FAQ: Wegovy and Weight Loss

What is Wegovy and how does it work?

Wegovy is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the gut. GLP-1 helps regulate appetite by signaling the brain to feel full and satisfied after eating, slowing down the emptying of the stomach, and reducing overall food intake. This action helps people reduce calorie consumption, ultimately leading to weight loss.

Who is Wegovy prescribed for?

Wegovy is prescribed for adults who are classified as obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) and have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or dyslipidemia. It is intended for long-term weight management and is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

How much weight can I expect to lose with Wegovy?

Clinical trials have demonstrated that people using Wegovy can lose an average of 15% of their body weight over a period of 68 weeks. In some cases, individuals have lost even more, with nearly a third of participants in some studies losing 20% or more of their body weight. These results make Wegovy one of the most effective weight loss medications available, with weight loss outcomes that approach those typically seen with bariatric surgery.

How is Wegovy administered?

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The medication comes in a pre-filled pen that makes it easy to self-administer. The dose is gradually increased over the first 16 weeks to reduce the likelihood of side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues like nausea.

What are the common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects of Wegovy are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. It’s important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider, as they can offer strategies to manage them or adjust your dosage if necessary.

Is Wegovy covered by insurance or available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia?

As of now, Wegovy is not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia, which means that it is not subsidised by the government. The out-of-pocket costs can be significant, often around several hundred dollars per month. However, some private health insurance plans may offer partial coverage. It’s important to check with your insurer to understand your coverage options. Additionally, the manufacturer may offer patient assistance programs for those who qualify.

Can I use Wegovy if I have other medical conditions?

Wegovy is contraindicated in certain medical conditions, including a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It should also be used with caution in individuals with severe gastrointestinal conditions like gastroparesis. Before starting Wegovy, you should provide your healthcare provider with a complete medical history to ensure it is safe for you. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider will help manage any potential risks.

Can Wegovy be used during pregnancy?

Wegovy is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of potential risks to the foetus. There is limited data on the effects of semaglutide on pregnant women, but animal studies have shown potential harm. Women who are planning to become pregnant should discontinue Wegovy well in advance, and those who become pregnant while on Wegovy should consult their healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternative weight management options.

How long do I need to take Wegovy for weight loss?

Wegovy is intended for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight management plan. It is not a short-term solution but rather a tool to help manage weight over time. If Wegovy is discontinued, there is a high likelihood of regaining the lost weight, as seen in clinical trials where participants regained much of the weight they had lost after stopping the medication. Continuous use, alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, is recommended to maintain the benefits of Wegovy.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss a dose of Wegovy and it has been less than 5 days since the missed dose, you should take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one, as this could increase the risk of side effects. If you miss multiple doses or are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

How does Wegovy compare to other weight loss medications?

Wegovy has been shown to be more effective than many other weight loss medications available in Australia. For example, compared to liraglutide (Saxenda), another GLP-1 receptor agonist that requires daily injections, Wegovy’s once-weekly injection offers greater convenience and has demonstrated superior weight loss results in clinical trials. Additionally, Wegovy’s effectiveness is closer to that of surgical interventions like bariatric surgery, making it a compelling option for those seeking significant weight loss.

Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes required while taking Wegovy?

Yes, Wegovy is most effective when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend specific lifestyle changes tailored to your individual needs. These changes are essential not only for maximiing weight loss but also for maintaining it in the long term. Wegovy can help you control your appetite, but lasting success requires a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Can Wegovy interact with other medications?

Wegovy can interact with other medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels, such as insulin or oral diabetes medications. If you are taking any medications for diabetes, you may need to adjust the dosage to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to prevent any harmful interactions.

What should I expect during the first few weeks of taking Wegovy?

During the first few weeks of taking Wegovy, you may experience side effects such as nausea, which is the most common. This is because your body is adjusting to the medication. Your healthcare provider will start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it to the full dose over 16 weeks to minimise these side effects. You may also notice a decrease in appetite fairly quickly, which can help you start losing weight early in your treatment.

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References:

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.
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.
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.
5. 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

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