Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Wegovy helps to reduce appetite by binding to the GLP-1 receptor in the brain. This helps people feel fuller for longer and eat less.
Wegovy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021. It is the first and only weight loss medication to be approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity.
Wegovy is a safe and effective medication for weight loss. In clinical trials, Wegovy was shown to help people lose significantly more weight than with placebo. In one study, people who took Wegovy for 68 weeks lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, compared to 2.4% for those who took placebo. Wegovy was also shown to be safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.
Wegovy is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is not for everyone and may not be right for you. If you are considering using Wegovy, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.
Here are some additional information about Wegovy:
- How does Wegovy work? Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Wegovy helps to reduce appetite by binding to the GLP-1 receptor in the brain. This helps people feel fuller for longer and eat less.
- What are the side effects of Wegovy? The most common side effects of Wegovy are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Other side effects that have been reported include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Decreased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Rash
- Redness at the injection site
- Allergic reaction
- If you experience any side effects, talk to your healthcare provider.
- Who should not use Wegovy? Wegovy should not be used by people who are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy. Wegovy should also not be used by people who have:
- Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes
- Uncontrolled thyroid problems
- Pancreatic cancer
- Active pancreatitis
- Severe kidney or liver problems
- Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy
- Plan to become pregnant
- If you are not sure if Wegovy is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider.
- How much does Wegovy cost? The cost of Wegovy will vary depending on your insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to get Wegovy through a patient assistance program. To find out more about patient assistance programs, talk to your healthcare provider or visit the Wegovy website.
Wegovy is a safe and effective medication for weight loss. If you are considering using Wegovy, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.
