Wegovy FAQs
How does Wegovy help you lose weight?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a self-injecting weight loss treatment. It contains the drug semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is naturally released from the gut after a meal. Wegovy works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain that can help control appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This can result in a reduction of food in take and therefore an overall decrease in calories consumed which can result in weight loss.
Wegovy should be used with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
How effective is Wegovy?
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can be effective for weight loss in adults who have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. In these trials, people taking Wegovy lost significantly more weight than those taking a placebo. On average, people taking Wegovy lost 15-20% of their body weight, compared to 2-3% for those taking a placebo. However, it's important to note that results may vary depending on individual factors such as starting weight, lifestyle, and adherence to treatment.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
Wegovy (semaglutide) works gradually to help weight loss as part of a weight management plan. Clinical studies showed patients taking Wegovy experienced weight loss after 16 weeks of treatment. However, some patients may experience weight loss within the first few weeks of treatment.
It's important to note that results will vary between individuals and weight loss is not guaranteed. Wegovy works best when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes healthy eating combined with regular exercise. It's also important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider in order to achieve and maintain your weight loss.
Your healthcare provider may monitor your weight loss progress and adjust your dose or plan as needed in order to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
How do I administer my Wegovy injection?
Wegovy is a self-administered subcutaneous injection that you inject under your skin. The best sites for injecting are the front of your waist (abdomen), the front of your thigh or the upper arm. You must take extra care not to inject into a vein or muscle.
It's important to rotate the injection site each week to avoid injection site reactions or skin irritation. If you have any questions or concerns about how to administer your Wegovy injection then contact us.
If you accidentally use more Wegovy than you should, you must talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. You may experience nausea or vomiting and may require medical treatment.
What are the possible side effects of Wegovy?
Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes. Low blood sugar is more likely to happen if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin.
Wegovy has been reported to cause more serious side effects but these are rare. These include:
- Pancreatitis,
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Allergic reactions.
If you experience symptoms below then you must seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe abdominal pai
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing then you must seek medical attention immediately.
Before starting Wegovy, your healthcare provider will discuss your medical history and any medications that you are currently taking to decide if it is a safe option for you. It's important to follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider.
It is important to talk about potential side effects of Wegovy with your healthcare provider before commencing treatment and to report any side effects that you experience during treatment. You may require a dose adjustment or more close monitoring if you experience any side effects.
For complete details about all side effects always read the Patient Information Leaflet.
The information we provide to our patients is based on the information provided by the manufacturer of the medication. This information is based on the latest and best, current evidence.