Medications
Wegovy Now in NZ: A New Option for Weight Loss
Wegovy is now available in New Zealand. Learn how it works and how to get a prescription through Well Revolution.
Well Revolution
July 8, 2025
1 Big Thing
Wegovy, a once-weekly weight loss injection, is now available in New Zealand as of July 1, 2025.
Why it matters
Obesity is a growing health concern in New Zealand. Wegovy offers a scientifically backed, accessible tool to help adults manage their weight, especially for those struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Between the lines
This isn't just another diet trend. Wegovy is a prescription medication approved for chronic weight management. And with Well Revolution, getting assessed and prescribed is easier and more private than ever.
Go deeper
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication originally used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and food intake. In clinical trials, people who used Wegovy, alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity, lost significantly more weight than those who didn't.
It’s not a quick fix, but it is a powerful tool for those committed to real change.
Who is it for?
Wegovy is prescribed to adults with:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obese), or
- A BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related health issue like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
It’s important to remember that Wegovy is part of a comprehensive weight management plan. It’s meant to support, not replace, healthy lifestyle changes.
Can Teens Use It?
Yes. Wegovy can be prescribed to adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, provided they:
- Have a BMI in the obese range, and
- Weigh more than 60 kilograms.
As always, prescriptions for younger patients are made with extra caution and require thorough clinical evaluation.
Available Dosages and Forms
Wegovy is available in New Zealand in five dosage strengths, each in a FlexTouch prefilled injection device:
- 0.25 mg – (1 mg/1.5 mL): 1 x 1.5 mL pen
- 0.5 mg – (2 mg/1.5 mL): 1 x 1.5 mL pen
- 1 mg – (4 mg/3 mL): 1 x 3 mL pen
- 1.7 mg – (6.8 mg/3 mL): 1 x 3 mL pen
- 2.4 mg – (9.6 mg/3 mL): 1 x 3 mL pen
Dosing is typically gradual, starting at 0.25 mg per week and increasing over time to the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose, based on your doctor’s guidance.
How do you take it?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection you administer at home. The dose is gradually increased over the first few months to help your body adjust and minimize side effects like nausea or digestive upset. Most people find the injection process simple and manageable with guidance.
Cost and Pharmac Funding
Wegovy is currently not funded by Pharmac in New Zealand. That means patients must pay the full price themselves, which can range from $450 to $600 per month.
The same applies to Saxenda, another weight loss medication. Future funding decisions rest with Pharmac and the supplier, and would need to be weighed against all other medicine priorities in the country.
If you're considering Wegovy, it's important to factor in this ongoing cost when planning your weight loss journey.
Side effects and safety
Like any medication, Wegovy has potential side effects. The most common include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
Most side effects are mild and improve over time. However, Wegovy isn’t suitable for everyone, especially people with a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.
A proper medical consultation is essential before starting.
Getting Wegovy in New Zealand
Wegovy became available to the public in New Zealand on July 1, 2025. Because it’s a prescription-only medication, you’ll need to speak with a licensed healthcare provider before starting.
Well Revolution makes this easy. You can connect with a GP in New Zealand through the Well Revolution app. No appointment needed.
Here’s how:
- Start a consult now from this page
- Chat with the GP to see if Wegovy is right for you.
- If appropriate, get a prescription sent directly to your local pharmacy.
A note on expectations
Wegovy is a powerful medication, but it’s not magic. To see lasting results, it should be used in combination with healthy eating, regular activity, and a commitment to long-term change. Many people report improvements not just in weight, but in confidence, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem, can severely impact your overall well-being and quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about a specific health condition, remember that timely and expert advice is key. Navigating healthcare can be challenging, but finding the right primary care physician shouldn't be. Whether you're seeking medical advice, a prescription or care, immediate access to expert primary care is just a button away. Don’t leave your health to chance - consult a Well Revolution primary care provider today for peace of mind and professional care.
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