Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable weight-loss medication, is now available in Australia. Approved specifically for weight management, it’s designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. But how does Wegovy work, and what results can you expect? Additionally, what are the potential risks of using this medication?
Let’s explore what research tells us.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). It enhances the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which plays a role in appetite control. When you eat, GLP-1 is released, signaling to the brain that you’re full. Semaglutide boosts this effect, helping users feel satiated even when eating less.
Another function of GLP-1 is to promote insulin production, which helps lower blood sugar levels. This is why semaglutides have been used for years to treat type 2 diabetes.
How is Wegovy Different from Ozempic?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide and function similarly in the body, they are approved for different purposes.
Ozempic is an approved treatment for diabetes, and hence, subsidised by the PBS for managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Wegovy, on the other hand, is approved for weight loss in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27 or higher if other conditions like high blood pressure are present. No PBS subsidy is available at the present time.
There’s also a difference in available dosage. Ozempic is available in pre-loaded single-dose pens with varying dosages of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg per injection. The dose can be slowly increased, up to a maximum of 2 mg per week, using the same pen if needed.
Wegovy is available in prefilled single-dose pens with doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg. The treatment tends to start with a dose of 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks, after which the dose is gradually increased until reaching a maintenance dose. This difference in dosage allows for a tailored approach depending on the condition being treated.
Is Wegovy Effective for Weight Loss?
There is strong evidence supporting Wegovy’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss. Studies have shown that individuals taking Wegovy experienced significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference. One study revealed that over a four-year period, participants lost an average of 10.2% of their body weight and reduced their waist circumference by 7.7 cm.
A study published on 13 May 2024 in Nature medicine affirms that Wegovy remains effective for losing weight and maintaining weight loss for at least four years, doubling the previous estimate.
It is to be noted that weight-loss benefits of Wegovy may be short-lived if the medication is discontinued. Research indicates that approximately two-thirds of the lost weight is regained after stopping the treatment, highlighting the importance of long-term commitment to lifestyle changes in combination with medication.
Wegovy may also offer an additional unexpected benefit. According to a large clinical trial, people taking Wegovy during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to die from the virus, researchers revealed in a study published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more in our blog on this topic.
What Are the Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Wegovy are nausea and vomiting, but more serious issues can arise. Due to its impact on the entire body, there are concerns about uncommon risks like thyroid tumors and cancer, though these have been primarily observed in animal studies.
In a four-year trial, 16.6% of participants taking Wegovy discontinued the medication due to adverse effects, compared to 8.2% of participants on a placebo. Gastrointestinal issues, particularly nausea and vomiting, were the main reasons for discontinuation, affecting 10% of those on Wegovy compared to 2% on the placebo. Additionally, gallbladder issues occurred in 2.8% of those taking Wegovy, slightly higher than the 2.3% in the placebo group.
Medical practitioners may choose to treat the side effects whilst the patient continues treatment, reduce dosages or cease the medication altogether in these circumstances.
Recently, there have been some concerns about potential links between semaglutides and suicidal thoughts. An analysis of global data on semaglutides revealed 107 reports of suicidal thoughts, with six deaths related to self-harm. While more research is needed to fully understand this risk, it’s unclear whether factors like dosage, weight loss, or pre-existing mental health conditions were factors.
Another emerging concern is how Wegovy might impact users’ social relationships with food. Some people taking semaglutides report skipping meals or avoiding social gatherings that involve eating. This reduction in food intake, while expected, may affect users’ social lives and emotional connection to meals, potentially leading to a less enjoyable lifestyle for them and their loved ones.
What’s Next?
While Wegovy offers a promising option for weight management, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and the commitment required to maintain weight loss. As more people begin using Wegovy, further studies will likely emerge to provide a clearer picture of its long-term benefits and potential side effects.
For those considering Wegovy, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the pros and cons, and to ensure the medication aligns with personal health goals and conditions.
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