Semaglutide (wegovy) is a medication that is designed to promote weight loss by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and food intake. By stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide can trigger a reduction in hunger and increase feelings of fullness. As a result, individuals who take semaglutide tend to eat less and, over time, lose weight. In addition to its effects on appetite regulation, semaglutide can also improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
In clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to lead to an average weight loss of 15-20% when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Semaglutide is administered once a week via injection. The recommended dosage is 0.25 mg for the first four weeks, 0.5 mg for the next four weeks, and 1.0 mg for maintenance.
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a medicine that can help adults who are very overweight or have obesity. It is meant to be used with a diet that has fewer calories and more exercise. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (which means you have obesity) or a BMI of 27 or more (which means you are overweight) and also have a health problem related to your weight, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, this medicine can help.
It is important to note that Semaglutide is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise routine but should be used in combination with them to aid in weight loss.
The cost of Semaglutide (wegovy) varies depending on the frequency of injections and whether or not insurance covers the medication. Currently, the lowest pricing for Wegovy on prescription savings platforms such as GoodRx is $1310 per month.
Regardless of whether you have insurance coverage or not, we have a program that is reasonably priced and offers good value for money.
Common side effects of Semaglutide may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar; especially when combined with other medications that lower blood sugar)
Semaglutide may interact with certain medications, so it is important to discuss any current medications with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Semaglutide is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with a history of pancreatitis.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that Semaglutide causes thyroid cancer in humans. The finding of a potential risk for medullary thyroid carcinoma in rats was based on animal studies only. However, as a precautionary measure, the use of Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with a genetic condition that predisposes them to medullary thyroid carcinoma, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN 2).
Dotun Oyewole, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
