Wegovy is a weekly injectable drug approved for weight loss and weight management.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy, approved by the FDA in June 2021, is the brand name for Semaglutide, a drug also found in Ozempic.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy mimics natural hormones that suppress appetite and slow digestion, helping with weight management.
It is administered via weekly injections using doses that gradually increase to maintenance levels over 17 weeks.
Does my doctor prescribe Wegovy for weight loss?
Wegovy is specifically FDA approved to help lose weight in people who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension (hypertension), sleep apnea, or certain heart disease.
A body mass index of 30 or higher (a measure of weight compared to height) can usually qualify for a prescription, but a BMI of 27 may be sufficient if weight-related health issues are present.
Some doctors may prescribe Wegovy off-labels (in a way not officially approved by the FDA) to people who do not meet these criteria, but are generally reserved for those who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
Please note that Wegovy should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How much weight do people lose in Wegovy?
Wegovy has been shown to significantly help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and slowing your digestion. Additionally, it reduces the amount of glucose released by the liver and improves metabolism health. These effects collectively contribute to weight loss.
In clinical trials, 85% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight. This is a percentage of effectiveness that exceeds many other historically available drugs.
In the step 4 trial, approximately 40% of participants lost more than 20% of their body weight, with the most common loss being 10.6% of their body weight before trial. The degree of weight loss also depends on the length of time you use the medication.
How quickly can you see weight loss?
Weight loss varies from person to person and takes time, and most studies track progress up to 68 weeks.
Clinical trials show that weight loss usually plateaus around 52 weeks.
Early results may be more noticeable, with many participants losing about 6% of their body weight within the first 12 weeks of sticking to their prescribed diet and exercise plans. By year 1, the average reported weight loss was nearly 16%.
While immediate effects can occur, maintaining weight loss is a long-term commitment.
Talk to your health provider to understand what you expect based on your health profile and how long it will take to see important results.
How much Wegovy should I take to lose weight?
Clinical trials have shown that the maximum weekly dose of Wegovy (2.4 milligrams (mg) of semaglutide) results in significant weight loss, indicating that participants have lost nearly 15% in body weight, compared to 2.4% on placebo (inactive treatment).
This dosage is gradually reached over 17 weeks following a regimen that accumulates up to the full dose. Lower doses have also been shown to be effective, but less than the 2.4 mg dose.
If you are unable to tolerate the maximum dose due to side effects such as nausea or digestive issues, your provider may temporarily adjust the dose. If all doses are not consistently tolerated, discontinuation of Wegovy is recommended.
How long does it take to lose weight?
Wegovy is usually prescribed as a long-term weight loss therapy.
The duration of treatment depends on your health goals, the effectiveness of the medication, and the ability to tolerate it.
For many, Wegovy is part of an ongoing regimen so long as the drug helps in weight loss and management without causing unacceptable side effects.
Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate duration of Wegovy treatment for your health needs, adjust it as your health improves, and adjust whether complications have occurred.
Will my weight be returned if I stop taking Wegovy?
The weight loss achieved with Wegovy can last long, but most people tend to regain a significant portion of their weight after abolishing the medication.
Research shows that within a year of stopping Wegovy, most users will regain about two-thirds of the weight they have lost.
To maximize the effectiveness of Wegovy and maintain weight loss, it is important to combine medication with ongoing dietary changes and increased physical activity.
Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing your body weight, before, during, and after treatment.
If the medication is not working well, other FDA-approved weight loss medications, such as Saxenda or Zepbound, may be your option.
For more information: Zepbound vs. Wegovy: How do they compare?
What is the largest dose for weight loss?
The maximum weekly recommended dose of Wegovy is 2.4 milligrams, usually delivered using a pen labeled dark gray.
This dose has been identified in clinical trials as the most effective in achieving significant weight loss, with the average person losing more than 10% of their starting weight.
Some physicians may prescribe doses greater than 2.4 mg for off-label use, which can lead to more prominent side effects. Therefore, the standard maximum dose for weight loss approved by the FDA is 2.4 mg per week.
read more: Wegovy Dosage Guide: How much should it cost?
What is the best time to take Wegovy?
There is no specific best time to take Wegovy for each clinical study. What’s important is the consistency of scheduling. Choose one day of the day to manage your injections and stick to the same day each week.
You can take photos any day of your choice.
To help you remember your dosing schedule, consider marking your calendar or setting a phone reminder. This will help you avoid missing the dose.
What are the side effects of Wegovy?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, gas, bloating, and fatigue.
Hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia) can also develop, especially in people taking insulin. Symptoms to watch out for include dizziness, confusion, mood changes, trembling and a fast heartbeat.
More serious but rare side effects include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, visual changes, kidney problems, mental changes, and severe allergic reactions.
Consult your doctor to fully understand the risks and benefits of Wegovy.
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