Wegovy
What Is Wegovy (Semaglutide)?
Wegovy (generic name: Semaglutide), a drug treatment recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management, is administered via subcutaneous injection. It mimics the hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a substance that affects the areas of the brain that help regulate food intake and appetite. Wegovy is offered at True You as part of True You Rx, a comprehensive weight loss program.
Who Is Wegovy For?
Wegovy is intended for patients with excess weight and obesity who have a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with an additional obesity-related health problem. The medication is intended to supplement a habit of increased physical activity as well as a reduced calorie diet; Wegovy alone isn’t likely to have the intended outcome of weight loss.
How Much Weight You’ll Lose
FDA approval came after a robust series of placebo-controlled trials with thousands of participants of varying ages. In one of the most successful trials, participants had an average initial body weight of 231 pounds and a BMI of 38. People who received Wegovy lost an average of 14.9% of their initial body weight (a loss of about 33 pounds) during the 68-week trial. Those who received a placebo lost only 2.4% of their body weight.
How Much Weight Can I Expect To Lose?
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Better regulation of blood sugar
- Improvement in sleep apnea
- Improved joint pain and mobility
- Improved confidence and overall well-being
- More energy and stamina
Long-term commitment to a program is the single greatest contributor to your success. Maintaining follow-up appointments with your care team, meeting with your dietitian regularly, and incorporating a healthy lifestyle will help you achieve your goals.
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frequently asked questions
What is Wegovy? How does it work?
Is Wegovy the same medication as Ozempic? How are they different?
Yes, Wegovy and Ozempic are both semaglutide medications. However, Ozempic is FDA-approved for diabetes at a maximum strength of 1.0mg per week, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for the treatment of overweight and obesity at a maximum strength of 2.4mg per week. The higher strength is associated with greater weight loss.
How is Wegovy administered?
Wegovy comes in single-use, pre-filled pens. Each pen is 1 dose. To use the pen, simply remove the cap, press the pen firmly against the skin, and the medication will be delivered subcutaneously. A yellow indicator on the side of the pen will show when the medication is fully delivered. Most patients inject the medication in the upper arm, belly, or thigh.
How often do I take the medication?
Once per week. Choose a day that is convenient for you, and set a reminder so that you don’t forget!
How is the dose adjusted over time?
The starting dose is 0.25mg. You will use this for 1 month (4 weekly injections). Assuming you are tolerating it well, the dose will increase to 0.5mg the following month. Your provider will continue to increase the strength every month depending on how you are responding to it, and whether you have any side effects. The available strengths are 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg. Therefore, you will reach the highest dose after 5 months.
How long do I stay on the medication?
What are the most common side effects?
Nausea is the most common side effect of Wegovy, followed by diarrhea or constipation. The very low starting dose is intentional, so that your body can adjust to the medication. Most symptoms improve with time. In the clinical trials of Wegovy, approximately 4.5% of patients stopped their medication due to side effects.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Wegovy drug therapy?
Your medical provider will review your medical history during your initial consultation, to determine if Wegovy is the right medication for you. In some circumstances, it may not be recommended. For example, if you are using a different GLP-1 medication, you cannot combine it with Wegovy. Also, patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer should not use Wegovy. It is also contraindicated if you have a rare genetic syndrome known as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN2).
I have a thyroid disorder, can I use Wegovy?
Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, which is a rare type of thyroid cancer. However, it is safe to use if you have a history of hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism, or currently take thyroid medication.
