Wegovy is a medication that is used to treat obesity and weight management. It is a once-weekly injection that works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which is produced naturally in the body to regulate appetite and food intake. Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a type of medication that helps people with obesity or overweight lose weight by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness.
Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company that has been developing and producing diabetes and obesity management products for over 90 years. Wegovy is a new formulation of semaglutide, which is already marketed as a once-weekly injection for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic.
Wegovy is indicated for use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the treatment of obesity in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
The medication works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which helps to regulate appetite and food intake. Wegovy helps reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to weight loss. Additionally, it can also help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection, with the dose starting at 0.05 mg and increasing to a maximum of 2.4 mg over a period of 12 weeks. It is important to note that Wegovy is not a weight-loss pill, it is not a magic solution for weight loss, and it is not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise. It should be used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy has been evaluated in several clinical trials, the results showed that patients treated with Wegovy lost an average of 8% to 12% of their body weight over a period of 68 weeks. This weight loss was accompanied by improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
The most common side effects of Wegovy are mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. These side effects usually resolve within the first couple of weeks of treatment. Less common side effects include headache, injection site reactions, and allergic reactions.
In conclusion, Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that is used to treat obesity and weight management. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake, to help reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, it is indicated for use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the treatment of obesity in adults. It has been shown to be effective in helping patients lose weight, improve blood sugar control, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. It’s important to keep in mind that it is not a magic solution and should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.