The Wegovy Buzz

A medication that practically promises weight loss? Is that true? What do I need to know, and as it for me? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of one of the hottest topics in weight loss!

Although, I cannot tell you if this is right for you, that’s a conversation between you and your doctor, I can tell you some of the positives and negatives about medications like Wegovy. Let’s face it, it does sound tempting! But, is it really that simple?

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy is the brand name for Semaglutide. This peptide comes in a couple brand name forms and is gaining speed and popularity at a rapid pace. Other meds, in the same class, GLP-1 agonists, have been prescribed for patients with diabetes for some time. Its main purpose for patients with diabetes, is to help with insulin sensitivity and in turn, keeping blood glucose levels balanced. What is interesting about this medication, is that, even for people without diabetes, glucose and insulin secretion has improvement. And there is our first pro. Balancing insulin and glucose will help with effective energy use and can aid in fat burn.

What was also noted, is that patients with and without diabetes, were feeling fuller longer, had less cravings, and felt hungry less frequently! How is this possible? Semaglutide, and medications like it, delay stomach emptying. Food stays in your stomach longer, making you less hungry! Amazing…pro #2

Those people taking Wegovy are showing about a 15% total body weight loss, and higher when incorporated with strength training and other forms of exercise, you guessed it, pro #3.

Anyone considering weight loss, and like many of us, yes, I am including myself, have tried it all. So, with positive attributes like these, why look anywhere further? Like all things in life, there is another side to the coin.

I hate to bring down the tone, but we all want transparency!

This class of medication is not intended to be a quick fix. It is not intended to be something you take until you lose your weight, and then transition off. The plan should be to be on this medication long term, your doctor may say, indefinitely. Here’s our first con! Being on a medication for “life” is a big commitment!

Like I said at the open, this is a rapidly growing treatment! With that comes con #2, availability. Wegovy comes in a sequence of dosages, about every 4 weeks, you will increase your dosage, and pharmacies are struggling to have multiple dosages on the shelves, making it very difficult to get.

And like all things in high demand, we have to talk about cost and con #3. Insurance companies are getting up with the times, and are improving coverage, but we have a long way to go. There are still many people who need weight loss for overall health, who do not have coverage for such medications. And, this is an expensive option.

The last con, #4, is side effects. All medications have them, not everyone will get them, and over time they can improve. The most common one is nausea and vomiting. Food is sticking around longer, making us predisposed to nausea and vomiting. So, if you start this medication, eat slow, and pay attention to your body!

I am not for or against medication management. These are personal choices you and your doctor will make together. Our journeys are all different. But, what we all want is an informative option. We want it to be right for us, our lifestyle and our goal. For many people this is a successful plan. Is it right for you? Maybe it is, or maybe it isn’t.

Thanks for reading,

Sheri, RN
Head of Nursing Services