Wegovy Results by Week and Month: Trial Data vs Real Users
In STEP 1, people on semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly lost 14.9% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks, against 2.4% on placebo.
- Average loss, top dose
- 14.9%
- On placebo
- 2.4%
- Trial length
- 68 weeks
- Trial
- STEP 1
Wegovy: a summary
Its half-life is about 1 week: after 7 d, half is gone, and about 3% remains once five half-lives (35 d) have passed.
In STEP 1 over 68 weeks, people lost 14.9% of body weight, compared with 2.4% on placebo.
Monthly prices in US dollars include the list price and self-pay offers, all taken from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Wegovy results: the numbers first
| Trial | Dose group | Average weight lost | Placebo or comparison | Weeks | Who was in it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | 14.9% | 2.4% | 68 | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes |
| OASIS 4 | Wegovy pill 25 mg daily | 13.6% | 2.4% | 64 | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes |
| SURMOUNT-5 | Semaglutide 1.7 or 2.4 mg weekly (Wegovy) | 13.7% | semaglutide (Wegovy) | 72 | Adults with obesity, without type 2 diabetes |
| STEP 2 | Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | 9.6% | 3.4% | 68 | Adults with type 2 diabetes who also live with obesity or overweight |
The listed sources are STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)), SURMOUNT-5 (PubMed), and STEP 2 (PubMed).
What the average means in pounds
The trial average of 14.9% applies to each of the three starting weights used. This is basic arithmetic rather than a prediction for any one person, because some lose more and others lose less.
| Starting weight | Average loss on semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | Average loss on placebo |
|---|---|---|
| 180 lb | about 27 lb | about 4 lb |
| 220 lb | about 33 lb | about 5 lb |
| 260 lb | about 39 lb | about 6 lb |
Source: FDA (DailyMed) label.
Week by week
- During the early weeks, stomach side effects occur most often while the dose remains low and is being increased. After each dose increase, they often return again for a few days.
- At Week 68, STEP 1 ends, and this is when the average loss listed above was measured.
The listed sources are health.clevelandclinic.org and PubMed.
What makes it stall, and what helps
- Check which of the dose steps you are on. Each trial listed above found less weight loss at lower doses.
- During the past month, count any doses you missed or took late.
- For a few days, write down your food and drinks. Calories from liquids and frequent grazing add up as portions get smaller.
- Talk to your prescriber about checking your thyroid or blood sugar. If you see no progress for months, ask about switching medicines.