On 12 January 2026, the MHRA approved a new higher dose of Wegovy — 7.2mg of semaglutide per week. This is three times the previous maximum dose of 2.4mg, and the UK was the first country in the world to authorise it. Here is what the trial data shows, who it is for, and how to access it.
Why a higher dose?
The standard Wegovy dose escalation takes patients from 0.25mg to a maintenance dose of 2.4mg over approximately 16–20 weeks. For some patients, 2.4mg produces excellent results. For others — particularly those with a higher starting BMI or significant metabolic burden — weight loss plateaus at a frustrating level. The 7.2mg dose was developed specifically for people who have reached and tolerated 2.4mg but need additional support.
What the STEP UP trial showed
The STEP UP trial enrolled 1,407 adults with a BMI of 30 or above and followed them for 72 weeks. Key results:
- Average weight loss of 20.7% of body weight on 7.2mg versus 17.5% with 2.4mg
- 33.2% of participants on 7.2mg lost 25% or more of their body weight — a threshold previously only associated with bariatric surgery and the highest Mounjaro dose
- Side effects were consistent with lower Wegovy doses, though gastrointestinal events were slightly more common (70.8% vs 61.2% at 2.4mg). The vast majority were mild to moderate and improved with time
- One notable new side effect: dysaesthesia (tingling or abnormal skin sensations) was reported in 22.9% of patients at 7.2mg versus 6% at 2.4mg. However, 85.7% of these cases resolved whilst continuing treatment
Who is it for?
The MHRA approved 7.2mg for adults with a BMI of 30 or above. Critically, it is not a starting dose. It is only appropriate for patients who have:
- Already completed the full dose titration up to 2.4mg
- Been on 2.4mg for at least four weeks
- Not yet reached their therapeutic goals or are experiencing a plateau
- Tolerated 2.4mg well with manageable side effects
If you are new to Wegovy, you start at 0.25mg and escalate as normal. The 7.2mg dose is a later option, not an alternative starting point.
How is it administered?
A dedicated 7.2mg pen does not yet exist. Until one becomes available later in 2026, the dose is administered as three separate 2.4mg injections given at the same time once per week. Some patients may find this inconvenient compared to a single injection. A single-injection 7.2mg pen is in development by Novo Nordisk.
Is it available on the NHS?
Not yet. NICE must complete a health technology assessment before the 7.2mg dose can be prescribed on the NHS. This process typically takes 6–9 months following MHRA approval, meaning NHS availability is more likely in late 2026 or 2027. Until then, 7.2mg is available through private prescription via GPhC-registered pharmacies. Check current prices on our Wegovy comparison page.
- Pharmaceutical Technology: MHRA approves Wegovy 7.2mg (January 2026)
- Wharton S et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7.2mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2025)
- Pharmacy Magazine: Triple-strength Wegovy gets MHRA approval (January 2026)
- Pharmaceutical Journal: Higher-dose Wegovy — PDA warning (2026)