Wegovy For Weight Loss

Wegovy For Weight Loss 

Have you ever wished that you could take a pill and magically lose the extra weight on your body? It seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? In fact, we’ve been conditioned to believe that any product offering to melt away fat is a gimmick, and with most products out there, that is true. But Wegovy is different. 

In this article we have gathered all the information you need to know about Wegovy therapy for weight loss, including how it works, its limitations and side effects, and how to maximize your results.  

What is Wegovy? 

Wegovy is a prescription injectable medicine for those who are obese (BMI≥30) or overweight (BMI≥27) who also have medical problems contributing to their weight. The purpose of Wegovy is to help these individuals lose weight and keep the weight off. 

The Wegovy Difference 

What sets Wegovy apart from other products claiming to help with weight loss you see on your social media is that Wegovy has been approved by the FDA. This means that it has had to go through a rigorous verification process and clinical trials to determine that it offers the benefits it claims, and these benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. 

How Does Wegovy Work? 

Wegovy contains the drug semaglutide, which is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. GLP-1 agonists stimulate the secretion of insulin while also slowing the release of glucagon, actions that influence blood sugar control. Additionally, GLP-1s also reduce appetite and increase satiety, which help with weight loss.  

To test the efficacy of Wegovy, one clinical study utilized two test groups. In both groups, the participants underwent a low-calorie diet and behavioral therapy for 68 weeks. One group was then given a placebo, while the other group was given Wegovy. The results showed a 16% decrease in body weight in those given Wegovy compared to a 5.7% decrease in the placebo group. 

Wegovy is administered as a liquid solution inside a pre-filled, single-dose injection pen. Your doctor will show you how to inject it yourself at home, and the injection is then completed on a weekly basis. 

Limitations of Wegovy 

Wegovy should not be used with other GLP-1 agonists. Additionally, current research cannot determine if Wegovy is safe for use with other weight loss drugs or in those with a history of pancreatitis. Until research is completed on these groups of individuals, it is recommended to discuss usage with a doctor. 

Clinical studies of Wegovy have also been performed only on adults, so its usage is not currently approved for children. 

Side Effects 

As with all medications, there are some potential side effects. Before starting Wegovy, it is crucial to discuss the side effects with your doctor to ensure that you fully understand what may occur. 

The common symptoms experienced by those who use Wegovy include: 

• nausea 
• vomiting
• diarrhea 
• stomach pain
• constipation 
• fatigue 
• headache 
• dizziness 
• upset stomach
• feeling bloated 
• gas 
• belching 
• heartburn
• stomach flu 

Most of these side effects go away within a few days or weeks. 

Some potentially serious side effects include: 

• inflammation of the pancreas (i.e., pancreatitis) 
• gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones) 
• kidney problems (e.g., kidney failure) 
• serious allergic reactions 
• increased risk of low blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes 
• increased heart rate 
• change in vision in those with type 2 diabetes 
• depression or thoughts of suicide 

These side effects are rare, but it is essential to call your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects and seek emergency medical services if the side effects feel life-threatening. 

Wegovy and Thyroid Cancer 

One of the most significant risks of Wegovy is that it may cause thyroid cancer, which is highlighted in a boxed warning. This warning is based on animal studies that found an increased risk of thyroid cancer in rats given Wegovy. However, it is not known for sure if Wegovy can also cause thyroid cancer in humans. 

Because of this risk, it is not recommended to use Wegovy if you have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which is a rare type of thyroid cancer. Additionally, if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), which is a rare genetic condition that can cause thyroid cancer, it is also recommended to avoid Wegovy. 

The Key to Great Results 

While Wegovy might seem like a magical solution to lose fat, for it to work to its maximum capability, you must also make some lifestyle changes. The two most common changes including eating and exercising specifically to mobilize and burn body fat.  

Calorie Reduction with Nutrition Surplus 

Your doctor will discuss how to follow a reduced-calorie meal plan that allows you to receive all the energy and nutrients you need in a day while reducing the amount of calories you consume. 

Being mindful of the calories you put into your body and the source of these calories (i.e., from healthy or less-healthy foods) helps to promote long-term success for your weight loss and increases mindfulness regarding the fuel you provide your body. 

Physical Activity 

Those who are overweight or obese often struggle with regular physical activity because of the strain it places on the body, making it challenging. Your doctor can discuss with you some low-impact exercises, such as walking, biking, or swimming, that allow you to get your body moving and your heart pumping while still being easy on your joints.  

Additionally, finding an exercise that is manageable and enjoyable also increases your chances of sticking with regular exercise, which offers benefits for both your mental and physical health beyond just weight loss. 

Try Wegovy for Weight Loss 

If you are looking for something to assist in your weight-loss journey, give Wegovy a try. This once-a-week prescription medicine injection can speed up your weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Weight Loss & Vitality offers Wegovy therapy for fat loss; call us today to learn more. 

References 

Ard, J., Fitch, A., Fruh, S., & Herman, L. (2021). Weight Loss and Maintenance Related to the Mechanism of Action of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists. Advances In Therapy, 38(6), 2821-2839. doi: 10.1007/s12325-021-01710-0 

Wadden, T., Bailey, T., Billings, L., Davies, M., Frias, J., & Koroleva, A. et al. (2021). Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA, 325(14), 1403. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1831 

Highlights of Prescribing Information: Wegovy. (2021). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf 

Weight-Loss Prescription Medication | Wegovy™ (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg. (2022). Retrieved 12 June 2022, from https://www.wegovy.com/ 

FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. (2021). Retrieved 12 June 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014 

Author

David J. Bauder, PA-C David Bauder, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant and the assistant medical director at Weight Loss and Vitality in Manassas and Alexandria, Virginia, Washington, DC; and Gaithersburg, MD. He enjoys helping patients optimize their physical and mental health to improve their overall well-being. He earned his physician assistant degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Afterward, he gained admission into the reputable graduate program for physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Health Science Center in Omaha. David has over 26 years of experience working as a physician assistant. He’s practiced in podiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, urgent care, and functional medicine.