Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable drug approved for weight loss and weight management. 

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Key Facts

  • Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows digestion, helping people manage their weight.
  • The medicine is approved for those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition, and is recommended alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can significantly reduce body weight, with 85 percent of participants losing 5 percent or more of their body weight and about 40 percent losing 20 percent or more during the trials.
  • Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s important to discuss potential side effects and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting Wegovy.

Table of Contents

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy, approved by the FDA in June 2021, is a brand name for semaglutide, a drug also found in Ozempic. 

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy mimics a natural hormone that suppresses appetite and slows digestion, helping with weight management. 

It’s administered via a once-weekly injection using a dose that gradually increases to a maintenance level over 17 weeks. 

Will my doctor prescribe Wegovy for weight loss?

Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically to help with weight loss in people who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea, or certain heart conditions. 

Typically, a body-mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to height) of 30 or more qualifies someone for a prescription, though a BMI of 27 may be sufficient if weight-related health issues are present. 

While some doctors may prescribe Wegovy off-label (in a manner not officially approved by the FDA) to those who don’t meet these criteria, it’s generally reserved for people who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone. 

Note that Wegovy should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

How much weight do people lose on Wegovy?

Wegovy has been shown to significantly help with weight loss by suppressing appetite and slowing digestion, allowing people to eat less without feeling deprived. Additionally, it reduces the amount of glucose the liver releases, improving metabolic health. These effects collectively contribute to weight loss. 

In clinical trials, 85 percent of participants lost at least 5 percent of their body weight, a rate of effectiveness that surpasses many other historically available drugs. 

In the STEP 4 trial, about 40 percent of participants lost more than 20 percent of their body weight, with the most common loss being 10.6 percent of their pre-trial weight. The extent of weight loss also depends on the duration of medication use.

How quickly do you see weight loss?

Weight loss varies by individual and requires time, with most studies tracking progress up to 68 weeks. 

Clinical trials indicate that weight loss typically plateaus around 52 weeks. 

Initial results can be noticeable sooner, with many participants losing about 6 percent of their starting body weight within the first 12 weeks when sticking to prescribed diet and exercise plans. By one year, the average weight loss reported was nearly 16 percent. 

While immediate effects can occur, sustaining weight loss is a long-term commitment. 

Speak with your healthcare provider to understand what to expect based on your health profile and how long it might take to see significant results.

How much Wegovy do you need to take for weight loss?

Clinical trials have shown that the maximum weekly dose of Wegovy — 2.4 milligrams (mg) of semaglutide — results in significant weight loss, with participants seeing an average reduction of nearly 15 percent in body weight, compared to 2.4 percent with a placebo (inactive treatment). 

This dosage is reached gradually over 17 weeks, following a regimen that builds up to the full dose. Lower doses have also been shown to be effective but less so than the 2.4 mg dose. 

If you cannot tolerate the maximum dose due to side effects like nausea or digestive issues, your provider might adjust the dosage temporarily. Discontinuation of Wegovy is recommended if the full dose remains consistently intolerable.

How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?

Wegovy is typically prescribed as a long-term weight-loss therapy. 

The duration of treatment can vary depending on your health goals, the effectiveness of the medication, and your ability to tolerate it. 

For many, Wegovy is part of an ongoing regimen that may continue for as long as the medication helps with weight loss and management without causing unacceptable side effects.

Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate duration of Wegovy treatment for your health needs and to make adjustments as your health improves or if complications arise.

Will I gain the weight back if I stop taking Wegovy?

While some weight loss achieved with Wegovy may be long-lasting, most people tend to regain a significant portion of the weight after discontinuing the medication. 

Research indicates that within one year of stopping Wegovy, most users regain about two-thirds of the weight they had lost. 

To maximize the effectiveness of Wegovy and sustain weight loss, it is important to combine the medication with ongoing dietary changes and increased physical activity. 

Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing weight before, during, and after treatment. 

If the medication isn’t working well for you, other FDA-approved weight-loss drugs such as Saxenda and Zepbound may be options.

Learn more in: Zepbound vs. Wegovy: How Do They Compare?

What is the largest dose for weight loss?

The maximum recommended weekly dose of Wegovy is 2.4 milligrams, typically delivered using a pen with a dark gray label. 

This dose has been identified in clinical trials as the most effective for achieving significant weight loss, with the average person losing more than 10 percent of their starting weight. 

While some doctors may prescribe doses higher than 2.4 mg for off-label uses, this can lead to more pronounced side effects. Therefore, 2.4 mg per week is the standard maximum dose for weight loss as approved by the FDA.

Read more in: Wegovy Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?

What is the best time to take Wegovy?

There is no specific best time of day to take Wegovy per clinical studies. The key is consistency in scheduling: choose one day of the week to administer the injection and stick to the same day each week. 

You can take it at any time on your chosen day.

To help remember your dosing schedule, consider marking it on a calendar or setting phone reminders. This helps ensure that you do not miss a dose. 

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, gas, bloating, and tiredness. 

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may also occur, especially in those taking insulin. Symptoms to watch for include dizziness, confusion, mood changes, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat. 

More serious but rare side effects include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, vision changes, kidney problems, mental changes, and severe allergic reactions. 

Consult your doctor for a complete understanding of the risks and benefits of Wegovy. 

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