Key takeaways
- Wegovy contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that can support weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight.
- Wegovy works in different ways to support weight loss, including having effects on your stomach and your brain to reduce your appetite.
- Wegovy is typically considered very effective for weight loss, but it’s possible that you’ll regain some weight when you stop taking it.
Overview
Wegovy is a weight loss medication that’s been making waves in the world of obesity management. It comes as an injection and an oral pill. It supports weight loss by suppressing your appetite and slowing down stomach emptying after eating.
Wegovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity in adults with:
- obesity
- overweight and at least one weight-related health concern like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
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How does Wegovy work?
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a natural hormone in your body that regulates blood sugar and appetite.
According to a 2022 literature review, by mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide (Wegovy) can:
- Reduce your appetite: You may benefit from Wegovy due to its appetite-suppressing effects. The exact way it does this is not yet fully understood. It may be because of the changes in your central nervous system, vagus nerve, and peripheral nervous system. Most people using semaglutide will see their appetite reduce gradually during the first few weeks.
- Reduce cravings: The medication can reduce the rewarding feelings you experience when eating and make foods feel less palatable. Combined with an overall reduced appetite, you may get fewer or weaker food cravings.
- Slow down how fast your stomach empties: Since food stays in your stomach longer, you will likely feel full after eating smaller portions. Feelings of fullness will also persist for longer after a meal.
- Improve insulin sensitivity: Wegovy promotes insulin production and reduces glucagon secretion, which can support blood sugar management and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In fact, other semaglutide medications, like Ozempic, are FDA-approved for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes.
- Cause side effects: Certain side effects of the medication, like nausea and vomiting, may also contribute to weight loss, though in a less enjoyable way.
With that said, there is still a need for more extensive research to better understand how semaglutide (Wegovy) affects your body and promotes weight loss.
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Get free cardHow effective is Wegovy for weight loss?
Studies demonstrate that Wegovy is remarkably effective for weight loss.
The 2022 literature review found that with a 0.5 milligram (mg) weekly semaglutide injection, the participants saw a mean weight loss of 8.3 pounds (lbs), while a 1 mg injection led to a 10 lbs mean weight loss. The duration of the treatment was from 30 to 68 weeks.
One of the studies in this review was a 2021 study. According to this 2021 study, with a weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide injection, the participants saw a mean weight loss of 33.7 lbs.
For context, 2.4 mg per week is the intended maintenance dosage of Wegovy injections, as instructed on the medication label.
How long does it take to lose weight on Wegovy?
How much weight you lose when taking Wegovy injections may depend on factors such as:
- dosage
- diet
- physical activity level
- overall health
- starting point
For reference, the 2021 study recorded the participants’ weight every 4 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, semaglutide had already led to a mean weight loss of over 2% of the body weight. It took 20 weeks to see a 10% weight loss.
What happens when you stop Wegovy?
If you discontinue Wegovy, you may regain some of the weight during the following months.
In a 2021 study, participants took a weekly semaglutide injection for 20 weeks. After this, the mean weight loss was 24.5 lbs or 10.6% of the total body weight. Then, participants continued to take either a placebo injection or 2.4 mg semaglutide per week for another 48 weeks along with lifestyle changes.
In the semaglutide group, the mean weight loss from weeks 20 to 48 was 15.7 lbs or 7.9% body weight. Meanwhile, the placebo group who stopped semaglutide after week 20 had gained 13.4 lbs or 6.9% of their body weight by week 48.
This suggests that despite lifestyle changes, stopping Wegovy may cause weight regain within the next year.
Online care for Wegovy
If a doctor has prescribed a GLP-1, it’s important to take the medication as directed for as long as your doctor recommends. However, some people might face barriers to accessing GLP-1s, including high costs and access to healthcare appointments.
With Optum Perks Online Care, you can request a new weight loss prescription, get a refill, or get help with an existing prescription. There’s no monthly membership needed — all you’ll pay is $39 for the appointment plus the cost of the medication.
With this service, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your condition, and a licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after, without the need to make an in-person appointment.
Next steps
Wegovy has a proven track record for promoting weight loss in people with obesity and overweight.
If you’re interested in Wegovy, here are some next steps to consider:
- Speak with a healthcare professional about what to expect
- Learn what to eat while taking Wegovy
- Prepare for side effects
- Look into insurance coverage
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Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.