The journey to weight loss is rarely linear. However, you can kick-start the journey with prescription weight loss medication.
The European Medicines Agency approved Wegovy in February 2022 as a once-weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for weight loss.
Its brand name is Wegovy; the drug is called semaglutide.
Other drugs in the class include sibutramine (Meridia), rimonabant, orlistat (Xenical), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), and setmelanotide.
There is nothing new about semaglutide. Since 2017 (when Ozempic was approved for lower-dose injections) and 2019 (when Rybelsus was approved for oral administration), the drug has been available in other forms.
Danish multinational pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk makes Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and other products.
According to its manufacturer, Ozempic and Rybelsus are prescribed to help adults with weight-related health problems lose and maintain weight.
So that you know, Wegovy provides a higher dose of semaglutide than the weight loss medications mentioned above. Wegovy may also cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively because it is delivered at a higher dose, a key regulator of microorganism entry into the brain.
As part of Weight Loss Coach's metabolic reset program, Wegovy is prescribed by the doctor. In addition to taking Wegovy®, you must also adopt a variety of intensive lifestyle interventions that can be difficult for most people to manage on their own.
During weight loss, Wegovy®, like other GLP-1s, mimics the effects of an incretin hormone, which is naturally released by the body when you consume food.
The incretin hormones are responsible for signalling the brain, endocrine, and digestive systems that food has been consumed. Consequently, hormones and neurotransmitters are released in a complex chain reaction communicating satiation (feeling full). In patients with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, GLP-1 plays an essential role in improving blood sugar control.
To get a little more specific, the GLP-1 hormone in a healthy individual sends messages to the brain, muscles, stomach, liver, and pancreas when meals are consumed (i.e. eating).
Each organ system works in the following way:
What are its benefits of it in terms of weight loss? Wegovy (semaglutide) mimics the effects of GLP-1 in the body by acting on the GLP-1 receptor. Type-2 diabetes and overweight or obese people may produce less GLP-1 naturally. Once weekly, Wegovy® injections allow blood sugar levels to be more easily controlled. A fundamental way in which Wegovy supports weight loss is by increasing the feeling of fullness (or satiety) after meals.
Wegovy weight reduction drug simplifies slimming down and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It's not, however, a "magic Injection" that works in isolation. It must be used with other strategies to promote metabolic health and prevent weight gain. The Calibrate program has incorporated evidence-based lifestyle recommendations into its design to assist participants in maximising their success with Wegovy.
Licensed physicians will determine the appropriate dosage for you when you join the Weight Loss Coach program. Wegovy® cannot be taken as a pill; it needs to be injected. Ultra-fine needles are used in the Wegovy® pen, so injections are usually painless. To make self-injection as easy and stress-free as possible, your doctor will provide detailed instructions.
It is recommended that Wegovy® be administered once per week, on the same day every week, at any time, with or without meals. It should be injected subcutaneously into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. For 4 weeks, take 0.25 mg once a week. The dose should be increased every four weeks until it reaches 2.4 mg. To lose weight with Wegovy®, you must take 2.4 mg weekly as a maintenance dose. Pre- and post-treatment blood glucose monitoring is recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes taking Wegovy®.
This section discusses how Wegovy® fits into a comprehensive weight loss and metabolic reset plan.
It has been shown in clinical trials that Wegovy® is most effective when used along with a healthy, balanced diet and increased physical activity. It's easier in theory than in practice, but both are important.
Changing your routine and eating habits after eating the same foods for years can feel overwhelming and near impossible. The majority of weight loss efforts fail without professional support and guidance. It's demoralizing to hear that, on average, 95% of weight lost is regained after five years.
The lack of willpower, however, is not associated with this problem. The Medical Clinics of North America recently concluded, "To improve long-term weight management, obesity treatment requires ongoing attention, support, and weight maintenance-specific counselling."
What is the reason for this? You lose weight by cutting calories and burn fewer calories through exercise and a lower basal metabolic rate. A cascade of hunger and stress hormones (such as ghrelin and cortisol) occurs simultaneously, resulting in weight loss in the short term but quick regain later. You can refer to this phenomenon as a "set point defence."
GLP-1, however, suppresses hunger signals so that the body can adjust its basal metabolic rate to a lower set point for a longer period of time.
To achieve sustained weight loss, Wegovy® can be used as a medical catalyst, but a supportive environment is essential. A proper diet and lifestyle must also be chosen based on your individual needs. It might not work for you what worked for your friend or family member. Weight Loss Coach believes a comprehensive, 1:1 accountability coaching program is the most sustainable way to lose weight is to consider details far beyond your body mass index (BMI).
It's impossible to lose weight sustainably through yo-yo dieting or calorie counting because they don't work. Improved metabolic health is the key. Using a combination of doctor-prescribed medication, 1:1 video coaching, and lifestyle tweaks tailored to your needs, Weight Loss Coach offers its One-Year Metabolic Reset. What is the result? Weight loss and improved metabolic health.
There are several common side effects associated with Wegovy®, including:
Wegovy may cause side effects that may be bothersome or not go away. Talk to your our about any side effects you experience. The medical team can address any issue that arises through recommendations and supportive care. Anaphylaxis or shortness of breath is a sign of an allergic reaction. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
FDA-approved, Wegovy® is safe when used according to instructions. Before starting treatment with Wegovy, you should be aware of any warnings and contraindications. Wegovy® risks will be discussed with you by your Weight Loss Coach doctor, and any questions you may have regarding your health and medical history can be answered.
According to the FDA, the following limitations, contraindications, and warnings apply.
GLP-1 receptor agonists or other semaglutide-containing products should not be used with Wegovy®.
It is unknown whether drug interactions, including co-administration with other weight loss products, are safe and effective.
Patients with a history of pancreatitis have not been studied with Wegovy®.
In patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in the family or own personal history of MTC.
Wegovy excipients and semaglutide are known to cause hypersensitivity.
Upon exposure to clinically relevant doses and durations of semaglutide, rodents developed thyroid C-cell tumours, including medullary thyroid cancer. A human T-cell tumour induced by semaglutide in rodents is not known to have any relevance.
If you have a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or a personal or family history of MTC, please refrain from taking this medication.
Provide patients with information regarding the possibility of MTC when taking semaglutide and potential symptoms (e.g., a lump in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness).
See above for thyroid C-cell tumors.
Acute Pancreatitis: A clinical trial has shown this to be true. If you suspect pancreatitis, discontinue the medication immediately. If pancreatitis has been confirmed, do not restart.
Acute Gallbladder Disease: Clinical trials have shown that this has occurred. The diagnosis of cholelithiasis should be confirmed with gallbladder tests and clinical follow-up. Gallstones are another possibility, but they are not the only gallbladder problem.
Hypoglycemia: Sulfonylureas or insulin may cause hypoglycemia when used concurrently with an insulin secretagogue. If insulin secretagogues or insulin need to be reduced, the dose should be reduced. Education about hypoglycemia and its symptoms should be given to all patients.
Acute Kidney Injury: Usually caused by dehydration. Patients with renal impairment or those experiencing severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions should be monitored when initiating or escalating doses of Wegovy®.
Hypersensitivity: It has been reported that postmarketing reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic shock occur. In case of suspicion, discontinue Wegovy® and seek medical attention immediately.
In a trial using semaglutide, diabetic retinopathy complications were reported. It is essential to monitor diabetic patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy.
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