Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, affecting millions and leading to various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While diet and exercise remain the most effective ways to lose weight, some people need help to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through these methods alone. For such people, medical weight loss options can be a viable solution. One such option is the newly approved weight loss drug Wegovy, which received FDA approval in August 2021. Wegovy is approved for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weekly injection designed to help people lose weight by suppressing their appetite. The drug contains semaglutide, a synthetic version of a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1 and helps to reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and regulate blood sugar levels.
Who can take Wegovy?
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, are eligible to use Wegovy. The drug is also approved for use in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related health condition. However, it is essential to note that Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor must evaluate your health status and medical history before prescribing the drug. It is also important to note that Wegovy should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results. Patients should also be monitored for potential side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
How is Wegovy administered?
Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. The dose gradually increases throughout 16 to 20 weeks, after which the patient will be on a stable maintenance dose. The drug is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Patients must follow these lifestyle changes even after they stop taking the medication. Wegovy works by suppressing appetite and helping patients feel full faster. Patients need to understand that the drug is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits.
What are the benefits of Wegovy?
People who use Wegovy see significant success in their weight loss efforts. Patients who took Wegovy during the clinical trials shed an average of 15% of their body weight compared to the 2.4% weight loss seen in the placebo group. The drug has also been shown to improve blood sugar control and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight or obese people. Wegovy functions by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food consumption by reducing feelings of hunger and increasing feelings of fullness. This injection is given weekly to adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Are there any side effects?
Wegovy, like other medications, has the potential to result in side effects. During clinical trials, the most reported side effects were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time. However, more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, may occur in rare cases. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before starting treatment with Wegovy. Individuals who have previously had thyroid cancer or are diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 are advised against taking Wegovy. Your doctor will assess your medical background and present health condition to decide if this drug is suitable for you.
Does insurance cover Wegovy?
Wegovy is a new drug, and insurance coverage may vary. However, many insurance plans cover weight loss medications. We can work with you to determine whether your insurance plan covers Wegovy.
Conclusion:
Wegovy is a new and promising option for people who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. The drug is effective in helping people lose weight and improve their overall health. Before beginning treatment with Wegovy, it is crucial to have a conversation with us regarding the possible advantages and disadvantages, just like with any other medication. With the help of medical weight loss options like Wegovy, people can achieve and maintain a healthy weight and improve their quality of life. It is also important to note that lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise should be incorporated into the treatment plan for best results. Individuals with a history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should also avoid using Wegovy.
If you are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and are interested in exploring medical weight loss options, Wegovy could be a viable solution for you. Our medical weight loss clinic offers personalized treatment plans that include the use of Wegovy, as well as support and guidance from experienced healthcare professionals.
Don’t let excess weight hold you back from living your best life. Take the first step towards achieving your weight loss goals and improving your overall health by scheduling a consultation with our medical weight loss clinic today. Our team of experts will evaluate your health status, medical history, and weight loss goals and work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that includes the use of Wegovy.
Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
