How to store Wegovy correctly in India

Keep Wegovy in the fridge at 2–8°C — never the freezer. In the Indian climate, protecting the cold chain is the single most important storage rule.

The rules

• Fridge at 2–8°C before first use

• Never freeze; a frozen pen must be discarded

• Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from the fridge door

• Use an insulated pouch with a gel pack when travelling

Power cuts

For short cuts, keep the fridge closed. For longer outages, move the pen to a cooler with gel packs separated by cloth.

When to check with your doctor

This is general information, not a prescription. Your dose, your other medicines and your medical history all change the picture — message your ZIVOLABS doctor before making any change to how you take your medication.

The science, in plain language

Think of {b} as topping up a hunger-control signal your body already makes but doesn't make enough of. By acting on appetite centres in the brain and slowing digestion, it shrinks portion sizes and cravings without you having to count every calorie. Because it nudges insulin only when blood sugar is high, it also steadies glucose — which is why this class of drug came from diabetes care before it was widely used for weight. It is not a stimulant and not a 'fat burner'; it changes appetite, and the weight loss follows from eating less.

What to expect, week by week

• Weeks 1–2: You start on the lowest dose. Appetite begins to dip; some people feel mild nausea or a headache as the body adapts. Weight barely moves yet — that's normal.

• Weeks 3–4: Food noise drops noticeably. The first dose step-up usually happens around week 4, which can briefly bring side effects back before they settle.

• Months 2–3: This is where steady weight loss shows up — often 0.5–1 kg a week. Trial data show about 5–7% of starting weight gone by 12 weeks.

• Months 4–6: The trajectory is clear: roughly 10–12% loss on semaglutide and 14–16% on tirzepatide, alongside diet and activity.

• Beyond 6 months: Loss continues more slowly toward a new set point, after which you shift to a maintenance dose to hold the result.

Eating to get the most out of it

The single most important thing on a GLP-1 is protein. With appetite reduced, it's easy to eat too little, and without enough protein you lose muscle along with fat. Aim for roughly 1.2–1.6 g of protein per kg of body weight a day — front-loaded at breakfast — using dal, paneer, curd, eggs, soya, fish or a whey shake. Roti, dal, paneer and rajma make hitting your protein target easy here; the watch-outs are rich, ghee-laden gravies and stuffed parathas — choose one roti and lean on the paneer and dal. Keep refined carbs and fried food modest (they also tend to trigger nausea on a slowed stomach), drink water through the day, and let your fuller-faster stomach guide your portions.

Why strength training matters more than cardio here

Cardio burns calories, but on a GLP-1 the appetite reduction already creates your deficit — so the job of exercise shifts to protecting muscle and shaping the result. Prioritise two to three resistance sessions a week; add walking for daily activity and blood-sugar control. Keeping muscle keeps your metabolism up, improves how your body looks as the weight comes off, and reduces loose skin. Pair this with your protein target and the loss skews heavily toward fat.

Side effects and how to manage them

• Nausea is the most common, mostly in week one and after each dose increase. Smaller portions, less oily food, ginger or jeera water, and staying upright after eating all help.

• Constipation responds to three litres of water a day, daily isabgol (psyllium husk), fruit and sprouts, and a short walk after meals.

• Fatigue usually means you're eating too little — check your protein, iron and B12, and don't cut calories too hard.

• Reflux eases with lighter, earlier dinners and not lying down after eating; a short course of antacids or a PPI helps if needed.

• Most side effects are temporary and fade as your body adjusts. Anything severe or persistent — especially intense upper-abdominal pain — should go straight to your doctor.

Who's a good candidate — and who isn't

GLP-1 weight treatment is generally for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. It isn't suitable for everyone: it's avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and ruled out entirely for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2 syndrome. A past episode of pancreatitis or a history of eating disorders calls for extra caution. This is exactly why a proper medical assessment comes first — a doctor will tell you honestly whether it's right for you, including when the answer is no.

Frequently asked questions

Will I regain the weight if I stop?

Often, yes — appetite returns once the medicine clears, so a planned step-down to a maintenance dose plus the habits you've built is far better than stopping abruptly.

Do I need to follow a strict diet?

No strict diet, but protein matters: aim for 1.2–1.6 g per kg of body weight a day to protect muscle, and keep fried food and refined carbs modest to avoid nausea.

Is it safe to take long-term?

The evidence to date is reassuring across multi-year trials, including cardiovascular benefit. It's intended for long-term use under medical supervision.

Can I take it if I'm not diabetic?

Yes — GLP-1 medicines are approved for weight management in people without diabetes who meet the BMI criteria, and are used that way safely worldwide.

Key takeaways

• Wegovy (semaglutide) reduces appetite and slows digestion, so you eat less without constant hunger.

• Protein (1.2–1.6 g/kg/day) plus two to three strength sessions a week protect muscle while you lose fat.

• Side effects are mostly early and manageable; start low, go slow, and report anything severe.

• Buy only genuine, doctor-prescribed medication from a licensed pharmacy — counterfeits are a real risk in India.

• It works best as a supervised plan, with a maintenance dose to hold the result rather than stopping abruptly.

Get a plan, not just a prescription

Medication works best with a plan around it. ZIVOLABS pairs your GLP-1 with protein, movement and check-in targets, and a doctor you can message any day. See if you qualify in about two minutes.