FDA APPROVES HIGH-DOSE WEGOVY
The new 7.2 mg dose is triple the previous highest dose of 2.4 mg
Straight Healthcare
March 2026
March 2026
On March 19, 2026, the FDA approved a high-dose version of Wegovy for weight loss. The new dose is 7.2 mg, which is triple the previous highest dose of 2.4 mg. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, said that the new dose will be available in the U.S. in April 2026. They have not yet announced what the price will be.
The effects of high-dose Wegovy were evaluated in the STEP UP trial, where 1407 obese adults were randomized to Wegovy 7.2 mg, Wegovy 2.4 mg, or placebo. Over 72 weeks, mean weight loss was 18.7% in the Wegovy 7.2 mg group, 15.6% in the Wegovy 2.4 mg group, and 3.9% in the placebo group (p<0.0001). Gastrointestinal side effects were more common in the 7.2 mg group compared to the 2.4 mg group (70.8% vs 61.2%). Dysaesthesia, an unpleasant and often painful sensation, such as burning or tingling under the skin, was also more common in the 7.2 mg group (22.9% vs 6.0%).
High-dose Wegovy enhanced weight loss by 3.1% compared to Wegovy 2.4 mg. However, it increased gastrointestinal side effects, and almost a quarter of patients experienced dysaesthesia, a painful sensation under the skin. Patients receiving Wegovy 2.4 mg may benefit from increasing to the 7.2 mg dose if they can tolerate the additional side effects.
The effects of high-dose Wegovy were evaluated in the STEP UP trial, where 1407 obese adults were randomized to Wegovy 7.2 mg, Wegovy 2.4 mg, or placebo. Over 72 weeks, mean weight loss was 18.7% in the Wegovy 7.2 mg group, 15.6% in the Wegovy 2.4 mg group, and 3.9% in the placebo group (p<0.0001). Gastrointestinal side effects were more common in the 7.2 mg group compared to the 2.4 mg group (70.8% vs 61.2%). Dysaesthesia, an unpleasant and often painful sensation, such as burning or tingling under the skin, was also more common in the 7.2 mg group (22.9% vs 6.0%).
High-dose Wegovy enhanced weight loss by 3.1% compared to Wegovy 2.4 mg. However, it increased gastrointestinal side effects, and almost a quarter of patients experienced dysaesthesia, a painful sensation under the skin. Patients receiving Wegovy 2.4 mg may benefit from increasing to the 7.2 mg dose if they can tolerate the additional side effects.
