Description
Wegovy 101
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a brand-name version of the generic medication semaglutide, which is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist. Instead of that tongue-twister of a name, we call these medications “GLP-1s” for short. Wegovy is FDA-approved and clinically proven to help with weight loss. How? It acts like a natural hormone your body uses to regulate blood sugar and appetite—key steps in resetting your biological set point to help you maintain a new, lower weight. In fact, in the pivotal clinical trial people who combined Wegovy with lifestyle changes lost an average of 9% of their body weight after 20 weeks, and 14.9% after 68 weeks.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which slows digestion and helps your brain regulate appetite by reducing hunger sensations. As your digestion slows, you may feel full longer and therefore eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
What is Wegovy’s dosing?
Wegovy dosing starts out low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to find the schedule and dosing that’s right for you. As an example, your provider may start you out on the lowest dose, 0.25 mg injected once weekly for the first month and slowly ramp you up to the maximum dose of 2.4 mg once weekly over the course of several months. This will depend upon your specific situation and your provider’s guidance.
How do you take Wegovy?
Wegovy comes in a prefilled injection pen. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will administer the injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm once a week. While a routine injection may sound intimidating, the Wegovy pen uses a tiny needle designed to minimize discomfort. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Ro-affiliated provider can offer additional advice.
How much weight can I expect to lose with GLP-1s?
In clinical trials, patients lost 15% of their body weight after 1 year, on average. This is based on the average weight loss in the three 68-week clinical trials of patients without diabetes who reached and maintained a dose of 2.4 mg/week of GLP-1 treatment, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How quickly do people lose weight with Wegovy?
In the STEP 4 clinical trial, people who combined Wegovy with a healthy diet and exercise lost an average of over 4% of their body weight by eight weeks. Those who reached a steady dose of 2.4 mg per week lost an average of 10.6% of their body weight in the first 20 weeks of treatment—and over 17% of their body weight within 68 weeks. Everyone responds to Wegovy differently, and if prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to get the best results for you.
