What is Wegovy?
You may already be familiar with Ozempic®, a semaglutide medication primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy® contains the same active ingredient—semaglutide—but is specifically formulated and dosed for weight-loss management.
Wegovy vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?
- Wegovy®: Higher-dose semaglutide, approved for chronic weight management
- Ozempic®: Lower-dose semaglutide, approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
Because Wegovy is optimized for appetite control and long-term weight reduction, clinical studies show it delivers greater and more sustained weight loss than Ozempic when used for obesity treatment.
How Effective is Wegovy for Weight Loss?
Clinical trials show that patients using Wegovy can lose 15–20% of their body weight within 68 weeks. This level of weight loss previously achievable only through bariatric surgery, which is considered invasive.
Beyond weight reduction, Wegovy may also help:
- Improve blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Improve blood sugar control
- Reduce cardiovascular risk in eligible patients
Results vary by individual, which is why ongoing medical supervision is essential.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy is part of a medication class called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
How GLP-1 Medications Support Weight Loss
Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which:
- Suppresses appetite and reduces hunger
- Slows stomach emptying, helping you feel full longer
- Reduces food cravings
- Improves blood sugar regulation
Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Doctors start with a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects and improve tolerability.
Is Wegovy Safe?
Wegovy has been extensively studied and is considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, usually temporary)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting (less common)
Side effects typically improve as your body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and avoiding greasy or heavy meals can significantly reduce discomfort.
Who Can Use Wegovy
Wegovy is FDA-approved for:
- Adults and adolescents (12+) with obesity
- Adults who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
- Adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight to reduce major cardiovascular events
Wegovy should always be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Using Wegovy Safely for Best Results
Wegovy is a powerful tool—but not a shortcut. Lifestyle changes remain essential.
Tips for Using Wegovy
- Take Wegovy once weekly, with or without food
- You may change injection days if doses are at least 48 hours apart
- If you miss a dose:
- Take it if your next dose is more than 2 days away
- Skip it if your next dose is within 48 hours
- Never double doses
- Contact your doctor if severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar occurs
