Wegovy and Weight Loss
New Weight Loss Medication on the U.S. Market
The FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide), 2.4 mg once weekly injection, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. These conditions can be high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, etc. Wegovy is to be used in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. The drug is indicated for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater.
Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. The medication dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to 2.4 mg once weekly to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Wegovy’s safety and efficacy were studied in four 68-week trials. More than 2,600 patients received Wegovy for up to 68 weeks in these four studies and more than 1,500 patients received placebo.
This was the largest placebo-controlled trial that enrolled adults without diabetes. The average body weight was 231 pounds. Individuals who received Wegovy lost an average of 12.4% of their initial body weight compared to individuals who received placebo. Another trial enrolled adults with type 2 diabetes. Their average body weight was 220 pounds. In this trial, individuals who received Wegovy lost 6.2% of their initial body weight compared to those who received placebo.
The most common side effects of Wegovy, just like with other drugs in this class (e.g. Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Bydureon) include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal (stomach) pain. To learn more about Wegovy, click the button below to schedule an appointment with us, or visit Wegovy’s website at https://www.wegovy.com/.
