25 mg in weeks 1 to 4, 0.5 mg in weeks 5 to 8, 1 mg in weeks 9 to 12, 1.7 mg in weeks 13 to 16, and the 2.4 mg maintenance dose from week 17
Injection: once a week on the same day, inject yourself under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, at any time of day, with or without food
Pen: the Wegovy pen used in Korea is a multi-dose pen holding 4 doses, used only at the dose shown on the pen
Missed dose: if it is within 5 days of the scheduled day, take it as soon as you remember; if more than 5 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on schedule. Never take two doses at once. If you miss two or more doses, discuss with us whether to restart at a lower dose

Wegovy side effects

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache and tiredness are common, usually worst around dose increases and easing over time.

Pancreatitis, gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, reduced kidney function from dehydration and a faster pulse can occur, and low blood sugar can occur when used with insulin or sulfonylurea diabetes medicines. If you have type 2 diabetes, diabetic eye disease can worsen, so tell us about any change in vision. Seek care right away for severe stomach pain spreading to the back, persistent vomiting, or shortness of breath with swelling of the face or throat.

Who should not use Wegovy or needs caution

It is not used if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to its ingredients
If you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, or you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), be sure to tell us before prescribing. Labels outside Korea advise against its use in these cases, so we decide carefully
It is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and if you are planning a pregnancy it is stopped at least 2 months beforehand
Tell us before prescribing if you have had pancreatitis or take diabetes medicines
Tell us in advance if you have surgery, anesthesia or an endoscopy coming up
It is not used if you have a history of suicidal behavior or active suicidal thoughts, so tell us before prescribing. If low mood deepens or you have thoughts of suicide during treatment, stop the injections and contact us right away

Wegovy and Mounjaro: the differences

Wegovy acts only on the GLP-1 receptor, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Both are once-weekly injections with the same BMI criteria for weight management.

A trial comparing the two directly (SURMOUNT-5) gave adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes the highest tolerated dose of Wegovy (1.7 or 2.4 mg) or Mounjaro (10 or 15 mg) for 72 weeks; average weight loss was 13.7% with Wegovy and 20.2% with Mounjaro. Wegovy is also approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with overweight or obesity who have cardiovascular disease, so we choose the medicine by looking at your health conditions, side effects and past treatment response together.

Storage

Before first use, keep it in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) and do not freeze it. After first use it can be used for up to 6 weeks, stored at room temperature not above 30°C or in the refrigerator, with the pen cap on to protect it from light. Do not use a pen that has frozen.

What to Expect

Consultation: weight history, eating habits, health conditions and medicines, and family history of medullary thyroid cancer
Tests: body composition and blood tests for blood sugar, liver and kidney function, and cholesterol
Prescription and guidance: how to inject, how to store it, and the schedule for increasing the dose every 4 weeks
Follow-up visits: weight, muscle mass and side effects checked around each dose increase, with the dose adjusted

The VEI Clinic Approach

A board-certified internist first checks the prescribing criteria and reasons not to use it. Medicine supports weight management rather than replacing it, so we plan protein intake, strength training and sleep to help preserve muscle. As it is not covered by national health insurance, we explain the cost and expected duration at your visit.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Wegovy prescription?

At a visit with a board-certified internist we check your BMI, weight-related conditions, medicines and family history of medullary thyroid cancer, and prescribe it if you meet the criteria. Even if you do not, it may still be prescribed at the doctor's discretion. Body composition and blood tests come first, and we explain how to inject, store it and increase the dose every 4 weeks. Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be obtained without a consultation.

Where can I get Wegovy prescribed in Gangnam or Apgujeong?

VEI Clinic is an internal medicine clinic a one-minute walk from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Station (3F, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul), where a board-certified internist prescribes Wegovy after a consultation. For appointments and hours, call +82 2 542 8275.

How much does Wegovy cost?

Wegovy is not covered by national health insurance, so the medicine cost depends on the dose, and consultation and test fees are separate. Because the cost changes as the dose goes up, we explain the expected cost before prescribing.

What if Wegovy side effects are severe?

Nausea and diarrhea are common around dose increases and usually ease over time. Eating small amounts slowly and cutting down on fatty food helps, and if symptoms are severe we delay the increase by 4 weeks or adjust the dose. Seek care right away for severe stomach pain spreading to the back or persistent vomiting.

Will I regain weight after stopping Wegovy?

Appetite can return after stopping, and weight may increase again. That is why eating and exercise habits are changed during treatment, and as you near your goal we decide together whether to keep the dose or taper slowly.

Do I need to come to the clinic for each Wegovy injection?

No. You inject yourself at home once a week with the prescribed pen. At the start we show you how to inject at the clinic, and we check your progress around each dose increase.