1. What is Wegovy?

• Wegovy is a prescription medication developed by Novo Nordisk for weight management in adults.
• It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist.

2. How Does Wegovy Work?

• Wegovy mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite, food intake, and insulin release.
• It reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, helping people eat less and make healthier food choices.
• It also slows gastric emptying, which can contribute to sustained feelings of satiety after meals.

3. Who Can Use Wegovy?

• Approved for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
• Not recommended for people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN 2).

4. Administration

• Wegovy is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin) using a pre-filled pen.
• The dose starts low and is gradually increased over several weeks to reduce side effects and allow the body to adjust.

5. Effectiveness

• Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy can help individuals lose 15% to 20% of their body weight on average when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Results may vary, but significant weight loss can be sustained over long periods with continued use.

6. Side Effects

• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache.
• Most side effects tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
• Serious side effects (though rare) may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney issues.

7. Safety Considerations

• Wegovy should be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise program to achieve the best results.
• Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage side effects and track progress.
• Not suitable for those with certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy or serious gastrointestinal disorders.

8. Long-Term Use

• Wegovy is typically used as a long-term treatment for weight loss, as discontinuing the medication can result in regaining lost weight.
• Continuing a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise can help maintain weight loss even after stopping the medication.

9. Availability

• Wegovy is available by prescription in many countries, including the US, UK, and EU.
• It's important to discuss with a healthcare provider if Wegovy is the right treatment option based on individual health needs and goals.

10. Additional Benefits

• Besides aiding in weight loss, Wegovy has been shown to improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk of major heart events.

Wegovy represents a powerful tool in weight management, especially for those struggling with obesity or overweight-related health conditions. However, it’s important to use it as part of a comprehensive lifestyle approach under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Full information can be found on the Wegovy fact sheet here.