Wegoby, a new injectable prescription weight loss drug, has proven to be a very promising option for anyone looking for a drug to help with weight loss. Wegovy, approved by the FDA in June 2021, is an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is intended to be used in combination with a low-calorie diet plan and increased physical activity.
Wegoby (semaglutide) has five different doses and it takes about 5 months to reach the full dose. Inject once a week (using a disposable pen) at home. Start weekly with 0.25 mg and increase the dose every 4 weeks until the full dose of 2.4 mg is reached. The reason for increasing the dose gradually is to prevent gastrointestinal distress.
How does Wegovy work?
There is a hormone in the intestines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that tells the body that it is not hungry.The Wegoby website explains that this injectable drug “works by imitating” [this] Hormones that target areas of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. Therefore, taking Wegovy reduces your appetite, eats less, and loses weight.
How much weight did people lose by taking Wegovy?
In a medical study, 1,961 adults with an average weight of 232 pounds took Wegoby, and after 68 weeks each lost an average of 35 pounds, or about 15 percent of their body weight. People taking placebo lost an average of £ 6. All participants were instructed to follow a low-calorie diet plan and increase physical activity. People taking Wegovy have also experienced improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, but Wegovy is not approved for treatment of these symptoms.
Notable is what Dr. Robert Kushner, MD, Principal Examiner at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, said. Today’s MedPage“I was surprised and happy to see the unprecedented results of the drug.” He said, this was a weight loss “game changer”, with half of the participants losing at least 15% of their initial weight. He added that one-third lost at least 20%.
In a statement, Dr. W. Timothy Garvey of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said in a statement that people are trying to lose weight an average of seven times before seeking medical care. And unfortunately, they often get back in weight. He added that adults were able to lose weight while taking Wegovy and maintain weight loss in two years.
Common side effects of Wegovy
According to the Wegovy website, the common side effects are:
- nausea
- Stomach pain or nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- constipation
- headache
- Malaise
- Flatulence / gas / burp
- heartburn
- dizzy
More serious side effects can also occur, such as:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder problems
- Patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those who are also taking type 2 diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas and insulin, are at increased risk of hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia).
- Kidney problems (kidney failure)
- Serious allergic reaction
- Changes in eyesight in patients with type 2 diabetes
- Increased heart rate
- Thoughts of depression and suicide
Talk to your doctor if you have any medical problems or concerns about these side effects.
Is Wegovy Safe?
Physician Chisom Ikeji, MD, told POPSUGAR, “Semaglutide is actually a really great drug. It helps weight loss by improving metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.” She added that she would definitely prescribe this drug for anyone with a BMI greater than 27 who is suffering from weight loss.
For more serious side effects, Dr. Chisom said the theoretical risk of thyroid tumors is very low. Even more so if you have a family history. She recommends discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor and focusing on how to deal with more common side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms.
How much does Wegovy cost?
Wegovy costs about $ 1,627 a month before insurance. You need to make sure that your insurance company covers this type of prescription. If not, you may still be eligible for compensation using the options listed on Wegovy’s Savings and Support page.
Is there a shortage of Wegovy?
Wegovy’s supply shortage will continue due to high demand for Wegovy and manufacturing and shipping issues. The Wegovy website states, “Novo Nordisk, a manufacturer contracted to fill Wegovy pens for the U.S. market, has temporarily suspended production and delivery due to issues related to good manufacturing practices. “Masu” is stated. Currently, patients may not be able to prescribe, but it is expected that Wegovy doses will be available again in late 2022.
