
Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is specifically designed and clinically approved for weight loss management. It's a weekly injection that mimics a natural hormone your stomach produces when you eat. Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same medication, semaglutide.
Regulates blood glucose
Reduces hunger
Supports insulin function
Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is specifically designed and is clinically approved for weight loss management. Unlike medications developed primarily for diabetes, Wegovy was created from the ground up to help people lose weight. It's a weekly injection that mimics a natural hormone your stomach produces when you eat. Ozempic and Wegovy are based on the same medication, semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. While Ozempic is approved and marketed for diabetes management, Wegovy is approved and positioned for weight loss. The medication itself is essentially the same; the difference is in how it's approved and prescribed. Below are a few key pointers-
Wegovy works by reducing hunger at the source your brain and digestive system. It's particularly effective for people who struggle with constant cravings or find portion control difficult. For many Indians managing weight while juggling work stress and family responsibilities, the reduced mental burden of constant hunger management can be transformative. The medication helps normalize eating patterns rather than requiring extreme dietary restrictions.
Wegovy is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it over approximately 16 weeks until you reach the effective maintenance dose. Once you've learned proper injection technique, you can self-administer it at home, typically on the same day each week for consistency.
Most side effects from these medications are mild to moderate and tend to improve within the first few weeks as your body adjusts. The most common side effects across all these medications include nausea (especially when starting or increasing doses), constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite (beyond the intended effect), and mild headaches. Some people experience taste changes or mild fatigue. These symptoms are typically manageable and don't require stopping the medication.
Management tips: Stay well-hydrated, eat slowly, avoid greasy foods, and inform your doctor if side effects persist beyond 3-4 weeks.
While rare, some serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include persistent severe pain in the upper abdomen (possible pancreatitis), vomiting that doesn't stop, signs of thyroid cancer (lump in neck, difficulty swallowing), rapid heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting, or allergic reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling of face and tongue. These medications are not suitable for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2.
These medications are absolutely contraindicated (not recommended at all) in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they can harm the fetus or newborn. If you're planning to conceive, discuss stopping the medication at least two months before trying to get pregnant. They're also not suitable for anyone with insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes or a history of thyroid cancer. Those with a family history of thyroid cancer should discuss risks with their doctor before starting. Additionally, if you're taking insulin or certain other diabetes medications, your doses may need adjustment.
These medications can interact with other medicines you're taking, particularly other diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, and certain psychiatric medications. Alcohol consumption should be minimized as it can cause dangerous blood sugar drops when combined with these medications. These medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes including balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Sudden discontinuation can lead to rapid weight regain, so any changes should be discussed with your doctor first.
Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are crucial for safe and effective use of these medications. You should schedule follow-up appointments every 4-6 weeks initially to monitor how your body is responding and adjust doses if needed. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if side effects become unbearable and don't improve after the first few weeks. Additionally, if your weight loss plateaus or if you develop new health concerns, discuss these with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.