How Does Wegovy Work?
Introduction
Researchers now understand the causes and effects of obesity better than ever. New insights into digestive processes and neurological functioning have unlocked insights into how people gain and lose weight.
Beyond upending how doctors understand and treat obesity, this knowledge has spurred the development of new treatments. Wegovy is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved weight loss injection that has proven safe and effective for obese patients in rigorous clinical trials.
The medication, known generically as semaglutide, is in high demand. Learning about how Wegovy causes weight loss, who is eligible for the treatment, and the expected timeline for results is essential to making the best decision for your health. This knowledge will help you have a productive conversation with a physician as you consider a medical weight loss program.
How Does Wegovy Cause Weight Loss?
The body converts food into energy during digestion and uses it to perform every necessary life function, from breathing to walking. When a person consumes more calories than they burn, the body stores the excess energy as fat. This process helped our ancestors cope with the unpredictability of their diets by maintaining energy reserves as fat.
Doctors now understand that hormones secreted in the digestive tract help manage hunger and stimulate the processes that break food down. Wegovy causes weight loss by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a naturally occurring digestive hormone.
The medication travels to the brain, engaging the regions that control appetite and cravings. Wegovy tells the stomach that it is full to suppress your caloric intake. Reducing hunger leads to smaller portions and lower calorie consumption.
Additionally, GLP-1 slows digestion to delay gastric emptying. This action leaves food in the stomach longer, extending the sense of fullness that suppresses appetite.
Who Should Take Wegovy and Who Shouldn’t?
All medications carry indications and contraindications. The FDA considers Wegovy appropriate for a patient with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or a BMI over 27 when a weight-related condition like high cholesterol or elevated blood pressure is present.
Individuals with a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer and those with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 should not take Wegovy due to an elevated risk of developing tumors. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Wegovy either.
It's essential to disclose your complete medical history to your doctor during your consultation so they can rule out possible complications. Diabetic retinopathy, a history of kidney disease, pancreatitis, depression, or a history of suicidal thoughts may make Wegovy unsafe for you.
How to Get Wegovy
Wegovy can only be safely obtained with a doctor's prescription because it is an FDA-regulated medication. You can meet with a qualified weight loss specialist using telehealth services. These providers specialize in treating and managing obesity. This clinical focus provides them with keen insights into the challenges patients face when losing weight.
The doctor will assess your medical history, weight, and BMI. They will also ask about your medications. Being open and honest ensures they can rule out potential complications that could make Wegovy ineffective or unsafe for you.
If the doctor prescribes Wegovy, they will discuss proper dosing and injection practices. Participating in a medically managed weight loss program gives you access to valuable resources to support your journey. The doctor and their team will use the medication, counseling about nutrition and exercise, and encouragement to help you understand the nuances of weight loss and optimize your results.
The provider will send the prescription to your pharmacy. Wegovy is one of the few obesity treatments eligible for insurance coverage because it's FDA-approved. Your insurer and pharmacy can help you assess your coverage eligibility and costs.
How Long Does it Take for Wegovy to Start Working?
The speed and extent of weight loss facilitated by Wegovy varies by person based on their starting weight and the size of the calorie deficit created with the medication. Diet modifications and exercise will enhance weight loss. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and incrementally raise it over 16 to 20 weeks.
Weight loss typically begins within the first month as the medication builds up in your system, and its impacts on appetite intensify. One study saw patients who took Wegovy lose 14.9% of their starting weight after 68 weeks.
How is Wegovy Different from Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic are brand-name forms of the medication semaglutide available in self-injectable pen devices. Wegovy is FDA-approved to treat obesity. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and comes in a lower dose than Wegovy. Doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss off-label, a widely accepted medical practice.
While both medications are safe and effective, Wegovy is the only one that may be eligible for insurance coverage as an obesity treatment. Patients must pay out-of-pocket for Ozempic because insurers do not recognize it as an approved weight loss medication.
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August 17, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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