Wegovy FAQs

• Wegovy contains the active ingredient  semaglutide.
• It is a revolutionary weight-loss injection that offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity.
• It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
• It is a once-weekly injectable treatment designed to regulate appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss.
• Until recently, healthcare professionals would prescribe semaglutide under the brand name Ozempic (which is licenced to treat type 2 diabetes) ‘off-label’ to treat obesity.
• However, Semaglutide now has an additional product licence under the brand name Wegovy, which is specifically licenced for the management of overweight and obesity, so off-label use of ozempic is no longer required.
• Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

• Wegovy and Ozempic are two brand names for the same drug – semaglutide.

  The different brands of semaglutide are prescribed for patients with different medical conditions. Semaglutide has two medical licences:

  • Ozempic is the brand name of the drug licenced for people with type-2 diabetes
  • Wegovy is the brand name of the drug licenced for people who have obesity or are overweight and have additional health problems.

   

  Until recently, Ozempic was prescribed “off-label” to treat obesity as semaglutide did not have a licence for this medical condition. Since Wegovy was launched, we no longer need to prescribe Ozempic out of licence.

• Wegovy works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released in the gut in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite.

  GLP-1 targets areas of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.

  Wegovy is 94% similar to our naturally occurring GLP-1

As it’s a prescription-only medicine, Wegovy has to be prescribed by a medical professional who will be able to assess whether or it is a safe treatment for you.

Wegovy is suitable for adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who have a

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher (27.5 for certain ethnicities)
2. BMI of 27 or higher (24.5 for certain ethnicities) accompanied by a weight-related medical condition

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Personal or family history multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• History of liver or kidney failure
• History of pancreatitis
• Taking insulin
• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Wegovy

Like all medications, Wegovy can give some people side effects when they first start to take it. However, not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do often find that they go away on their own within a few weeks or months as their body gets used to the medication.

What are the potential side effects of Wegovy? Most side effects that are reported with this treatment tend to involve the gut, and include;

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Burping

Other common side effects listed include;

• Indigestion
• Inflamed stomach (gastritis)
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Gallstones
• Dizziness
• Tiredness

The complete list of side effects is available here.

If you do experience side effects whilst taking Semaglutide, we can provide any supporting treatments which might help you to deal with them.

In a 68-week medical study (STEP 1) of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~35 lbs (or ~15% body weight).

People taking placebo (i.e., not the medication) in the study, lost an average of 6 lb (or ~2.5% body weight).

The average starting weight for both groups was ~232 lbs.

In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking Wegovy lost more weight vs placebo.

• 83% of adults taking Wegovy^® lost 5% or more weight, compared to 31% taking placebo
• 66% of adults taking Wegovy^® lost 10% or more weight, compared to 12% taking placebo
• 48% of adults taking Wegovy^® lost 15% or more weight, compared to 5% taking placebo

About 1 in 3 adults lost 46 lb or more (20% weight loss). This was calculated from ~232 lb starting weight.^*

How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?

People respond to medicines differently, and individual results may vary, but many people start noticing weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy.

It is important to remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and consistency is key.

Yes, as the two medications are exactly the same you can switch from Ozempic to Wegovy

• Ozempic (Semaglutide) is licenced for type 2 diabetes and until recently, was prescribed “off label” for weight loss
• Wegovy (Semaglutide) is licenced to treat patients with overweight and obesity.

Providing that there has been no break from taking the medication, you can take the same dose of Wegovy when your next dose of Ozempic is due.

Wegovy has two higher doses of semaglutide available, which Ozempic does not. You can titrate up to these doses when (and if) the dose you are currently taking is not working as effectively.

Wegovy is taken once a week, any time of day, with or without food.

You may change the day or time when you take Wegovy as long as your last dose was given 2 or more days before.

You can take Wegovy with or without food, the choice is entirely yours.

Eating a Balanced Diet with Wegovy

Making sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning while taking Wegovy can be achieved by eating a balanced diet. It may also reduce the risk of undesirable side effects while supporting the drug’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss.

What should I eat while taking Wegovy? A balanced diet typically includes eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups. These include:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Lean proteins.
• Healthy fats or dairy.

Fruits and vegetables

Having a high fiber content in these foods helps you feel satisfied and full. In addition, they contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals that are critical to your general health and wellbeing.

Whole grains

Another healthy food to consume when taking Wegovy is whole grains. Because they are high in fiber and packed with nutrients, they may help you feel fuller for longer. Whole grains can help slow down digestion and stop overeating. Examples of whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread. Complex carbohydrates, which provide you with energy throughout the day, are another excellent feature of whole grains.

Protein-rich foods

It is crucial to consume foods high in protein when taking Wegovy. Your body requires protein as a necessary nutrient for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance. Consuming foods high in protein, such as fish, poultry, legumes, lean meats, and tofu, can help you keep your lean muscle mass even as you lose weight. In addition to being low in sugar and carbs, these foods support blood sugar regulation and aid in weight loss.

It is advisable to stop or limit alcohol consumption while using Wegovy.

Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and counterproductive to weight-loss efforts.

It is important that you take your Wegovy each week, in order to maintain a consistent level of medication in your system.

• If you miss a dose of Wegovy and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If you miss a dose of Wegovy and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), do not administer the dose. Take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
• If you miss doses of Wegovy for more than 2 weeks, take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day or call your health care provider to talk about how to restart your treatment.

Important: Do not double up on your dose to make up for the missed dose!

Each Wegovy pen contains enough medication for four doses, and as Wegovy is injected once weekly, one pen will last 4 weeks.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN OR VUNERABLE ADULTS

Storing your Wegovy correctly will ensure it remains effective and safe so that you can get the most from your medication.

How should I store my Wegovy pen? Follow these guidelines to store Wegovy properly:

• Keep Wegovy in its original packaging, in order to protect it from light, moisture, and other external factors.
• Store Wegovy in the refrigerator between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C) – However, Wegovy can be stored at room temperature (but below 30 degrees) for 6 weeks whilst in use, without having any effect on the efficacy of the drug (see side of box to clarify).
• Avoid freezing Wegovy, as extreme temperatures can render it ineffective.
• Protect from light, as semaglutide is sensitive to light exposure, so it’s essential to keep Wegovy in its packaging and store it away from direct sunlight or brightly lit areas.
• Do not leave the needle attached after each injection, as this could be dangerous and poses a risk of infection.

Each Wegovy pen will last until its expiration date, but once used for the first time, it will last 6 weeks. Always check the medication through the glass window on the pen before use, to make sure it’s not cloudy or coloured.

• When traveling by air, keep your Wegovy pen with you or in your carry-on bags, as it may freeze in the baggage compartment.
• You pen should be kept in its original box
• If needed, Wegovy may be stored at room temperature (but below 30 degrees) for up to 6 weeks.

Wegovy should not be taken with other weight-loss drugs, such as Saxenda or Ozempic. This will increase the risk of side effects.

• Obesity is considered to be a long-term chronic health condition, just like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you were taking medicines to help manage those diseases, and you stopped them, you would expect your blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol to go back up too. Obesity is the same type of chronic disease and the leading cause of those other diseases, so we fully expect that if you stop the medication, over time you will gradually start to regain weight because your appetite will return.
• As weight-loss specialists, The Virtual Slimming Clinic understand that our plan for patients is chronic use of these medications. It is often the case that “maintenance” of weight loss can be achieved where people don’t need to take the medication every week, they may take it less frequently, for example several times a month, but chronic use is what we anticipate in order to keep the weight off.
• Combining changes in lifestyle will also help patients remain at a healthy weight.

• Wegovy is considered safe for long-term use.
• The benefits of sustained treatment often outweigh the risks, particularly when overseen by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Clinical trials also revealed a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or strokes.
• The Virtual Slimming Clinic will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure that long-term use is appropriate for your specific medical condition.
• It is crucial to remain vigilant for any side effects and report them to us.
• This allows for timely adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring that you continue to benefit from the medication.