Navigating Weight Loss with Wegovy: Practical Solutions for Lasting Results
Losing weight can be tricky and challenging. It takes dedication and patience, and progress can sometimes seem slow, which can be frustrating. It can be overwhelming for people dealing with obesity. But the good news is that there are medications to help manage weight, one of which is called Wegovy.
Photo by Tayyaba Hassan
In this blog, we discuss the good, and the not so good, of using Wegovy for long-term weight loss. But remember that everyone's body is different so medications may work differently for different people. Read on to learn all about Wegoyi! We'll talk about how it works and whether it might be a good fit for you, and we'll also talk about essential side effects and warnings you should be aware of. Let's get into that!
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a drug that helps people lose weight. It contains a special ingredient called semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drug was developed by Novo Nordisk and is used to treat obesity in adults with other health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Originally Semaglutide was developed to help people with type 2 diabetes. It got the thumbs up from the FDA as a treatment for diabetes in 2017. But one side effect is that it reduces appetite, which made Novo Nordisk interested in using it for weight loss.
You can now find Semaglutide in two forms: Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for primary weight loss. Both come in a smooth injector pen with perfect pitch. Therefore, it is available in two versions to suit different needs.
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Ozempic vs. Wegovy
Wegovy has high levels of the same ingredient in another brand called Ozempic (Which we have already covered in another post). Wegovy and Ozempic both contain the same active component called semaglutide. Ozempic helps to regulate type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels, and they usually take up to 2 milligrams of semaglutide.
Wegovy Dosage
For weight loss with Wegovy injection, the full dose is 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide. Wegovy has five different dose strengths, ranging from 0.25 to 2.4 milligrams. When your doctor is prescribed Wegovy, they start with the lowest dose and then increase it gradually every four weeks until they reach the full dose of 2.4 milligrams. It's like a step-by-step approach to finding the right fit for each person.
How does Wegovy work?
Now let's see how Wegovy, the weight loss drug, actually works! Wegovy is designed to help you eat less by suppressing your appetite. When you eat less, your body starts using its stored fat for energy, which leads to weight loss. It's like creating a calorie deficit, and that's how you shed those extra pounds.
Currently, there are several medical and natural supplements to prevent hunger. Some plant-based compounds, such as glucomannan, swell your stomach and give you a feeling of fullness, so you eat less.
But Wegovy works in different ways. In injection, it contains a substance called semaglutide, which works like a hormone called GLP-1. This natural GLP-1 is produced in your intestines when you eat.
Once Wegovy is in your bloodstream, it does some cool stuff for your body.
GLP-1 performs two important functions in our bodies.
First, it stimulates insulin secretion, which is why semaglutide treats type 2 diabetes.
Second, when GLP-1 reaches the brain, it makes you feel full, reducing your desire to eat. It is how Wegovy works to help you lose weight.
We can say, Wegovy helps you by controlling your appetite and increasing your body's ability to burn calories. It's a helpful tool to help you in your weight loss journey.
Who can use Wegovy?
Wegovy is for people who are overweight or obese. To be prescribed Wegovy weight loss, the FDA says you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is designed for those who want to maintain their weight long-term and prevent weight-related health issues.
If your BMI is between 27 and 29, you might still get Wegovy, but only if you have at least one weight-related health problem, like sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, or type-2 diabetes.
If you or your family have a history of a particular type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma or the condition Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2, then Wegovy is not suitable for you.
And if you are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredients, Wegovy is unsafe for you.
Wegovy is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next two months.
Wegovy can be absorbed into milk, so if you are breastfeeding and considering taking Wegovy, talk to your doctor first for proper advice. It is important to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.