The landscape of weight loss treatment in the UK has just expanded significantly. In January 2026, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) approved a new 7.2mg dose of Wegovy (semaglutide), marking a significant milestone for people seeking effective, regulated weight loss injections. For those who've reached the previous maximum dose of 2.4mg but need additional support to achieve their weight loss goals, this approval opens new possibilities.
At Happy Pharmacy, we're committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in regulated weight loss treatments. Here's everything you need to know about this groundbreaking higher dose and what it means for your weight loss journey.
Understanding Wegovy: A Quick Refresher
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes management. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings. Since receiving UK approval in 2022, Wegovy has transformed weight loss treatment, offering genuine results for people struggling with obesity and weight-related health conditions.
The medication has been available in gradually increasing doses—0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg—allowing patients to build tolerance whilst minimising side effects. Until now, 2.4mg represented the ceiling. The new 7.2mg dose tripled the previous maximum, reflecting growing clinical evidence that some patients benefit from higher doses.
Why Has the MHRA Approved a Higher Dose?
The MHRA's decision didn't come lightly. Regulatory approval requires robust clinical evidence demonstrating both safety and efficacy. The authorisation of Wegovy 7.2mg follows extensive clinical trials showing that certain patients who plateau at 2.4mg can achieve additional weight loss with the higher dose whilst maintaining an acceptable safety profile.
This approval aligns with evolving understanding that obesity is a complex, chronic condition requiring personalised treatment approaches. What works perfectly for one person may be insufficient for another, even when both follow the same lifestyle modifications. The 7.2mg dose provides clinicians with another tool to support patients who need it.
The MHRA, which regulates all medicines in the UK, maintains some of the world's strictest pharmaceutical standards. Their approval signals confidence in the risk-benefit profile of this higher dose for appropriate patients.
Who Might Benefit From Wegovy 7.2mg?
The new 7.2mg dose isn't suitable for everyone starting weight loss injections. According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines on obesity management, weight loss medications should follow a stepped approach, beginning with lower doses and lifestyle interventions.
Patients who might be considered for the 7.2mg dose typically include:
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Those who've reached a plateau at 2.4mg. If you've been stable on the maximum previous dose for several months but haven't reached your target weight loss or health goals, the higher dose may provide the additional support needed.
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Patients with significant obesity-related health complications. People managing conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease risk factors, or sleep apnoea alongside obesity may benefit from more aggressive weight loss intervention.
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Individuals who've demonstrated good tolerance of lower doses. The 7.2mg dose is only appropriate for patients who've successfully managed potential side effects at lower doses, demonstrating their body tolerates semaglutide well.
Importantly, this medication remains prescription-only and requires proper medical assessment. At Happy Pharmacy, our regulated online consultation process ensures that any prescription for weight loss injections, including the new 7.2mg dose, comes only after thorough clinical review by GPhC-registered pharmacists.
What Results Can You Expect?
Clinical trial data supporting the MHRA's approval demonstrates that patients moving from 2.4mg to 7.2mg experienced additional meaningful weight loss. Whilst individual results vary considerably, trial participants on the higher dose lost an average of 15-20% of their body weight over 12-18 months when combined with lifestyle modifications.
These results matter because even modest weight loss—5-10% of body weight—delivers significant health benefits. The NHS reports that losing just 5% of your body weight can reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease type 2 diabetes risk. Greater weight loss amplifies these benefits, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for other medications.
However, it's crucial to understand that Wegovy, at any dose, isn't a magic solution. The medication works alongside, not instead of, dietary changes and increased physical activity. Studies consistently show that patients who combine weight loss injections with structured lifestyle programmes achieve better outcomes than those relying on medication alone.
Safety Considerations and Side Effects
The most common side effects of Wegovy—nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort—remain consistent across doses, though they may be more pronounced at 7.2mg. Most side effects are temporary, occurring primarily when starting treatment or increasing doses, and typically resolve as your body adjusts.
The MHRA approval process included comprehensive safety monitoring, but as with any medication, certain people should not use Wegovy. These include individuals with:
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Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
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Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
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Severe gastroparesis or gastrointestinal disease
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding
This is why purchasing weight loss injections from regulated, trusted sources matters enormously. Unregulated online sellers cannot provide proper medical screening, potentially putting you at risk. Happy Pharmacy's online consultation ensures your medical history is thoroughly reviewed before any prescription is issued, prioritising your safety above all else.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: How Does the New Dose Compare?
With the arrival of Wegovy 7.2mg, patients often wonder how it compares to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), another popular weight loss injection. Mounjaro works differently, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, and is available up to 15mg.
Both medications deliver impressive results, and the choice between them depends on individual factors including:
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Your medical history and current health conditions
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How you've responded to previous treatments
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Potential drug interactions with other medications
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Personal tolerance and side effect profile
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Cost and availability considerations
Neither medication is inherently "better"—they're simply different tools that work better for different people. Your prescriber can help determine which option suits your circumstances, and some patients may try one before switching to another if results or tolerability aren't optimal.
Accessing Wegovy 7.2mg Through Happy Pharmacy
As a fully GPhC-registered online pharmacy, Happy Pharmacy provides safe, convenient access to regulated weight loss treatments, including the new Wegovy 7.2mg dose. Our process ensures you receive the same standard of care you'd expect from your high street pharmacy, with added convenience.
Here's how it works:
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Complete our online consultation. Our comprehensive medical questionnaire, reviewed by qualified pharmacists, assesses your suitability for treatment. This isn't a tick-box exercise—we conduct thorough clinical review of every application. You may also require a discreet and confidential video consultation with a qualified pharmacist if you are new weight loss injection patient.
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Receive your personalised treatment plan. If Wegovy 7.2mg is appropriate, we'll issue your prescription and arrange discreet home delivery. If another option better suits your needs, we'll recommend alternatives.
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Access ongoing support. Weight loss is a journey, not a destination. We provide regular check-ins, monitoring, and adjustments to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
Our regulated approach means you can trust that you're receiving genuine medication from legitimate sources, properly stored and handled according to pharmaceutical standards.
The Bigger Picture: Weight Loss Support in 2026
The approval of Wegovy 7.2mg reflects broader progress in obesity treatment. The UK government's recent focus on preventative healthcare and the NHS's expanded access to weight loss interventions signal growing recognition that obesity is a medical condition deserving proper treatment, not a character failing.
This matters because stigma has historically prevented people from seeking help. The availability of effective, regulated treatments through accessible channels like online pharmacies removes barriers, allowing more people to address their health proactively.
However, medication is just one component of successful weight management. The NHS emphasises that sustainable weight loss requires multifaceted support including nutritional guidance, physical activity, psychological support, and often, treatment of underlying health conditions contributing to weight gain.
Making an Informed Decision
The arrival of Wegovy 7.2mg expands treatment options for people seeking safe, effective weight loss support. Whether you're considering weight loss injections for the first time or you've reached a plateau on current treatment, having access to regulated, professional guidance matters enormously.
At Happy Pharmacy, we combine the convenience of online service with the rigorous standards of traditional pharmacy practice. Every prescription is clinically reviewed, every medication is sourced through legitimate pharmaceutical supply chains, and every patient receives ongoing support throughout their treatment journey.
Weight loss is personal, and your treatment should be too. The new 7.2mg dose offers another pathway for patients who need additional support, delivered safely through regulated channels that prioritise your wellbeing.
Ready to explore whether Wegovy 7.2mg is right for you? Begin your online consultation with our qualified pharmacists. All treatments are prescribed following thorough clinical review, ensuring you receive safe, personalised care from a trusted, GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.
Blog medically reviewed by : Palvinder Deol, GPhC Registered Pharmacist, 15 January 2026
References
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Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Wegovy 7.2mg Marketing Authorisation.
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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Obesity: identification, assessment and management. Clinical guideline
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General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Standards for registered pharmacies
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