Wegovy
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
It is a revolutionary weight-loss injection that offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity.
It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
It is a once-weekly injectable treatment designed to regulate appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss.
Until recently, healthcare professionals would prescribe semaglutide under the brand name Ozempic (which is licenced to treat type 2 diabetes) ‘off-label’ to treat obesity.
However, Semaglutide now has an additional product licence under the brand name Wegovy, which is specifically licenced for the management of overweight and obesity, so off-label use of ozempic is no longer required.
Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Wegovy and Ozempic are two brand names for the same drug – semaglutide.
The different brands of semaglutide are prescribed for patients with different medical conditions. Semaglutide has two medical licences:
Ozempic is the brand name of the drug licenced for people with type-2 diabetes
Wegovy is the brand name of the drug licenced for people who have obesity or are overweight and have additional health problems.
Until recently, Ozempic was prescribed “off-label” to treat obesity as semaglutide did not have a licence for this medical condition. Since Wegovy was launched, we no longer need to prescribe Ozempic out of licence.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released in the gut in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite.
GLP-1 targets areas of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
Wegovy is 94% similar to our naturally occurring GLP-1
Who can have Wegovy Treatment in the UK?
As it’s a prescription-only medicine, Wegovy has to be prescribed by a medical professional who will be able to assess whether or it is a safe treatment for you.
Wegovy is suitable for adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who have a
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher (27.5 for certain ethnicities)
BMI of 27 or higher (24.5 for certain ethnicities) accompanied by a weight-related medical condition
Exclusion Criteria:
Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Personal or family history multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
History of liver or kidney failure
History of pancreatitis
Taking insulin
Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Wegovy
What are the potential side effects of Wegovy?
Like all medications, Wegovy can give some people side effects when they first start to take it. However, not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do often find that they go away on their own within a few weeks or months as their body gets used to the medication.
What are the potential side effects of Wegovy? Most side effects that are reported with this treatment tend to involve the gut, and include;
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Bloating
Constipation
Burping
Other common side effects listed include;
Indigestion
Inflamed stomach (gastritis)
Acid reflux or heartburn
Gallstones
Dizziness
Tiredness
The complete list of side effects is available here.
If you do experience side effects whilst taking Semaglutide, we can provide any supporting treatments which might help you to deal with them.
How much weight have adults lost taking Wegovy?
In a 68-week medical study (STEP 1) of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~35 lbs (or ~15% body weight).
People taking placebo (i.e., not the medication) in the study, lost an average of 6 lb (or ~2.5% body weight).
The average starting weight for both groups was ~232 lbs.
In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking Wegovy lost more weight vs placebo.
83% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 5% or more weight, compared to 31% taking placebo
66% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 10% or more weight, compared to 12% taking placebo
48% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 15% or more weight, compared to 5% taking placebo
About 1 in 3 adults lost 46 lb or more (20% weight loss). This was calculated from ~232 lb starting weight.*
How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?
How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?
People respond to medicines differently, and individual results may vary, but many people start noticing weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy.
It is important to remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and consistency is key.