Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved prescription medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). It is a once-weekly injectable medication that helps with weight loss by reducing appetite.

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and food intake, leading to reduced hunger and calorie consumption, making it an effective weight loss treatment.

Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection once a week. It is typically injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Wegovy is started at a low dose and gradually increased to minimize side effects. The typical dosing schedule is:
Week 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly
Week 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
Week 9-12: 1 mg once weekly
Week 13-16: 1.7 mg once weekly
Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance dose)

Common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain
Fatigue

Serious side effects, though rare, may include:
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones)
Kidney problems
Increased heart rate
Thyroid tumors (based on animal studies, though human risk is unclear)

In clinical trials, Wegovy users lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

A healthy, reduced-calorie diet with balanced macronutrients is recommended to enhance weight loss and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Yes, regular physical activity is encouraged to maximize Wegovy’s benefits and support long-term weight management.

Wegovy should not be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or weight loss medications without consulting a healthcare provider.

Potential interactions include:
Insulin or sulfonylureas (risk of low blood sugar)
Oral medications (delayed absorption due to slowed digestion)

Wegovy is not recommended for:
Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Individuals with a history of severe pancreatitis

Wegovy should be stored in the refrigerator (36°F–46°F or 2°C–8°C). It can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days.

If you miss a dose and it is within 5 days of the scheduled time, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one on schedule.

The cost of Wegovy varies depending on individual circumstances. Without insurance, it may be expensive, but manufacturer savings programs or discounts may be available to reduce the out-of-pocket expense.

Wegovy alone does not typically cause hypoglycemia, but the risk increases if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, as it may worsen gastrointestinal side effects and impact blood sugar levels.

Most users begin noticing weight loss within the first few weeks, with significant results over several months of consistent use.