If you're looking to buy Wegovy in Japan, the process is straightforward but requires following specific steps. Wegovy, an anti-obesity drug made by Novo Nordisk, is now covered by Japan’s public health insurance, which means you can access it through a doctor’s prescription at certain clinics or hospitals.
This coverage makes it more affordable for people who meet the medical criteria for obesity treatment. I found that doctors prescribing Wegovy in Japan usually come from internal medicine or specialized weight loss clinics.
The government has strict rules to ensure the drug is used for medical obesity, not just cosmetic weight loss. So, a proper diagnosis and medical guidance are important before you can start treatment.
How to Buy Wegovy in Japan
Wegovy Approval and Availability in Japan
Wegovy is now legally available in Japan for obesity treatment. It met strict government rules and is part of public health insurance.
The drug's launch marks a key step in making it accessible while following official health guidelines.
Regulatory Status and MHLW Guidelines
Wegovy was approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in March 2023. This approval allows its manufacture and sale as a treatment for chronic weight management.
The MHLW also set clear guidelines to prevent misuse. For example, doctors are advised not to prescribe Wegovy for cosmetic or non-medical weight loss.
Medical experts warn about side effects like nausea and pancreatitis. The MHLW stresses following dosage instructions and medical supervision.
This regulatory framework aims to prioritize patients with genuine medical needs and reduce supply shortages due to inappropriate use.
Public Health Insurance Coverage
Since November 2023, Wegovy is included in Japan’s national health insurance price list. Most patients pay about 30% of the cost, making monthly treatment more affordable.
For instance, starter doses cost roughly $50, while higher doses may reach around $430 monthly. This insurance coverage expands access for people with obesity who need medical treatment.
However, doctors caution that Wegovy is not a permanent weight loss solution. It requires careful monitoring to avoid dependency and should be prioritized for patients with health risks like diabetes or severe obesity.
Launch Timeline and Market Entry
Novo Nordisk, the Danish company behind Wegovy, officially launched it in Japan on February 22, 2023. This was the first release of Wegovy in Asia.
The entry faced challenges including high demand and limited supply worldwide. Japan is one of the first Asian countries to offer Wegovy through both prescription clinics and insurance coverage.
Internal medicine and specialized weight loss clinics are the main prescribers. Many clinics now provide treatment services in English to meet diverse patient needs.
Eligibility Requirements for Wegovy Prescription
$NVO Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy just got accelerated FDA approval as the first GLP-1 for MASH 🩺—a liver disease affecting ~5% of U.S. adults. EU & Japan approvals are pending 🌍
— The Future Investors (@ftr_investors) August 16, 2025
Have we seen the bottom in Novo’s stock price? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/58cxiskxF1
Getting a prescription for Wegovy involves clear medical standards. The process mainly focuses on your body mass index (BMI), health conditions related to obesity, and a detailed patient evaluation by a healthcare professional.
BMI and Obesity-Related Criteria
To be eligible for Wegovy, I need to have a BMI of at least 30. This classifies me as obese, which is the primary indicator for this anti-obesity drug.
If my BMI is between 27 and 29.9, I might still qualify, but only if I have a related health condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is not meant for quick weight loss.
Instead, it is approved for long-term treatment to help manage obesity by reducing appetite. This medication works best alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Patient Assessment and Consultation
Before I can use Wegovy, a healthcare provider must assess my health thoroughly. This usually means a physical exam and reviewing my medical history.
The consultation focuses on my current weight, eating habits, and any challenges I face with weight management. The doctor will decide if Wegovy suits my needs based on these details.
It’s important to have this professional evaluation, as they also monitor my response to the medication and adjust the treatment if necessary.
Co-Morbidities Considered
Wegovy is often prescribed to people with obesity-related conditions. If I have at least one such condition, like high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease, it improves my chances of approval even if my BMI is between 27 and 29.9.
This anti-obesity drug is also FDA-approved to help lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and obesity. This means the medication addresses both weight and heart health in suitable patients.
Buying Process and Medical Supervision
Novo Nordisk plans to introduce its widely sought-after anti-obesity medication, Wegovy, in Japan on February 22, marking its inaugural launch in Asia. The announcement comes amid challenges in meeting the high demand for the drug in current markets. pic.twitter.com/UrJdDwIQF6
— Info Ki Dunya (@infokedunya) November 24, 2023
To get Wegovy in Japan, I learned that it’s important to go through clinics approved to prescribe it. The process includes finding the right medical facility, completing several steps for a prescription, and following up with regular check-ups while using this GLP-1 drug.
Finding Certified Clinics and Hospitals
In Japan, only certain internal medicine or weight loss clinics can prescribe Wegovy. These clinics have licensed doctors who supervise medical weight loss safely.
Many clinics advertise in cities like Tokyo, including places that offer services in English. I made sure to choose a clinic that follows Japan’s guidelines.
They must confirm my obesity diagnosis and require prior diet and exercise therapy for at least six months before starting Wegovy treatment. This preparation ensures the medicine is used correctly under medical supervision.
Prescription Procedures in Japan
Getting a prescription for Wegovy involves a thorough consultation with a doctor. The initial visit includes a complete health check and blood tests to assess liver, kidney, and thyroid function.
These tests help avoid side effects. After evaluation, doctors prescribe weekly injections of Wegovy, starting at a low dose and gradually increasing based on my response.
Japan regulates this strictly to control use and prevent misuse for non-medical weight loss. Insurance coverage applies once approved, but I must attend follow-up visits regularly.
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up Visits
Regular check-ups are a must during my Wegovy treatment. The clinic schedules blood tests every three months to monitor health and side effects.
Close observation helps adjust the dose or stop treatment if problems appear. Doctors track my eating habits, weight loss progress, and any injection site reactions.
This ongoing supervision keeps the treatment safe and effective. I am also advised on nutrition and physical activity alongside the GLP-1 drug to support sustained results.
Costs and Insurance for Wegovy Treatment
[Sixth country] "wegovy", a drug for obesity, to be launched in Japan in February next year. https://t.co/VuOZihSAdK
— 染井 吉野 YOSHINO SOMEI (@denomel3891) November 24, 2023
Wegovy's cost in Japan depends on the dose and insurance coverage. Public health insurance helps many people pay less, but costs still vary depending on where you get the drug.
It is important to understand the pricing, insurance rules, and options outside national insurance.
Pricing Structure and Pen Dosages
Wegovy comes in pens with different doses designed for gradual increase. The starter dose is 0.25 mg per pen, costing about ¥7,504 monthly with insurance coverage.
The highest dose, 2.4 mg per pen, costs around ¥42,960 monthly before insurance. Prices reflect the dosage strength and treatment stage.
Lower doses are for starting and adjusting, while higher doses help maintain weight loss. Knowing the pen dosage you need will affect the total monthly expense you can expect.
National Health Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In Japan, most patients using Wegovy pay only 30% of the total drug cost under the national health insurance system. This reduces the monthly price significantly, especially for higher doses.
For example, a full dose may cost about ¥12,900 out of pocket after insurance. To access coverage, you need a prescription from a doctor and meet criteria like obesity or diabetes.
Public insurance has made Wegovy more affordable since March 2025 when it was added to the national health price list.
Comparison With Private Clinics
Some private clinics sell Wegovy without the national health insurance discount. Here, prices can be much higher because you pay full cost or a clinic-set price.
Private clinics may offer convenience or faster service but expect to pay up to five times more than insured prices. For example, a monthly dose can reach ¥130,000 or more without insurance.
Deciding between public and private options depends on budget, prescription access, and how quickly you want treatment.
Wegovy Mechanism, Benefits, and Potential Side Effects
I want to explain how Wegovy works, the benefits it offers for weight loss, and the side effects you might experience. This helps you understand how the medicine acts inside your body and what to expect when using it.
How Semaglutide and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Work
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medicine that works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it copies a natural hormone called GLP-1 that affects appetite and digestion.
Semaglutide activates receptors in the brain that help reduce hunger. It also slows down the emptying of your stomach, so you feel full longer and eat less food.
The result is less appetite and lower calorie intake, which supports weight loss. Because semaglutide works on insulin secretion, it can also help control blood sugar, especially for those with type 2 diabetes.
Expected Weight Loss Outcomes
Using Wegovy with a low-calorie diet and exercise can lead to significant weight loss. Most users see gradual results over several weeks.
Clinical studies show patients often lose around 15% of their body weight after about 16 to 20 weeks. This depends on sticking to the dose and lifestyle changes.
Wegovy also helps maintain weight loss by keeping appetite down long term. It's approved not only to reduce weight but to lower risks of heart problems in people with obesity or overweight linked to health issues.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. These usually happen during the first few weeks or as the dose increases.
Most of these stomach-related symptoms get better with time and can be managed by eating slowly or having small meals. Serious side effects are rarer but important to watch for.
These include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you have diabetes, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and allergic reactions.
If you notice fast heartbeat, vision changes, or mood shifts, contact your doctor immediately. Wegovy can affect insulin levels and other body functions, so regular monitoring is important.
Alternative Weight Loss Medications in Japan
Several medications besides Wegovy are used in Japan for diabetes and weight management. Some are approved only for diabetes but sometimes used off-label for weight loss.
Others focus mainly on blood sugar control but may cause weight loss as a side effect.
Ozempic and Rybelsus
Ozempic is an injectable drug approved in Japan for type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Wegovy but at different doses.
Ozempic is mainly prescribed to control blood sugar, though some doctors may use it off-label for weight loss. This is less common and not officially supported.
Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide also approved for type 2 diabetes. While it is easier to take than injections, it is not authorized for weight loss in Japan.
Both drugs can reduce appetite and body weight but are primarily for diabetes treatment.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is another diabetes drug approved in Japan. It works on two receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, which can improve blood sugar control.
Unlike Wegovy, Mounjaro is not approved for obesity or weight loss here, and it is not covered by public insurance for that purpose. Some clinics may offer Mounjaro off-label for weight loss, but this is less regulated.
Prices can be high, and side effects like nausea are common. If considering Mounjaro, I suggest careful discussion with a doctor about risks and benefits.
Metformin and Other Options
Metformin is a widely used medication in Japan for type 2 diabetes. It is not a weight loss drug, but many patients experience mild weight loss as a side effect.
Metformin lowers blood sugar by reducing liver glucose production. It also improves insulin sensitivity.
Other medications for diabetes, like Saxenda or Trulicity, also show some weight loss effects. These drugs are rarely used solely for that purpose in Japan.
They are mostly prescribed by endocrinologists or diabetes specialists. Proper medical evaluation is required before use.
