Wegovy is a brand-name version of the generic medication semaglutide, which is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist. Instead of that tongue-twister of a name, we call these medications “GLP-1s” for short.

Wegovy is FDA-approved and clinically proven to help with weight loss. How? It acts like a natural hormone your body uses to regulate blood sugar and appetite—key steps in resetting your biological set point to help you maintain a new, lower weight. In fact, the STEP 4 clinical trial saw people who combined Wegovy with lifestyle changes lose an average of 10.6% of their body weight after 20 weeks, and 17% after 68 weeks.

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Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. It helps reduce hunger and prolongs the feeling of fullness, leading to decreased calorie intake. By slowing down gastric emptying and enhancing insulin release, Wegovy aids in weight loss and helps control blood sugar levels in individuals with obesity or overweight conditions.

Additional Details:

• Appetite Reduction: Helps reduce hunger, making it easier to consume fewer calories.
• Fullness: Prolongs the feeling of fullness after eating, reducing the desire for additional food.
• Gastric Emptying: Slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, aiding in appetite control.
• Insulin Release: Enhances insulin secretion, helping to manage blood sugar levels.
• Weight Loss: Combined effects aid in significant weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

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All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Wegovy’s side effects are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of medication. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Stomach pains
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Belching and gas
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Fatigue

More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:

• Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a BOXED WARNING) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)
• Low blood sugar
• Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)
• Kidney disease
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the BOXED WARNING, for complete safety information.

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