Wegovy 7.2 mg side effects: what to watch for and when to get help
Wegovy 7.2 mg is the highest approved weekly dose of semaglutide for weight management in adults with obesity in the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved this dose on 6 January 2026. At present, it is administered as three 2.4 mg injections taken on the same day each week, rather than a single 7.2 mg injection.
For some patients, the higher dose can support further weight loss after progress has slowed on 2.4 mg. However, increasing the dose also changes the side effect profile. Understanding what is expected, what is less common, and what needs early review helps reduce risk and improves long-term tolerability.
Why side effects can feel different at 7.2 mg
Semaglutide reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. These effects are central to weight loss but also explain why side effects can become more noticeable as the dose increases.
In the STEP UP phase 3b clinical trial, which studied adults with obesity over 72 weeks, gastrointestinal adverse events occurred more frequently at 7.2 mg than at 2.4 mg. This does not mean everyone will experience problems, but it does mean symptoms should be taken seriously early, particularly if they affect eating, drinking, or daily functioning.
Dysaesthesia: an under-recognised side effect at higher doses
One side effect that became more prominent at 7.2 mg in clinical trials was dysaesthesia. This refers to abnormal or unpleasant skin sensations that are not caused by a visible skin condition.
People describe dysaesthesia in different ways, including burning, tingling, heightened sensitivity to touch, or a sunburn-like feeling without redness or rash.
In the STEP UP trial, dysaesthesia was reported significantly more often at the 7.2 mg dose than at lower doses. While unsettling, it was not associated with permanent nerve damage and was considered dose-related.
As Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at medino, explains:
"Dysaesthesia can be surprising and uncomfortable for patients, but it is best understood as a signal of dose sensitivity rather than harm. Recognising it early allows the dose to be reviewed before symptoms escalate."
What to do if dysaesthesia develops
If new or worsening abnormal skin sensations appear after increasing the dose, they should not be ignored. Patients should seek clinical advice promptly, particularly if symptoms are persistent or worsening.
Urgent medical assessment is needed if sensory symptoms are accompanied by swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash, or severe weakness, as these may indicate a different and more serious reaction.
Gastrointestinal side effects at 7.2 mg
Digestive symptoms remain the most common side effects of Wegovy at all doses. At 7.2 mg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, stomach pain, and reflux may occur more frequently or feel more intense.
For many people, mild to moderate symptoms settle with time. Symptoms become clinically important when they interfere with fluid intake, cause repeated vomiting, lead to ongoing diarrhoea, or trigger dizziness or faintness. These patterns increase the risk of dehydration and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Dehydration: a key risk to monitor
Reduced appetite combined with nausea or vomiting can lead to dehydration, sometimes without obvious warning signs. Headache, dry mouth, dark urine, reduced urination, and light-headedness when standing are common early indicators.
Maintaining regular fluid intake is particularly important at higher doses. If fluids cannot be kept down or dehydration symptoms worsen, medical advice should be sought promptly.
Warning symptoms that need urgent assessment
Certain symptoms are uncommon but require urgent review. These include severe and persistent upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, which can indicate pancreatitis, and sudden changes in vision. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty, also require emergency care.
Low blood sugar considerations
Low blood sugar is not common in people using Wegovy alone. However, the risk increases for those also taking insulin or sulfonylureas. Patients using diabetes medicines should follow individual monitoring advice and seek guidance if symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, or palpitations occur.
Surgery, anaesthesia, and delayed gastric emptying
Semaglutide slows stomach emptying. If a patient is due to undergo a procedure requiring general anaesthesia or deep sedation, it is important that the surgical team is aware of Wegovy use, as dosing adjustments or temporary pauses may be advised.
Reporting side effects in the UK
Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting supports ongoing safety monitoring and helps regulators identify emerging patterns.
Looking ahead: the planned single-dose 7.2 mg device
Currently, the 7.2 mg dose requires three injections on the same day. Novo Nordisk has confirmed that a single-dose 7.2 mg injection device has been submitted for regulatory review, with an anticipated launch in 2026 if approved. Until then, careful administration and close attention to side effects remain essential.
References
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Medicines regulator approves up to 7.2 mg dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) for patients with obesity only. Published 16 January 2026.
- Wharton S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. 2025;13(11):949 to 963.
- The Pharmaceutical Journal. Higher-dose Wegovy could increase patient expectation, warns PDA. January 2026.
