Everything You Need to Know About Wegovy, a New Weight Loss Drug

by Anand Thakkar, MD. ~

Dealing with a body weight that surpasses the normal BMI can be exhausting and demoralizing. Many of us have tried restrictive diets and every exercise we can find, with no significant results. Moreover, when you are dealing with disorders like bulimia, controlling your weight often seems impossible.

There are many reasons besides disorders that people become obese. It can be depression, trauma, side effects of medication, or a variety of other factors. Furthermore, obesity then gives rise to numerous health risks like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, making the whole scenario worse and more demotivating.

Fortunately, a new drug has been developed that shows promise and can effectively help you lose weight. Wegovy is the newest drug developed by scientists and is a total gamechanger. In addition, it has been recently approved by the FDA, so you know it is legitimate. This article will discuss everything you need to know about Wegovy.

Impact of Obesity on Our Lives

When a person’s bodyweight crosses the normal BMI to a large extent, they are considered to be obese. Obesity is a condition where fat has been accumulated to such a degree that it results in damage to the body.

Obesity in the United States grew from 30.5 to 42.4 percent between 2017 and 2018. During the same time period, the frequency of extreme obesity climbed from 4.7 to 9.2 percent.

Individuals suffering from severe obesity are also very likely to have other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, liver disease, and many more.

These diseases paired with obesity take a huge toll on the health of the person. In the majority of cases, these lead to poor quality of life, general discomfort, disability, and even early death. There are numerous reasons why some people have trouble losing weight.

In most cases, genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, exercise choices, and physiological and environmental factors give rise to obesity. Obesity has a detrimental effect on almost every part of the body. Fortunately, even modest weight loss can significantly improve and control the health issues linked with obesity.

A healthier diet, lifestyle changes, and more physical activity can help in losing weight. Weight loss procedures and prescription medications are further options you can pair with a healthy diet to make the weight loss process faster.

Available Medication for Treating Obesity

It must be kept in mind that weight loss medications are not meant to replace proper diet, lifestyle changes, and exercise. They are designed to be combined with proper diet and exercise. It is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor before starting any medication.

The most widely used medications for treating obesity and approved by the FDA are the following:

• Liraglutide (Saxenda)
• Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
• Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
• Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)

Wegovy: A New Weight Loss Drug

The wegovy is a new weight loss drug and has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This drug is indicated for adults who have a body mass index greater than 27 or are generally obese.

It is also recommended for people who have particular weight-related conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Wegovy is intended for long-term weight management paired with a planned diet with reduced calories and exercise. 

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Wegovy mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that targets parts of the brain that regulate food intake, appetite, and satiety. It contains semaglutide. Hence, it should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.

It should also not be used with other weight loss prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal products. Wegovy is an injectable drug and should be initiated with a dose of 0.25 mg. The medication dose must be gradually increased to 2.4 mg over 16 to 20 weeks. The dose should be increased to prevent or reduce any adverse gastrointestinal side effects.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide is an analog of GLP-1; 94 percent of its sequence matches that of the human GLP-1. It selectively binds to the GLP-1 receptor and activates it. The GLP-1 receptor is the target for native GLP-1. Since semaglutide binds with the receptor instead of the native GLP-1, it is termed a GLP-1 receptor agonist. 

GLP-1 regulates caloric intake and appetite. The GLP-1 receptor is in several regions of the brain that are involved in food intake regulation. Evidence from animal studies shows that semaglutide binds to neurons of certain brain areas, activating them and influencing food intake regulation. 

Body weight is lowered by semaglutide as it decreases calorie intake and reduces appetite.

A New drug – Wegovy Side Effects

The following are common side effects of Wegovy:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdomen or stomach pain
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Feeling bloated
• Gas
• Belching
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Dizziness

Severe side effects include possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Immediately reach out to your doctor if you discover any swelling or lumps in your neck. You should also call your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, or hoarseness.

These might be signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer. It is best to avoid this drug if the individual has MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or MEN 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome). Pregnant people should not take this drug.

Wegovy Success Rates

Wegovy’s FDA approval was based on phase 3 data demonstrating that during the course of a 68-week clinical study. This high-dose form of semaglutide assisted 33 percent of patients in losing more than 20% of their body weight. first obesity drug with a high success rate that is dosed once weekly.

Wegovy Reviews

Most users saw visible results after approximately seven weeks. However, many complained about severe nausea and headaches initially but improved as they got used to the drug.  

Expert Advice

Wegovy should be implemented with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie meal plan. For optimum results and just to be on the safe side, it is best to have this drug under the supervision of a doctor. 

Expert weight loss physician Dr. Anand Thakkar MD has created a specific diet protocol along with Wegovy. He is also board certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Anand Thakkar is the COO of the Chicago Weight Loss Clinic. Under expert care and supervision, his weight loss clinic in Chicago prescribes Wegovy besides a healthy diet plan and exercise regime, establishing a healthy and active future. You can also get Wegovy coupons from here and enjoy a much more affordable healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions about A New drug Wegovy 

When you consider or start a new medication, it is natural to have some questions and concerns. Your doctor is the best source for answers, but we have also provided answers to some common queries in the following for your convenience

How Often Can Wegovy Be Taken?

Wegovy can be taken once every week at any time of the day, with or without food.

Who Cannot Have Wegovy?

Pregnant women, individuals who suffer from thyroid cancer, and people diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome should absolutely stay away from this medication. 

Since it is not known whether Wegovy is safe for people with a history of pancreatitis and children under 18 years of age, it is best for individuals with such individuals to avoid this drug.

Do I Have to Take Wegovy on the Same Day Every Week?

Yes, it is recommended for you to take Wegovy on the exact same day every week at a convenient time.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Wegovy?

If you forget a dosage of Wegovy and your next dose is more than two days away, you should take the missing dose as soon as possible. Do not consume Wegovy if you skip a dosage and the next planned dose is less than two days (48 hours) away. Take your next dosage on the same day each week.

If you miss doses of Wegovy for more than two weeks, call your doctor to consult on how to restart your treatment or take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

The Takeaway

The incidence of obesity and its linked diseases have been on the rise and are becoming a great concern. The game-changing drug Wegovy makes it easier to control and maintain a healthy weight along with a properly planned diet and regular exercise. 

About The Author

Dr. Anand Thakkar is a licensed Internal Medicine physician. He is Board Certified in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. He has been a member of the teaching faculty for students at Chicago Medical School and has been featured on ABC, FOX, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, and Forbes as a recognized authority in wellness, fitness & nutrition, weight loss, anti-aging, hormones & metabolic medicine, holistic medicine, lifestyle coaching and women’s & men’s health.

Contact Us

If you would like him and his team to help you take steps towards a healthier lifestyle, contact Chicago Weight Loss Clinic to see what resources are available to you and schedule a free consultation. Find a location closest to you.

This blog is for informational purposes only. Do not make any major changes to your lifestyle, diet, or exercise without the supervision of a licensed medical professional.

Image Source: Photo by Andres Ayrton from Pexels