What is the best time of day to take Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved prescription drug for chronic weight management in people with obesity (BMI of 30 or more) and overweight (BMI of 27 or more) with at least one weight-related condition.

Wegovy should be taken on the same day each week. The best time of day to take Wegovy is when it’s most convenient for you. It should be taken at a time that you aren’t distracted and most likely to remember.

Learn more about recommended injection sites and a step-by-step guide on when to inject Wegovy for the best weight loss results in combination with a low-calorie diet and physical activity.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy pen (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved once-weekly subcutaneous injection for chronic weight management in patients with obesity (body mass index of 30 or more) and overweight (body mass index of 27 or more) with a weight-related condition like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) that helps treat obesity and promote weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and making you feel fuller longer.

Prescribers typically start patients at 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks and increase the dose until a full dose of 2.4 mg is reached. The maximum maintenance dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg once weekly.

When should I inject Wegovy?

The manufacturer Novo Nordisk states that you should take a Wegovy injection once every week, on the same day of the week, but offers flexibility in selecting your dosing schedule. You can choose any day and time for your weekly dose according to your convenience and preference.

You can take Wegovy at any time of the day, as long as it’s the same day each week. Morning injections can give you a fresh start to the day, while evening injections might be easier if you experience side effects like nausea.

The medication doesn’t necessarily have to be taken with food. However, many people find it helpful to take their medication with food which helps them remember.

If you have trouble remembering your injection day, try adding it on a calendar or setting a reminder on your phone.

Factors that influence timing

Several factors can influence the timing of your Wegovy injection:

• Lifestyle and daily routine: Choose a time that fits into your daily life on the same day each week. If needed, you can inject it a day early, but make sure there are at least 2 days (48 hours) between doses.
• Managing common side effects: You can take Wegovy with or without food. If you experience nausea, taking it after a meal may help, or taking it before bed might reduce digestive discomfort.
• Find the best time for you: Most people don’t report sleep-related side effects from Wegovy, so it doesn’t matter if you inject it any time of day.

Why does timing matter when injecting Wegovy?

Timing is important when injecting Wegovy because it helps your body get a consistent amount of the medication, which can make it work better and reduce side effects. By sticking to the same time each week, you ensure steady absorption of the drug, which helps maintain its effectiveness in controlling appetite and supporting weight loss.

If your usual injection day isn’t convenient anymore, you can change the day you inject Wegovy. Just remember to avoid taking 2 doses within 48 hours of each other, even when switching days. Your healthcare provider can help you make this change safely.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss a dose of Wegovy, here’s what to do:

• If you happen to miss a dose of Wegovy, take it as soon as you remember and make sure that the next scheduled dose is at least 2 days later.
• If your dose is due within the next 48 hours (2 days), just wait until your scheduled day to take it. Don’t take 2 doses within 48 hours.
• If it’s more than 48 hours until your scheduled injection, give yourself the missed dose on the day you remember, then go back to your usual schedule.
• If you’ve missed 2 or more weeks of doses, contact your healthcare provider. They may let you continue from where you left off or have you restart the dosing schedule to reduce side effects.

To avoid forgetting, you can set a weekly alarm or reminder on your phone, or write your injection dates on the Wegovy box or in your calendar.

What is the best place to inject Wegovy?

The three areas where you can inject Wegovy are under the skin of the stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm. Clinical trials have not shown that one Wegovy injection site is better than the others.

Switch between different areas but try not to inject in the same spot each time. Rotating injection sites every week can help prevent reactions at the injection site.

Avoid injecting into muscles, veins, or scars, and don’t use areas of skin that are red, bruised, or cut.

These injection sites are recommended because they have a layer of fat that helps in medication absorption. When ready to inject, pull the cap off the pen, and then push the needle cover firmly against your skin in one of these three injection sites:

• Stomach (abdomen): The stomach is one of the easiest places to inject Wegovy and some people find it hurts less than other areas. If you choose this site, make sure to stay at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
• Upper legs or thighs: Use the front upper part of your thigh which has a lot of fat for the injection but not the inner thigh. You can sit or stand while injecting Wegovy.
• Upper arms: This area can be hard to reach for some people. Ask a family member or friend to give you the injection in this spot. Inject Wegovy on the upper arm 3 inches above the elbow and 3 inches below the shoulder.

Before injecting, make sure your pen isn’t broken or damaged and check the expiration date on the pen before injecting. The medication should appear clear through the pen window. Dispose of expired Wegovy pens using an FDA-approved sharps disposal container.

Tips for maximizing results with Wegovy

Wegovy helps with weight loss, but it works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

Here are a few tips to maximize results with Wegovy:

Healthy diet

A healthy diet is key to getting the best results with Wegovy. Healthcare professionals often recommend a healthy, low-calorie diet while using Wegovy, with a focus on lean protein and fiber.

Focus on eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (chicken, fish, or beans), and whole grains (brown rice or oats). Try to limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat meals, as they can slow down your progress.

Eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day can also help manage hunger and improve your energy levels.

Vitamins and supplements

When using Wegovy, it’s important to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs, especially if you’re losing weight.

Vitamin D can support weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, while B12 supplements may help with weight loss, especially in individuals with low B12 levels.

Supplements like Chromium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10 can help with weight loss.

Talk to your healthcare professional to make sure they’re safe and won’t interact with Wegovy or any other medications you’re taking.

Hydration

The most common side effects of Wegovy are gastrointestinal. If this occurs, it’s important to stay hydrated.

Staying well-hydrated helps your body function properly and can reduce some side effects like nausea or constipation.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but you may need more depending on your weight and activity level. Eating foods like cucumbers, zucchini, and watermelon can also be helpful.

Physical activity

To maximize the benefits of Wegovy, it is important to stay active. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps boost weight loss and improve your metabolism and overall health.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, which can help you feel better, build muscle, and support your weight management goals.

Adding exercise to your routine can make Wegovy work even better for weight loss. Strength training two to three times a week can also help build muscle and support weight management.

Wegovy side effects

For most people, the side effects of Wegovy are manageable and usually get better over time. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Upset stomach

Here are some tips to help manage Wegovy side effects:

• Eat low-fat, plain foods
• Limit spicy foods and alcohol
• Eat slowly and avoid lying down right after eating
• Try walking for 10 minutes or more after eating
• Wear loose clothing

In rare instances, Wegovy can cause serious side effects:

• Risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Acute kidney/gallbladder disease
• Allergic reactions
• Diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
• Increased heart rate
• Suicidal thoughts

Wegovy must not be given to people with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Wegovy and alcohol

Although you can drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, it’s not the best combination.

Alcohol is high in calories, which may slow weight loss or even lead to weight gain. It’s best to avoid alcohol when using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy, Ozempic, or Trulicity.

Additionally, alcohol can increase the risk or worsen the side effects, such as stomach issues, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and low blood sugar.

Talk to your healthcare provider about how much alcohol is safe to drink while on Wegovy and when to take your next dose if you plan to drink.

Frequently asked questions

Can Wegovy be taken with food or on an empty stomach?

Wegovy can be taken with or without food, as it doesn’t require food to work effectively. Always follow your healthcare providers’ guidance for the most suitable way to take it based on your health needs.

Does the time of day affect how well it works?

The effectiveness of Wegovy is not influenced by the time of day you take it, so take it in the morning, afternoon, or evening, whatever works for you. It’s recommended to take Wegovy at a time that you are most alert and likely to remember.

Are there interactions with other medications or supplements?

Wegovy may interact with other medications, especially diabetes medications (insulin or sulfonylureas) or other weight loss medications which can increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Bottom line

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection to reduce body weight in obese and overweight individuals of 12 years of age and older with at least one weight-related health condition.

The best time to inject Wegovy is when it’s easiest for you to remember. It should be taken on the same day each week, at a time that fits your schedule, with or without food.

You can change your injection day but make sure it’s been at least 2 days since your last dose.

If you have any questions about side effects, lifestyle, other weight loss medications, or how Wegovy fits into your routine, talk to your healthcare provider.