Are you tired of struggling with excess weight? Worried you’re at risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, strokes and heart disease?
Have you been searching for an effective solution to support your weight loss journey?
Wegovy could work for you. It’s a breakthrough injectable weight loss medication that’s transforming lives. Find out how Wegovy works, who it's for, the side effects, and why it might be the weight loss solution you've been searching for.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription-only weight loss medication specifically designed to help curb appetite and reduce cravings. It’s scientifically proven to aid with weight loss when combined with a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle and exercise plan.
Wegovy is self-administered by injection and contains the active ingredient semaglutide which mimics our body’s natural appetite regulation and rate of digestion.
When taken correctly, it’s an effective weight loss treatment, with most people losing up to 15% of their total body weight in 68 weeks, offering hope to many who struggle to maintain a healthy BMI.
How does Wegovy work?
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is made naturally in the small intestine and gets released into the gut after eating. It sends a signal to the brain to regulate your appetite to make you feel full.
Semaglutide also helps slow gastric emptying and digestion in the stomach. This means you may feel fuller for longer and can go longer without feeling the need to eat as frequently ie reducing snacking and meal frequency.
When combined with a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle, Wegovy may be the key to successful weight loss for many people.
Who is Wegovy for?
Wegovy is prescribed to adults who are classed as overweight or obese and have weight related problems.
To be eligible for Wegovy treatment, you must have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above with at least one weight-related health condition such as, but not exclusive to, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma or osteoarthritis.
Wegovy isn’t suitable for people who have diabetes (or are undergoing pre-diabetes treatment). Those considering Wegovy must meet all other clinical criteria based on their medical history. It's also essential to understand that Wegovy isn’t intended for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes, but to improve overall health and reduce the risks associated with obesity.
How and when to take Wegovy
Wegovy is administered under the skin (subcutaneously) in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. One dose is to be injected once a week, on the same day each week.
Dosage instructions
Treatment starts with a low dose of 0.25mg per week for the first four weeks, allowing your body to get used to the medication. The dose gradually increases over 16-20 weeks until the maintenance dose of 2.4mg once weekly is reached.
Our prescribing pharmacists will support you throughout your weight loss journey. They’ll advise on any dose adjustments you might need to help to minimise any common side effects you may experience.
You’ll be able to inject Wegovy yourself after reading the usage guidance, including how to prepare the Wegovy FlexTouch Pen and what to do after completing the injection. Before taking Wegovy, it’s advised you read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medicine.
Side effects & warnings
As with any medication, Wegovy may cause some side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Stomach upsets
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Acid reflux
- Indigestion symptoms
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Reactions at the injection site
While the above side effects are typically mild and may subside over time, there’s plenty you can do to manage these symptoms. A few things to try include eating small, plain meals, getting fresh air and trying drinks or food with ginger or mint.
Rare and more serious side effects such as increased heart rate, changes in blood sugar levels, gallstone disease (where gallstones cause symptoms), acute pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas resulting in stomach pain, fever or feeling sick), angioedema (swelling under the skin) and anaphylactic reactions (a severe allergic reaction) may occur. In these situations, it's crucial to monitor your symptoms closely and consult with your medical healthcare provider immediately.
In an emergency always ring 111 or attend hospital A&E.
Wegovy storage instructions
Before initial use, Wegovy should be stored in a refrigerator within the temperature range of 2°C to 8°C. Once you start using the pen, it can be stored at room temperature (8°C to 30°C) for up to 6 weeks. It’s really important you avoid freezing Wegovy to maintain its effectiveness.
Start your weight loss journey today
At Phlo Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing accessible and effective healthcare solutions tailored to your needs.
Ready to kick-start your weight loss journey with Wegovy? Our team of prescribing pharmacists are here to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle, every step of the way.
References
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
