What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription-only weekly injection that contains the active substance Semaglutide. It has been shown to be effective for weight loss when used alongside
a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The medication has recently been approved in the UK and was approved in the USA in 2021 to treat people living with obesity.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy acts by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which is released into the blood from the gut after eating a meal. This acts on receptors in the brain that control your appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry and experience less cravings for food. It also leads to the stomach emptying more slowly, which helps you feel fuller for longer.
While it isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone, it can help you to eat less and lose weight. It works best when it is taken while making healthy lifestyle changes.
How effective is Wegovy?
In clinical trials when Wegovy is combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise, a 68-week study has shown that:
Around 85% of people lost more than 5% of their body weight
66% of people lost more than 10% of their body weight
30% of people lost more than 20% of their body weight
We now know that Wegovy is effective in sustaining weight loss for up to 4 years, which can result in health improvements. Losing excess fat improves or reduces the risk of obesity-related health conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes. A recent study, the SELECT trial, also showed that Wegovy reduced the risk of a heart attack, stroke or heart-related death by 20% in people with obesity and an increased risk of heart disease.
Is Wegovy right for me?
Wegovy can be considered as a treatment option if you have:
• BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 or
• BMI ≥27 kg/m 2 and at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or obstructive sleep apnoea
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that Wegovy be made available on the NHS for people with severe obesity (BMI>35kg/m 2 ) and at least one weight-related health condition, but it has to be prescribed by a specialist in weight management.
Wegovy is not suitable for everyone, so your doctor will conduct a full assessment to ensure this medication is appropriate for you. It is important to continue to receive support in making healthy changes to your diet and physical activity levels, as the medication is most effective when used alongside a healthy lifestyle.
What are the side effects of Wegovy?
As with all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, sickness and indigestion. These side effects are dose-dependent and may develop at the start of treatment or when the dosage is increased but tend to settle over time as the body adapts to the medication.
You are less likely to develop side effects if you:
More serious (but uncommon) side effects are:
Acute pancreatitis
A fast heart rate
An allergic reaction
Do not take Wegovy if:
You have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
A personal or family history of thyroid cancer
You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
Please see the patient information leaflet and the leaflet in the medication box for more information on side effects and discuss with your doctor.
How do I take Wegovy?
Wegovy is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). You should use this medicine once a week and, if possible, on the same day each week. You can give yourself the injection at any time of the day – regardless of meals. The pens are pre-filled with the exact dose required. There are five available strengths. Your treatment will start at the lowest dose and gradually increase under your doctor’s supervision. Your doctor will tailor the treatment to your unique circumstances.
In Summary
Wegovy is a medication that helps you lose weight and improve your health by reducing your appetite. For long-term weight loss, Wegovy works best when combined with healthy food choices and increased physical activity and under the guidance of an experienced healthcare professional. It is not a medication that is suitable for everyone and does have some adverse effects, so talk to your doctor to see if Wegovy is the right treatment option for you.