Can Wegovy be taken by both men and women?

Yes — both men and women can use Wegovy when they meet eligibility criteria. Because exposure in pregnancy isn’t recommended, women of child-bearing potential are advised to use effective contraception and to discuss stopping in advance if planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your clinical team promptly to review treatment. Apart from pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations, the approach to dosing and monitoring is similar across genders.

Equal access in eligibility

Wegovy is not restricted to one gender. Both men and women are considered for treatment if they meet the eligibility criteria set out in NICE guidance and delivered through NHS specialist services. These criteria focus on body-mass index, health risks, and referral pathways rather than gender. Research trials included both men and women, and the results showed consistent benefits across groups. What differs are the additional safety considerations around pregnancy and breastfeeding, which are not relevant for men but must be taken into account for women of child-bearing age.

Considerations for women of child-bearing potential

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, has not been studied in pregnancy, and animal studies suggest potential risks to developing embryos. For this reason, guidance is clear: women should use effective contraception while on treatment and should stop the medicine if they are planning to conceive. NHS services usually recommend a washout period before pregnancy to ensure semaglutide is cleared from the body. Breastfeeding is also not advised during use, as transfer into breast milk has not been fully studied. These safeguards are central to protecting both mother and child.

Suitability for men

For men, suitability depends on the same clinical factors as for women: BMI thresholds, weight-related health risks, and access through specialist services. Men often present with different health profiles—for example, higher rates of central fat distribution and cardiovascular disease risk—but these are considered in the same referral and monitoring processes. The STEP trials confirmed that men achieved weight loss similar to women, with average reductions of around 10–15% of starting weight over a year when combined with lifestyle support. NHS services therefore apply the same dose titration, side-effect management, and continuation rules for both sexes.

Monitoring and support

Both men and women undergo routine monitoring while on Wegovy, covering weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and side effects. For women, pregnancy status and contraceptive plans are added to this checklist. For men, particular attention may be given to cardiovascular health, as weight reduction with semaglutide has been shown to lower risk factors in higher-risk groups. NHS dietitians and activity specialists provide tailored advice, but the overall structure of support—gradual dose increases, side-effect management, and regular reviews—is consistent for both genders.

Evidence from clinical trials

The STEP studies and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes trial included thousands of adults of both sexes. Analyses showed that the medicine reduced appetite, led to average weight loss of 10–15% at one year, and improved health markers in both men and women. Subgroup data did not reveal meaningful differences in effectiveness between sexes. Instead, the main variation was in side-effect reporting, with women slightly more likely to experience nausea, though most cases were mild and improved with titration. This evidence underpins NICE’s conclusion that Wegovy is suitable for both men and women, provided it is used under supervision.

What this means in practice

Wegovy can be prescribed to both men and women who meet eligibility criteria within NHS specialist pathways. The main distinction lies in precautions around pregnancy and breastfeeding, where semaglutide should not be used. Otherwise, dosing, monitoring, and expected outcomes are similar across genders. NHS evidence shows that men and women alike achieve average weight reductions of 10–15% after a year, alongside improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. What this means in practice is that gender is not a barrier to access—safety considerations around reproduction aside, Wegovy is applied in the same way, with consistent support and review.