Wegovy (generic name: semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone acts on the brain to regulate appetite and food intake, helping individuals feel fuller for longer, eat less, and ultimately lose weight. Wegovy also slows stomach emptying, further supporting reduced calorie intake.
Who Can Use Wegovy?
Wegovy is indicated for:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity)
- Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight) who have at least one weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
- Adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity (BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and gender) and body weight above 60 kg
Effectiveness
Clinical trials have demonstrated significant weight loss with Wegovy:
- In adults without diabetes, average weight loss was about 12–16% of initial body weight after 68 weeks, compared to 2–6% with placebo.
- In adults with type 2 diabetes, average weight loss was about 6–10% with Wegovy, compared to 3% with placebo.
- In adolescents, Wegovy led to an average BMI reduction of 16% after 68 weeks, versus a slight increase in the placebo group.
Wegovy has also been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by 20% in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
Administration and Dosage
Wegovy is available as a pre-filled pen for subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The dose is gradually increased over 16–20 weeks to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly, to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Side Effects and Warnings
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Serious risks may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and possible increased risk of thyroid tumors. Wegovy should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or weight loss products, and is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type.
Summary Table
| Feature | Wegovy (semaglutide) |
|---|---|
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Indication | Chronic weight management |
| Administration | Weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Weight Loss | 12–16% (adults), 16% (adolescents) |
| Key Side Effects | GI symptoms, possible serious risks |
| Cardiovascular Benefit | 20% reduction in major CV events |
Conclusion
Wegovy is a highly effective, FDA- and EMA-approved weight loss medication for adults and adolescents with obesity or overweight and related health conditions. It works by reducing appetite and food intake, and also provides cardiovascular benefits for certain populations. Use should be combined with lifestyle changes and under medical supervision.
Citations:
- https://www.wegovy.com
- https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/wegovy
- https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy.html
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
- https://www.novocare.com/obesity/products/wegovy/let-us-help/explaining-list-price.html
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/wegovy