Is Wegovy Effective for Weight Loss?

Is Wegovy good for weight loss?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of weight management solutions, Wegovy (semaglutide) has emerged as a promising option for those struggling with obesity. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Wegovy in September 2022, marking a significant development in the fight against obesity. With its impressive clinical trial results and increasing popularity among healthcare providers, the question remains: Is Wegovy truly effective for weight loss?

Understanding Wegovy

Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a medication initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide helps reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, aiding weight loss.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Wegovy

The effectiveness of Wegovy for weight loss is supported by strong clinical evidence. The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) trials, which were pivotal in the TGA’s decision to approve the medication, involved over 1,900 participants. These trials demonstrated that those who received Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group. This level of weight loss is substantial, particularly when compared to traditional weight loss methods, which typically result in a 5-10% reduction in body weight.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, nearly a third of participants lost 20% or more of their body weight with Wegovy. Such results are comparable to those achieved with bariatric surgery, highlighting Wegovy as a powerful tool in the battle against obesity.

How Does Wegovy Compare to Other Weight Loss Medications?

When compared to other TGA-approved weight loss medications, Wegovy stands out due to its superior efficacy. Medications like phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) and liraglutide (Saxenda) have been effective in producing moderate weight loss, typically around 5-10% of body weight. However, Wegovy’s ability to help patients lose an average of 15% or more of their body weight sets it apart.

Additionally, Wegovy’s once-weekly injection is more convenient for many patients than the daily injections required by other GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide. This convenience, coupled with its efficacy, has contributed to its growing popularity globally.

Side Effects and Considerations

While Wegovy is effective, it is not without its side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. These gastrointestinal issues are often mild to moderate in severity and tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some individuals may find these side effects intolerable, leading to discontinuation of the drug.

Moreover, Wegovy is specifically indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women, individuals with a history of thyroid cancer, or those with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid Wegovy.

Long-Term Sustainability of Weight Loss

One critical question surrounding Wegovy is whether the weight loss achieved can be sustained in the long term. Like many weight loss treatments, there is a risk of regaining weight once the medication is discontinued. The STEP trials showed that participants who stopped taking Wegovy regained a significant portion of the lost weight. Therefore, Wegovy may be most effective when combined with a comprehensive weight management plan that includes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

For Australians, Wegovy is a good option for those who meet the criteria and are motivated to make the necessary lifestyle changes to support their weight loss journey. As with any medication, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether Wegovy is the right choice.

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References:

  • Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, Rosenstock J, Shimomura I, Viljoen A, Wadden TA, Lingvay I; STEP 2 Study Group. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021 Mar 13;397(10278):971-984. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00213-0. Epub 2021 Mar 2. PMID: 33667417.
  • Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.
  • Kushner RF, Calanna S, Davies M, Dicker D, Garvey WT, Goldman B, Lingvay I, Thomsen M, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Wilding JPH, Rubino D. Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the Treatment of Obesity: Key Elements of the STEP Trials 1 to 5. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Jun;28(6):1050-1061. doi: 10.1002/oby.22794. PMID: 32441473; PMCID: PMC7318657.
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). New semaglutide product becomes available for chronic weight management. Medicine Shortage Alerts. 2023 Jul 28. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/medicine-shortage-alerts/new-semaglutide-product-becomes-available
  • Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, Davies M, Frias JP, Koroleva A, Lingvay I, O'Neil PM, Rubino DM, Skovgaard D, Wallenstein SOR, Garvey WT; STEP 3 Investigators. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021 Apr 13;325(14):1403-1413. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1831. PMID: 33625476; PMCID: PMC7905697.

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