If you’re on a journey of body transformation, you may have heard of the drug Wegovy. Your next question might be: Is Wegovy safe for weight loss? Touted as a weight-loss and management tool, it has increased in popularity. But like any drug, it’s not without risks. We fill you in on everything Wegovy-related so that you can make the best possible choice.
What is Wegovy and how does it work?
Wegovy (also known as semaglutide) has been around since 2017. Since its FDA approval, it’s become rife as a weight-loss solution. Wegovy works by mimicking the hormone called glucagon-like- peptide (GLP-1). GLP-1 agonists such as Wegovy work by suppressing appetite and delaying gastric emptying.
Wegovy shares similarities with other popular medications such as Ozempic and Trulicity, which are also GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, Ozemepic and Truclicity are primarily intended as blood-sugar management solutions for patients with Diabetes 2. Wegovy has been specifically approved for chronic weight management and to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Is Wegovy safe?
Each drug carries a risk of side effects. It’s important to be aware of the side risks associated with Wegovy to determine whether it is the right choice for you.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Indigestion or heartburn
Serious Side Effects:
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglaecemia)
- Thyroid cancer (Wegovy comes with a boxed warning.)
- Kidney damage
Side Effects for Specific Groups:
- Pregnant women: Wegovy should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn fetus.
- Teenagers: Wegovy has not yet been approved for use under the age of 18 years. It is currently only available for adults.
- Breastfeeding: Wegovy has not been deemed safe to use during breastfeeding. It has not been confirmed if the drug affects milk production or passes into the breast milk itself.
- Seniors: New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy are helpful but can be harmful for those aged 60>. Some of the potential risks for older patients include nutrient deficiencies or loss of muscle and bone mass.
Wegovy and Weight loss
Wegovy has demonstrated significant effectiveness in promoting weight loss. In a two-year-long clinical trial, 23% of Wegovy users lost at least 15% of their overall body weight compared to the 1.7% of the placebo group. It has been cleared as safe for weight loss in non-diabetics when combined with a healthy diet and an exercise regime. However, the jury is still out on whether it can be used for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
FDA Approval for Weightloss
Despite being on the market since 2017, Wegovy has only been approved for chronic weight-loss management and for non-diabetic use in 2021.
Although they are currently a hot topic, there are alternative FDA-approved methods that might fit your case better. Spatz offers a non-surgical gastric balloon designed to be minimally invasive. Gastric balloons are designed for long-term, lifestyle changes. While FDA-approved, weight-loss injections and drugs are not intended for extended use. Your doctor will be able to identify the best treatment for you, so make sure to consult them before choosing a therapy.
Wegovy vs Ozempic – What’s The Difference?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide but differ in dosage and approved uses.
Wegovy is an injection administered once weekly and contains higher doses than its Ozempic counterpart. The higher amounts of semaglutide bolster the weight-loss effect. There exists a growing range of alternatives to Ozempic.
Who Can Take Wegovy for Weight Loss?
While Wegovy has proven its effectiveness as an anti-obesity drug, it’s not necessarily for everyone. The injection is prescribed to adults if and only the following criteria are met:
- BMI of 30 or more who are considered obese
- BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Overweight individuals also suffering from high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol meet the criteria.
- People who have not managed to lose weight through dieting and exercise alone.
Who should not take Wegovy?
Even if the above-mentioned criteria are met, there are certain categories of people who should abstain from the medication:
- Do not take the medication if there is a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. (Thyroid cancer)
- Do not take the medication if there is a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. (Causes tumours in the endocrine glands.)
What should be considered before taking Wegovy?
There are a few points to keep in mind before considering the drug. Take a look at the following list to determine if it is really the right choice for you:
- Medical history: Before you take Wegovy, be sure to get the all-clear from your doctor. If you have suffered from diabetic retinopathy or kidney problems, make this known as the condition could worsen with the drug. Discuss any other treatments followed or medications taken as they could potentially interact with semaglutide.
- Current medications: It is essential to discuss your Wegovy journey with a healthcare professional. The medication may counteract others or make some ineffective. This is particularly important in the case of those with diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
- The potential of relapse: Once the drug is stopped, there is always the possibility of regaining any weight that was lost. Similar to when patients stop taking Ozempic, withdrawal symptoms and psychological effects may occur.
- Cost: The cost will depend on your location. In the USA, the monthly average cost of following Wegovy treatment is more than $1300 per month without insurance coverage. For the lucky people insured, it can cost as little as $0 per month. In comparison, the cost of a gastric balloon requires a one-off payment and is the least expensive bariatric surgery.
- Alternative options: While weight loss drugs are making the health industry abuzz, they are not the only available options. They are hailed for short-term fixes but are not typically designed for longevity. Therefore, it is worthwhile to source a solution that promotes lifestyle change and develops healthy habits. Given its status, Wegovy is designed for use of up to 2 years.
Weighing Up Wegovy
Wegovy is the only semaglutide medication that has been FDA-approved. While this makes it safe for weight loss, it’s not without its risks or side effects. Patients must consider medical history, medical compatibility, cost of treatment and the potential for relapse before following this treatment.
Alternatives such as the Spatz3 gastric balloon were crafted with longevity, tailor-made plans, and the formation of a healthy lifestyle in mind. Read more about how our non-surgical, minimally invasive bariatric solution here:
