There are several new medications out on the market that help patients lose weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) have been FDA approved for weight loss. Other names for semaglutide are Ozempic and Rybelsus. Ozempic and Rybelsus are FDA approved for use in diabetics.

Wegovy is taken once a week and Saxenda is taken everyday. This article will focus on Wegovy (semaglutide).

What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Glucagon-like peptide 1, also known as GLP1, is a hormone produced in the gut and released in reaction to food. It reduces appetite and helps in the release of insulin. Semaglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptor and enhances its effect.

How do you take Wegovy? How often?
Wegovy is taken once a week. It is an injection form. The needle is very small and patients feel little to no pain at the injection site.

Who qualifies to take Wegovy?
Those patients who have a BMI (body mass index) greater than 30. Patients with a BMI greater than 27 can also qualify for Wegovy provided there is one weight related comorbidity. Please see your primary care doctor for more information.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?
The most common side effect of Wegovy is increased heart rate. Other more serio in i us side effects include acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, retinopathy, hypersensitivity reactions, and acute kidney injury.

Do people tolerate Wegovy well?
People occasional have nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.

Is Wegovy effective?
YES!! We have had great success with Wegovy in our office. In fact, our staff has taken Wegovy and Saxenda. Please call our office for more details.

Is Wegovy expensive?
YES! If your insurance does not cover Wegovy it can cost up to $1300 per month. Please call our office for more details to see if your insurance covers Wegovy or Saxenda.

Do people gain their weight back when the stop Wegovy?
About 60% of patients gained their weight back after stopping Wegovy. Thus it is VERY important to follow clean eating habits.