Understanding Wegovy And How This Weight Loss Medication Can Help You

What is Wegovy?

Although medications aimed at boosting weight loss have become highly in-demand recently, you may be surprised to discover that weight loss is merely one of the multiple conditions that can be successfully treated by weight loss medications. 

Wegovy is a modern brand of the drug compound semaglutide, which was originally designed to help patients manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Wegovy has gained notoriety as a powerful weight management drug that can also be used to treat type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

How Does Wegovy Impact Weight Loss?

Semaglutide is a synthetic drug that mimics the functions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a  native peptide-hormone secreted by our small intestines. GLP-1 is responsible for molecular and cellular pathways that deliver anti-diabetic effects, delay gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and lower body weight. 

So, how does all of this relate to effective weight loss? Semaglutide’s unique mechanisms have been shown to have physiological effects that indirectly support weight management. As a GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide stimulates GLP-1 receptors and activates the functions native to GLP-1 behavior. The majority of GLP-1 receptor stimulation from semaglutide occurs in the brain, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. Beyond its blood sugar regulating effects, GLP-1 receptor activation also slows gastric emptying in the intestines while increasing satiety signals through hypothalamic pathways. 

The combination of these responses can work together to help increase your satiation levels from the foods you eat and act as an appetite suppressant to counter cravings. Combining the regulation of both glycemic and food-intake responses – alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise – has empowered many patients to experience sustainable weight loss due to the effects of Wegovy treatment.

Additional Uses and Benefits

Now that we have explored some of the weight loss advantages associated with Wegovy, let’s discuss a few of the other conditions that may also benefit from this novel medication.

FDA Approval and Wegovy Prescriptions

While semaglutide has been an approved treatment for more than a decade, Wegovy received FDA approval for prescription use in adults and adolescents aged 12 or older who are diagnosed as clinically obese and with a BMI in or above the 95th percentile. A licensed healthcare provider can prescribe Wegovy for adults medically diagnosed with obesity or for those overweight with at least one other chronic weight-related condition (e.g. high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes). 

Dosage

While the ultimate dosage amount and duration will be determined by your doctor, the FDA and most medical experts suggest a slow progression of the studied and available dosage forms. Wegovy is administered once weekly at the prescribed dose through an injection under the skin. The supplied Wegovy options include single-use injectable, prefilled pens with one of the following dosages: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg.

Side Effects

Although there is significant potential for Wegovy and its capacity for weight loss support, we should also note the necessary considerations before being approved for Wegovy, as well as the possible risks associated with semaglutide treatment. Wegovy prescription is not intended for patients with a known semaglutide allergy, are at risk of pancreatic and kidney disease, or who have a history of thyroid cancer.

Common

Medications that mediate glycemia and hunger responses often have common side effects that are unpleasant, yet not critical. For example, the gastrointestinal effects of Wegovy can result in symptoms such as gas, bloating, nausea and indigestion. Low blood sugar due to increased insulin secretion is also an important side effect to note – especially for individuals with diabetes.

Serious

If you experience any severe complications from Wegovy, you need to contact a trusted healthcare provider immediately. Serious side effects can include pancreatic inflammation, gallbladder disorders and risk of thyroid tumors. Blurred vision is often contributed by retina damage, or diabetic retinopathy, and has also been identified as an acute side effect. 

Long-Term

While you may be prescribed Wegovy for the long-term, many people are not comfortable being on lifelong medication. However, the duration of Wegovy use is ultimately an informed decision you make in consultation with a doctor. 

Extended use of semaglutide can have lasting effects like prolonged GLP-1 receptor stimulation, leading to reduced appetite, delayed gastric emptying, and lowered glucagon release. Though these are initially expected as the results of semaglutide; experiencing them as lasting effects can be undesired.

Moreover, some research has seen an association between long term Wegovy use and the development of chronic pancreatic, renal and gallbladder disorders. Warnings include pancreatitis, gallstones, and acute kidney injury.

Cost

The cost of Wegovy extends beyond its price tag, and it’s important to consider factors such as regular check-ins with your doctor, transportation costs, and insurance coverage.

Monthly

Considerations for medication extend far beyond side effects, with cost recognized as a primary factor for most patients, especially when evaluating treatment options that can be expensive. Wegovy’s manufacturer offers discounted coverage for qualifying individuals to access the medication for as low as $28 monthly for the first three months. 

Whether this cost reflects a patient’s actual experience will vary based on a number of factors, as the actual per month out of pocket costs will be heavily dependent on dosage, quantity, and your insurance coverage.

Wegovy Cost Without Insurance

Wegovy’s cost dramatically shifts for individuals without insurance. If your insurance does not cover your prescription, you can buy from Wegovy directly or through online websites such as GoodRx. 

Currently, the average retail undiscounted price of Wegovy is ~$1600 for 4 pre-filled 0.25 mg injectable pens. If you are prescribed for a higher dose, you can expect this price to increase by roughly $100-$400.

Discussion

Wegovy’s mechanism of action has been shown to help boost weight loss, manage diabetic symptoms, and contribute to hormonal balance. However, these effects require proper nutrition and physical activity in order to unlock their full potential for sustainable weight management.  

Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes into your routine is crucial for reaching weight loss goals, and  maintaining those results you worked so hard to reach. Moreover, for many individuals semaglutide use is for a specific duration, however the benefits do not need to end once you reach the conclusion of treatment. Cultivating a healthy and nourishing nutritional routine in combination with regular physical activities into your routine should be considered an essential aspect of any weight loss routine built for lasting results.

Last Words

There has been increasing worldwide demand for effective medications that can support weight management in addition to other chronic conditions that drastically impact overall health and well-being. Semaglutide offers a modern way to regulate the bodies’ food and glycemic pathways by way of stimulating GLP-1 receptors, which results in a variety of physiological responses like gastric emptying, reduced appetite, and lowered blood sugar. 

When combined with a balanced nutritional regimen and healthy lifestyle habits, Wegovy is a medication that possesses a diverse set of clinical applications including treatment for diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and hormonal imbalances. However, a Wegovy prescription will require additional considerations such as cost and potential for side effects. 

Moreover, long-term effects and sustainment of the results requires lifestyle habits that supplement the benefits. Taking the steps necessary to changing and managing chronic conditions can feel overwhelming. If you and a trusted healthcare provider are considering adding medication to your treatment plan, Wegovy can be a viable option amongst many drugs available.

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