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Scott Weaver
Updated at: January 28, 2026 · 7 min read
Wegovy 7.2mg: Everything You Need to Know About the New High-Dose of the Semaglutide Injection
Wegovy 7.2mg is a new, higher maintenance dose of semaglutide designed for adults who have reached a weight loss plateau on standard therapy and need additional support as part of long-term obesity management.
This article explains what Wegovy 7.2mg is, who it is for, how it works, what the clinical evidence shows, how it compares with other treatments such as tirzepatide and what UK patients should know about safety, cost and access, with reference to the MHRA, Novo Nordisk and current approaches to chronic weight management using GLP-1 pharmacotherapy.
In One Sentence:
Wegovy 7.2mg is a triple-strength semaglutide maintenance dose designed to help eligible patients overcome biological weight loss plateaus and maintain meaningful weight reduction when lower doses are no longer effective.
Key Takeaways
What is Wegovy 7.2mg? It is a high-dose semaglutide maintenance option intended for patients who have stabilised on 2.4mg but need further clinical efficacy.
When was it approved? The MHRA approved the strength on the 6th of January 2026 for use within defined obesity treatment pathways.
How is it taken? Wegovy 7.2mg is administered as a triple-strength subcutaneous injection using standard pens.
Who is it for? It is reserved for adults with obesity who have reached a therapeutic ceiling or weight loss plateau on standard dosing.
Does it work better? Clinical data show higher responder rates compared with 2.4mg when used appropriately under medical supervision.
What is Wegovy 7.2mg?
Wegovy 7.2mg is a higher maintenance dose of semaglutide developed by Novo Nordisk for patients requiring enhanced pharmacotherapy after standard titration.
It builds on the established injection pen system by using a triple-strength method in which three 2.4mg doses are administered simultaneously to achieve a total weekly dose of 7.2mg, without altering the drug’s bioavailability or half-life.
As with other GLP-1 treatments, the dose is only introduced after careful titration and is intended for chronic weight management rather than short-term use, with dose escalation designed to minimise side effects and support adherence.
Who is eligible for the 7.2mg dose?
Eligibility for Wegovy 7.2mg is based on clinical need, body composition and response to previous treatment.
It is generally considered for adults with a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher, across Obesity Class I, II, or III, who have reached a weight loss plateau despite good adherence to diet, exercise, and prescribing guidelines.
This dose is not intended for people who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30, and it is not prescribed primarily for cardiovascular risk reduction. The aim of this strength is to support patients who may be experiencing metabolic adaptation, drug tolerance, or reduced responsiveness, rather than replacing lifestyle measures or acting as an adjunct therapy alone.
Clinical Results: The STEP UP Trial
The STEP UP Phase 3b Trial provides the main evidence base for Wegovy 7.2mg in patients with an inadequate response to standard dosing.
This randomised controlled, placebo-controlled study measured mean percentage weight loss at Week 72 and showed statistically significant improvements in patients receiving the higher dose compared with those continuing on 2.4mg, with a greater proportion of high responders achieving clinically meaningful reductions in body weight [1].
These findings support the role of higher-dose semaglutide as a rescue strategy when adaptive thermogenesis and biological plateaus limit further progress.
Wegovy 7.2mg vs. 2.4mg: Success Rates
The data below highlights how much more effective the 7.2mg dose is at helping patients reach major weight-loss milestones compared to the standard dose.
Weight Loss Milestone | Wegovy 2.4mg (Standard) | Wegovy 7.2mg (New Dose) |
| Lost at least 5% weight | 89.9% | 90.7% |
| Lost at least 10% weight | 75.1% | 82.4% |
| Lost at least 15% weight | 54.5% | 66.5% |
| Lost at least 20% weight | 33.3% | 47.7% |
| Lost at least 25% weight | 15.3% | 31.2% |
Notably, nearly 1 in 3 patients on the 7.2mg dose lost over a quarter of their body weight.
Wegovy 7.2mg vs. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Wegovy 7.2mg and Mounjaro represent different approaches to injectable obesity treatment.
Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) from Eli Lilly is a dual agonist acting on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist. They have different mechanisms of action and therapeutic alternatives.
Head-to-head data from earlier trials suggest tirzepatide may achieve greater average weight loss at the population level, but high-dose semaglutide remains a competitive option for patients already established on Wegovy who require intensification rather than switching therapy [2].
How to Administer the 7.2mg "Triple Dose"
Wegovy 7.2mg is administered as three sequential subcutaneous injections during the same session.
Each injection should be given into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm using proper aseptic technique, rotating injection sites and maintaining at least 5cm spacing to reduce the risk of lipohypertrophy (an accumulation of fat under the injection site, common with repeated injections in the same spot).
Pen priming, correct needle disposal, and patient education are essential to maintaining safety, consistent absorption rates, and long-term adherence.
Important Note on Pen Supply
Using a triple dose affects how quickly each pen is used.
Because you are taking 3 doses at once, a standard pen which contains 4 doses will run out quickly. If your pen runs out of fluid during your "triple jab" routine, you must switch to a new pen. Remember to always prime a new pen before using it to ensure you get the full dose.
Wegovy 7.2mg Side Effects & Safety
The safety profile of Wegovy 7.2mg is broadly consistent with lower doses, but with some increased reporting of adverse events.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are the most common side effects, while skin symptoms, including dysesthesia and allodynia, have also been reported more frequently, reflecting effects on cutaneous innervation (the sensory nerve supply to the skin).
In clinical data, overall side-effect rates were higher with the treatment than with placebo, approximately 23% versus 10%. This underlines the importance of patient safety and reporting through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme as part of ongoing pharmacovigilance.
Cost and Availability in the UK (2026)
Wegovy 7.2mg is expected to be available in the UK through private prescription pathways.
While NICE and the NHS continue to prioritise access via Tier 3 Weight Management Services, UK Meds currently offer 2.4mg Wegovy pens for around £200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy 7.2mg?
Switching treatments requires careful planning under medical supervision.
A washout period may be advised, followed by a structured titration schedule rather than cross-tapering, to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure safety.
Is it safe to take three injections at once?
Triple dosing is considered safe when delivered correctly.
Each injection is absorbed through subcutaneous tissue at a similar absorption rate. While mild injection site reactions can occur, proper technique and rotation reduce overall risk.
Will the 7.2mg dose work if the 2.4mg dose stopped working?
Clinical evidence suggests it can.
STEP UP trial data indicate improved efficacy in patients with metabolic adaptation or receptor desensitisation, positioning the higher dose as a rescue therapy rather than a first-line option [1].
Final Thoughts From Our Clinical Team
“Wegovy 7.2mg represents an important development in personalised obesity care when delivered under strong clinical governance.
Our clinical team works in line with General Pharmaceutical Council standards to support holistic care, focusing on patient compliance, hydration status, long-term adherence and appropriate alternatives to bariatric surgery when clinically suitable” [3].
UK Meds offers a secure online consultation service for eligible patients considering Wegovy 7.2mg. Our registered independent prescribers provide remote prescribing, eligibility assessment and continuity of care through a trusted digital health service.
Sources
[2] Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity - NIH
Blog author
Scott Weaver
Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.
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