How does Wegovy support weight management?
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist containing semaglutide. It helps reduce food intake by affecting appetite and satiety and is used as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
It should be approached as one part of a long-term plan that also addresses nutrition, activity, and sleep, rather than as an injection-only solution.
When may Wegovy be considered?
Adults may generally be considered after medical assessment if their BMI is 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition.
Weight criteria
BMI, waist circumference, and weight-related conditions are assessed together.
Lifestyle
Food intake, activity, sleep, and previous weight-loss attempts are reviewed.
Medical history
Tell the clinician about pancreatic or gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, and current medications.
When use should be avoided
This includes pregnancy or breastfeeding and a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.
Do you start with a high dose?
Wegovy starts at a low dose and is increased gradually to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and assess response. The pace and maintenance dose are adjusted individually.
| Item | General guidance | Adjustment criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing cycle | General guidanceOnce weekly on the same day | Adjustment criteriaFollow clinical guidance when changing the schedule |
| Administration site | General guidanceSubcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm | Adjustment criteriaAvoid repeatedly injecting the same site |
| Starting capacity | General guidance0.25mg | Adjustment criteriaAssess initial response and gastrointestinal symptoms |
| Dose escalation | General guidanceGradually up to 2.4 mg | Adjustment criteriaThe pace may be adjusted if symptoms occur |
How does treatment proceed at Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic?
After reviewing weight, BMI, related conditions, and lifestyle, the clinician assesses eligibility and the starting dose, then monitors weight change and adverse effects at follow-ups.
- STEP 01
Health assessment
Weight-related conditions, medical history, and medications are reviewed.
- STEP 02
Set a lifestyle plan
Set practical nutrition, activity, and sleep goals.
- STEP 03
Start with a low dose
Review how to use and store the medicine and select the first dose.
- STEP 04
Step-by-step increase
Adjust the dose while monitoring effectiveness and discomfort.
- STEP 05
Review the maintenance strategy
Review a lifestyle plan that also accounts for the period after treatment stops.
When is the response assessed?
Weight change varies with dose, nutrition, activity, and individual response. Early monitoring should record appetite, satiety, and lifestyle changes as well as weight.
A maintenance plan is still needed after reaching a target weight. Do not increase the dose or stop treatment without guidance.
What side effects and precautions should I know?
Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Report severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration.
Eating early in treatment
Eat small portions slowly rather than a large amount at once.
Hydration
If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, monitor hydration to help prevent dehydration.
Other medicines
Report all medicines, including diabetes drugs, and dietary supplements in advance.
A sign that medical treatment is needed
Seek care for persistent severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or a serious allergic reaction.
Eligibility and dose must be decided after a medical assessment. Use the medicine exactly as prescribed.
What should I check before the cost and consultation?
The clinic's published non-covered fee schedule lists Wegovy at KRW 320,000 to 550,000 depending on dose. Total cost varies with dose and treatment duration.
Cost by dose
Published prices range from KRW 320,000 for 0.25 mg to KRW 550,000 for 2.4 mg.
Scope of care
Check whether the fee includes the initial visit, follow-up assessment, and prescription.
Dose-escalation plan
Ask about the expected treatment duration and dose-adjustment criteria.
Storage and disposal
Confirm how to store the pen and safely dispose of used needles.
Non-covered fees may change, so check the latest published schedule and consultation estimate.