Wegovy® is a new injectable medication used to aid weight loss, that has recently been approved in the UK. Currently, there isn’t a set date for its release but will likely be available later this year. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at Wegovy and the science behind it.
Everything you need to know about Wegovy
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which is injected into the body once a week. When Wegovy is taken alongside a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise it can help weight loss. A medical study found that, on average, patients lost 15% body weight over a 68-week period and kept the weight off.
How does Wegovy work?
Now for the science bit…Wegovy is a weight loss medication that suppresses appetite. The active ingredient, semaglutide, imitates the actions of the hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake.
So what does this mean? As a result of the medication mimicking this hormone, you feel fuller for longer and less hungry. This can help you to eat less and hopefully lose weight.
Wegovy is an aid for weight loss that works best when it’s taken at the same time as making lifestyle changes (healthier diet and increased exercise). A medical study showed that around 85% of users lost at least 5% of their weight, compared to just 40% losing 5% when no lifestyle changes were made.
Is Wegovy effective?
When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, a 68-week study has shown that:
- Around 83% of people lost more than 5% of their body weight
- 66% of people lost more than 10% of their body weight
- 48% of people lost more than 15% of their body weight
How to use Wegovy?
Wegovy is the first and only prescription weight-management medicine taken once weekly. It’s taken on the same day each week, any time of day, with or without food. It can be injected into your tummy, thigh or upper arm.
The injections come in a variety of dosages. Depending on where you are in your journey, you will need to take a different dosage. The dosage is gradually increased to make sure you can tolerate any potential side effects before reaching a sustained dose.
How quickly does Wegovy take to work?
Wegovy begins working immediately after you inject a dose. However, it may take several weeks or months before you notice any weight loss or decrease in appetite. It is important to remember that people respond to medicines differently, so there is no set time for when you can expect to see results.
Who can use Wegovy?
Wegovy is a medication that can be used by adults who are 18-75 years old, have a BMI ≥30, or have a BMI ≥27 and also have weight-related medical problems, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. It is important to speak with a specialist to see if this medication is suitable for you.
Are there any potential side effects?
Like all medications, some people might feel some side effects from taking Wegovy. Some of the most common side effects are: nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy ache or fatigue. You can learn more about possible side effects here.
Wegovy, with its active ingredient semaglutide, offers a novel approach to weight management by harnessing the natural mechanisms of the GLP-1 hormone. Its dual benefits in appetite regulation and blood sugar control make it a valuable tool for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight conditions. However, it is crucial to use Wegovy under the guidance of a healthcare professional and as part of a holistic weight-loss program for optimal results. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and information tailored to your specific health needs.
To enquire with Streamline about the weight loss solutions we offer, please call 0333 016 3030 or fill in the online enquiry form below.