What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription weight loss medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which helps regulate appetite and reduce cravings to aid weight loss.
The treatment starts with a low dose of 0.25mg once per week and gradually increases over 16 weeks until the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4mg is reached.
The dosage adjustment follows a fixed escalation schedule but may be adjusted at the discretion of the prescriber after considering factors such as the patient’s response to the treatment.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy is known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist as it works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to slow gastric emptying and reduce appetite. These effects help with feeling fuller for longer to aid weight loss.
Wegovy should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices to support sustained weight loss.
Who can take Wegovy?
Wegovy is prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program to adult patients with a BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m2 or for those with associated risk factors (such as heart disease, high blood pressure or heart failure) and a BMI equal to or greater than 27 kg/m2.
How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Wegovy as an effective weight loss treatment.
In a 68-week medical study involving 1,961 adults who were obese or overweight and had weight-related medical issues, approximately one in three participants achieved a substantial 20% reduction in weight when Wegovy was used in combination with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
It is important to note that Wegovy should be taken after consulting a healthcare professional for safe and effective weight management.
What are the side effects of Wegovy?
As with any medication, individual experiences with side effects may vary, and it is important to discuss potential concerns and side effects with a healthcare provider before starting to take Wegovy.
Common side effects of Wegovy include gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Rarer side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and increased heart rate.
Please review the Patient Information Leaflet before starting the treatment.
Is Wegovy safe?
Wegovy has been approved in the UK for the treatment of obesity.
While it has shown effectiveness in promoting weight loss, it is important to consider the potential side effects and individual health factors when assessing its safety.
Please note these additional considerations for taking Wegovy safely:
- Wegovy is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years old.
- Wegovy is not to be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Wegovy, including semaglutide. Consult the Patient Information Leaflet for a comprehensive list of ingredients.
- Wegovy is not to be used as a substitute for insulin if you are diabetic.
- Wegovy is not suitable for those with a history of pancreatitis.
- Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. It is advisable to cease use two months before planning to become pregnant.
As with any medication, the safety of Wegovy should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of the individual's medical history and consultation with a healthcare professional.
Where can I buy Wegovy in the UK?
You will soon be able to buy Wegovy from Pharmica following a medical consultation to determine treatment eligibility. We will update this page with further details in due course.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, they are used for different purposes and have different dosages.
Ozempic is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes but has also been prescribed off-label in the UK for weight loss at 1mg dosage per week.
Wegovy, on the other hand, was designed to be prescribed specifically for weight loss and comes in higher doses, up to 2.4mg per week.
Is Wegovy the same as Saxenda?
While both weight loss medications contain the GLP-1 receptor agonist family and both operate in a similar way, they contain different active ingredients and have different administration modes.
Wegovy contains semaglutide and is administered via a weekly injection.
Saxenda, featuring liraglutide, requires daily injections.
Though both are effective for weight management, Wegovy has shown higher weight loss in clinical trials - 16% of initial body weight compared to Saxenda's 6%.
It is important to note that these medications should be guided by a healthcare professional and taken as a part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet and exercise.
What are the alternatives to Wegovy in the UK?
Saxenda is the most comparable medication to Wegovy, however, it is administered through a daily weight loss injection.
Another safe and clinically proven weight loss treatment that is available in the UK includes Orlistat - a weight loss tablet that reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs from food.
Orlistat can help lose up to 50% more weight than dieting alone when combined with a healthy lower-calorie, reduced-fat diet and exercise.