Wegovy - Weight loss medication
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weight loss medication that contains the active substance semaglutide. It is approved for the treatment of obesity and overweight in adults. Wegovy helps you lose weight by reducing appetite and increasing satiety, making it easier to eat less and follow a healthy diet.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that is naturally produced in the intestine. This hormone plays an important role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. When you take Wegovy:
- Reduces appetite by affecting the brain's hunger center
- Increases satiety so you feel full longer
- Slows down intestinal emptying, making food stay longer in the stomach
- Helps the body regulate blood sugar better
Who can use Wegovy?
Wegovy is intended for adults with:
- BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher (obesity)
- BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) together with at least one weight-related disease such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
The medication should be used together with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity for best results.
Results and effectiveness
In clinical studies, Wegovy has been shown to be very effective for weight loss. After 24 months of treatment, you can expect an average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight. However, results vary from person to person depending on factors such as initial weight, diet, physical activity and individual metabolism.
How is Wegovy taken?
Wegovy is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. The medication is delivered in a pre-filled injection pen that is easy to use. The dosage is gradually increased during the first months to reduce the risk of side effects.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and not to increase the dose on your own.
Side effects
Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common side effects are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
Most side effects are mild to moderate and often disappear after a few weeks when the body gets used to the medication. If you experience serious side effects, you should contact your doctor.
Important information
Before starting treatment with Wegovy, it is important to:
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking
- Inform about any allergies or previous medical conditions
- Tell if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly