Wegovy Weight Loss is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that’s used to help people lose weight and keep it off. It’s approved by the FDA for long-term use in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one health condition related to weight.
Wegovy works by suppressing your appetite. But it’s not a magic pill that works for everyone. You must also make other changes to your diet and lifestyle to keep the pounds off.
It works by suppressing your appetite
Wegovy Weight Loss is the first drug to get FDA approval for chronic weight management since 2014. It works by suppressing your appetite, which may help you eat less and lose more weight.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an under-the-skin injection that can be given once a week. It’s meant to be used with a healthy diet and increased exercise.
Doctors recommend it for overweight people with at least one health problem related to their weight. This includes diabetes or high cholesterol.
History of pancreatitis
Patients with a history of pancreatitis (swelling and damage in the pancreas) aren’t recommended to take Wegovy Weight Loss.
In a study, people taking Wegovy Weight Loss lost on average about 10% to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. That’s compared to about 2% to 3% in the placebo group.
Wegovy can rarely cause kidney problems, including sudden kidney failure. However, your risk is higher if you already have kidney problems.
It’s safe to stay on long-term
Wegovy is part of a new class of weight loss medications that mimic the action of a gut hormone called GLP-1. These drugs have been shown to help people lose weight and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Unlike some other weight loss drugs, Wegovy is considered safe to stay on long-term. It can be used alongside a plan that includes diet and exercise, says Dr. Lydia Alexander, chief medical officer for Enara Health and president elect of the Obesity Medicine Association.
She suggests checking with your doctor before starting this type of treatment. They can tell you about the risks and benefits of using Wegovy and answer any questions you have.
Wegovy comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled, single-dose injection pens that you inject under your skin. You’ll use a new Wegovy pen for each dose you take. The pens can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. It’s important to talk with your pharmacist about how to handle these pens and store them correctly.
It’s not a magic pill
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a once-weekly injection that was approved in June 2021. It’s designed to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Like other GLP-1 drugs, it works by suppressing your appetite and increasing satiety (that feeling of fullness). In the short term, you may experience some side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea.
But after a few months, these symptoms usually go away. But if you continue to take Wegovy, you may experience rebound weight gain.
Risk factor for thyroid cancer
The medication is also a risk factor for thyroid cancer, especially if you have a personal history or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN type 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma.
You should talk with your doctor about this potential complication before taking Wegovy, as well as any other weight loss medications you’re taking. You should also avoid taking this medication if you have diabetes or are using sulfonylureas or insulin for diabetes.
It’s not a quick fix
There’s no “linear” path to weight loss, and it can be hard to stick with any diet or exercise plan when life gets busy. That’s why it’s important to find a way to stay consistent with your weight loss goals and get support when you need it.
One of the best ways to achieve sustained weight loss is through a comprehensive, 1:1 coaching program that takes into account all aspects of your diet and lifestyle, from your overall health to your goals for the future. This type of support can help you make the most out of your Wegovy medication, as well as help you to keep off the pounds after you’ve stopped taking it.
Final Words:
Wegovy is a once-weekly, injectable drug that mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and reduce calorie intake. It’s approved for long-term use to help people who are obese or have high BMIs lose weight and maintain their weight loss over time.
