Wegovy Explained

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication designed to assist with weight loss. It is an injectable drug that mimics a hormone called (GLP-1), which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. By doing so, Wegovy helps reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, aiding in significant weight reduction when combined with a proper diet and exercise regimen. The ingredient of wegovy known as semaglutide is also sold under the brand name Ozempic.

Wegovy Eligibility

Wegovy is intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity) or those with a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) who also have weight-related health conditions. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your overall health, weight loss goals, and any underlying conditions to determine if Wegovy is a suitable option for you

How to use Wegovy

Wegovy is administered via a self-injecting pen, which is injected under the skin, typically in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Your clinician will guide you through with videos, diagrams, and in-person demonstrations.

The dosage schedule is personalised based on your current weight, target weight, and overall health. Typically, the starting dose is 0.25mg, which is increased every 4 weeks until the maximum dose is reached. If side effects occur, you may remain on a dose for longer than 4 weeks to allow your body to adjust. Additionally, if you are satisfied with the weight loss achieved at a certain dose, you may continue with that dose.

Each pen contains 4 doses and lasts for 4 weeks of treatment, after which you will need to start on a new pen.

Side effects of Wegovy

Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. It’s essential to be aware of them and understand their potential impact:

These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Though rare, serious side effects can occur. These may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and allergic reactions.

Reducing Side effects

Gradual dose increase
Drink plenty of fluids to manage nausea and prevent dehydration
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to manage gastric symptoms

Wegovy and the Birth Control Pill

Mounjaro can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Patients using oral contraceptives should also use an additional barrier method, such as a condom, to prevent pregnancy.

Switching from Mounjaro or Saxenda to Wegovy

If transitioning from another weight loss treatment like Mounjaro or Saxenda to Wegovy, a one-month waiting period is necessary to allow your body to clear the previous medication. Your clinician will guide you through the safest method of switching.