Wegovy in New Zealand
By Dr. Afraz Adam | Medical Director, DRIPS
As of 1 July, Wegovy is now available in New Zealand by prescription.
For many people who have struggled with weight despite disciplined diet and exercise, this development represents a shift in how we can approach weight management as part of a broader health strategy.
Understanding Wegovy
Wegovy is a weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This is the same active ingredient found in Ozempic — originally developed for type 2 diabetes — but Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management, using higher doses and studied in people without diabetes but with weight-related health risks.
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can help participants lose 15–20% of their body weight and sustain that loss. It has also demonstrated a reduction in cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals, highlighting its role not only in weight control but in broader metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Why Biology Matters More Than Willpower
Sustained weight gain is rarely about a lack of discipline. The body’s own regulatory systems — hunger hormones, metabolic rate, and energy storage mechanisms — often work against weight loss efforts. Factors such as stress, disrupted sleep, hormone imbalance, gut health issues, and insulin resistance can all influence how the body stores or releases weight.
Wegovy works by sending satiety signals to the brain, reducing appetite and food-related cravings. This effect can make it easier to maintain balanced eating habits, but it is not a substitute for them.
A Broader Health Approach
While BMI is part of the eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a related health condition such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or PCOS), our approach goes further.
We look at the full picture — hormones, nutrient status, metabolic health, sleep quality, inflammation markers, and gut function — because these all affect long-term outcomes.
This is why, for many patients, Wegovy is considered alongside functional testing such as:
Hormone & stress rhythm testing (e.g., DUTCH test)
Metabolic and nutrient assessment (e.g., Organic Acids Test)
Comprehensive blood testing for inflammation, glucose control, cardiovascular risk, and liver health
These results guide an integrated plan that may include dietary strategies, targeted supplementation, activity recommendations, and — if clinically appropriate — medications like Wegovy.
What the Process Looks Like
When Wegovy is prescribed, treatment begins at a low dose and increases gradually over several weeks. This helps the body adapt and reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. Regular follow-up allows for ongoing assessment of progress, side effects, and overall health impact.
Why This Matters for Healthspan
Weight loss should not be viewed in isolation. Sustained, healthy weight reduction can:
Improve blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, and cholesterol profiles
Reduce strain on joints and lower inflammation
Support better sleep and energy levels
Lower risk of chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease
Ultimately, the goal is to enhance healthspan — the years lived in good health, with reduced disease risk and improved quality of life.