What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class of medications.
Wegovy is typically used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to assist with chronic weight management in adults.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Wegovy, please review the product monograph.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors in your body.
GLP-1 helps regulate both your appetite and caloric intake, and this receptor is present in several parts of the brain that regulate your appetite. Wegovy is similar to the natural GLP-1 hormone that our intestine releases after we eat a meal.
This means that Wegovy not only helps slow the digestion process, but it also helps promote a feeling of fullness.
In combination with positive diet changes, and regular exercise, this can help encourage weight loss or assist with weight management.
What is Wegovy used to treat?
Wegovy is used to assist with chronic weight management, alongside a reduced calorie diet and exercise regimens, in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher.
In some cases, Wegovy is also used for patients with a BMI between 27 and 30, when these people are experiencing weight-related health issues.
How do you take Wegovy?
Wegovy injections are taken subcutaneously, which means under the skin. This is done once per week. The injections come pre-filled and ready to use.
The best places to use you Wegovy injections is on the front of your thighs, the front of your abdomen (stomach), or your upper arms.
If you have any questions about how to use your online Wegovy prescription, be sure to ask your healthcare practitioner during your online assessment with Felix.
How long does Wegovy last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Wegovy?
The most common side effects of taking Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Lowered blood sugar
- Stomach pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Bloating or gas
- Inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’)
- Reaction at the injection site
- Low blood pressure
- Increase in pancreatic enzymes (i.e., lipase)
If you start to experience any serious side effects, you should speak to your Felix healthcare practitioner about it right away. They’ll be able to suggest different dosages or alternative treatments that may work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Wegovy?
There are a number of people who should be cautious about taking Wegovy, such as:
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People under the age of 18
- People over the age of 75
- People with hepatic insufficiency
- People with end-stage renal disease
- People with acute kidney injuries
If any of these categories describes you, you should be sure to talk to your Felix healthcare practitioner about additional risks with Wegovy, and if another treatment might be a better choice for you.
Further reading