Wegovy (semaglutide)

Description

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription, once-weekly GLP-1 weight loss injection for adults dealing with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. This weight loss injectable works by controlling appetite and calorie intake.

It may also be suitable for people with a BMI of 27 who have been diagnosed with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials show that, when combined with diet and exercise, Wegovy helps most people lose 15–20% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks.

What are the key benefits of Wegovy?

Wegovy offers a range of benefits that support both weight management and overall health. The key benefits of Wegovy are:

1. Sustained weight loss

• • STEP clinical trials showed an average reduction of 15–20% body weight over 68 weeks.

  • Most weight loss occurs in the first 20–30 weeks, then plateaus, helping patients maintain results long term.

2. Reduced appetite and cravings

• • By activating GLP‑1 receptors, Wegovy slows gastric emptying and signals a feeling of fullness.

  • Patients report eating smaller portions and fewer snacks between meals.

3. Improved glycaemic control

• • Lowers fasting glucose and HbA1c by up to 1.6 percentage points in people with type 2 diabetes.

  • Reduces insulin resistance, decreasing both blood sugar spikes and dips.

4. Cardiovascular risk reduction

• • Weight loss itself lowers blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the body.

  • Clinical trials suggest a potential reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in high‑risk patients.

5. Enhanced quality of life

• • Many users report improved mobility and better mood as weight decreases.

  • Reduced joint pain and sleep apnoea symptoms are common secondary gains.

How does Wegovy work?

Mechanism of Action of Wegovy:

• GLP‑1 receptor agonist
  When Semaglutide binds GLP‑1 receptors, it:

  • Slows gastric emptying

  • Increases satiety

  • Stimulates insulin secretion only when glucose levels are high

  • Suppresses glucagon secretion, preventing excess blood sugar

• Central appetite control

  • Targets brain regions that integrate hunger and reward signals.

  • Lowers activity in the “reward” pathways that drive overeating of high‑calorie foods.

Wegovy directly suppresses appetite, reducing the desire to eat. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body, GLP-1. By functioning like GLP-1, Wegovy helps you feel fuller, leading to significant weight loss.

How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?

Semaglutide has proved to be an effective weight loss treatment under STEP trials, with benefits sustained over time when used consistently.

Additional information