Globally, the percentage of individuals looking for options to either reduce weight or manage weight is on the increase. A clear indication of rising obesity and lifestyle diseases, this is approaching alarming proportions in certain nations. Various options are presently available for weight management, and patients are also known to benefit from the off label uses of certain medications. Formulations used for treating type 2 diabetes are known to offer results in weight reduction, due to the mechanism of action, and this includes Wegovy. A common question among patients is – how long does it take to lose weight on Wegovy? Following subsections offer a detailed explanation, to help understand the time taken for measurable results.
What is Wegovy intended for treating and what is its mechanism of action?
Wegovy, a brand name for the drug semaglutide, is used for treating type 2 diabetes and is also used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with obesity. Belonging to the category of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and glucose metabolism. The GLP-1 receptor, in the pancreas, gut, and brain, when activated, stimulate insulin secretion, in addition to slowing down gastric emptying. It is also known to reduce food intake by mimicking a full feeling. Through this, Wegovy is known to lower blood glucose levels, decrease appetite, and promote weight loss.
Wegovy is typically administered once a week, by subcutaneous injection, under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It’s important to note that Wegovy is not recommended as a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes and is not to be used on patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also not to be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists, and is not suitable for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 are also advised to choose alternative medications.
What are the side effects of wegovy?
All drugs come with the possibility of side effects and Wegovy is no exception. All individuals on the drug may not experience side effects, with a small section of users experiencing undesirable outcomes. Theis may vary from person to person, with come experiencing stronger effects, while others may experience mild or moderate effects. Mild or moderate effects are known to resolve naturally in a short period, without the need for any medical intervention. Commonly reported side effects of Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Allergic reactions (such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Kidney problems
- Gallbladder problems
The drug is also known to cause changes in body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Side effects that are either persistent in nature or intense need to be reported for suitable remedies. Individuals with a history of allergies are also to inform the treating specialist of the allergies, as certain allergies have the risk of quickly turning into serious conditions. For instance, symptoms such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing are to be immediately reported.
How long does it take to lose weight on Wegovy?
Weight loss with Wegovy use will vary depending on many factors, including the individual’s starting weight, diet, and exercise regimen. As mentioned above, it is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and is not essentially a weight loss drug. While the mechanism of action mimics the effects of GLP-1, it is not specifically developed for weight management. Clinical trials have indicated that Wegovy can help individuals lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight within the first six months of treatment. However, the loss may be either more or less depending on circumstances. Weight loss is a gradual process, and work as per personalized plans, including healthy diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes. The drug, when used for either type 2 diabetes or weight loss, is to be used only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Can medications help reduce weight?
Certain medications can help with weight loss by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, or preventing the absorption of fat. However, these medications can never be effective when used as a sole method of weight loss. Medications approved for weight loss include:
- Orlistat (Xenical) – works by blocking the absorption of fat from food.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) – a GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to Wegovy, helps to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion. It also has the benefit of helping to reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) – a combination of two drugs that work together to suppress appetite and increase metabolism.
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) – a combination of two drugs that work together to suppress appetite and increase metabolism.
All medications are likely to have side effects and may not be suitable for all. The best option is to determine the best treatment plan for individual needs, including weighing of benefits and potential risks.
Drug interactions
Wegovy can interact with other medications and supplements, and can change the way the medication works or increase the risk of side effects. All patients are to inform treating specialists about medications, supplements, and herbal products in use for any condition. Drugs that may interact with Wegovy include the following:
- Insulin (or other diabetes medications) – The drug may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with insulin or other diabetes medications. It may be necessary to adjust dosage dose or alter the schedule of these medications.
- Blood thinners – The drug may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
- Medications that slow down digestion – The drug may slow down the absorption of other medications for constipation, diarrhea, or stomach acid.
- Medications that affect kidney function – The drug may increase the risk of kidney problems when taken with medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), metformin, or diuretics.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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