Why are people so excited about Wegovy?
Wegovy, a new medication for weight loss, has generated real excitement due to its effectiveness in clinical trials. Participants in one study lost an average of 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks. However, Wegovy is not a magic bullet for and people should only use the medication in conjunction with a full weight management programme.
Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a new medication that has been generating a lot of excitement in the weight loss community and in the media. This medication has been hailed as a game-changer for people who struggle with weight loss and obesity. The excitement around Wegovy is largely due to the fact that it has been shown to be highly effective in clinical trials, with many people experiencing significant weight loss, when taken as part of a full weight management programme.
Wegovy is fully licensed in the UK by the medicines regulator, the MHRA, and will be available later in the Spring of 2023, according to its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk
Wegovy works by targeting the body's hunger hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness. This means that people who take Wegovy are less likely to overeat or feel hungry between meals, making it easier for them to stick to a healthy diet.
In one study, participants who took Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, which is significantly more than the 2-10% weight loss typically seen with other weight loss medications or the 2% weight loss which came with lifestyle changes only during those same clinical trials.. This level of weight loss is particularly significant for people living with obesity, as it can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
The excitement around Wegovy has been further fueled by high-profile individuals such as Elon Musk or Kim Kardashian who have publicly stated that they are taking the medication. Musk has credited Wegovy with helping him lose 20 pounds, or about 10 kilos, tweeting in December 2021 that the medication is "amazing". This endorsement by a well-known figure has helped to raise awareness of Wegovy and to encourage others who are struggling with weight loss to consider trying the medication.
It is important to note that the medication is not a magic bullet for weight loss. Like any medication, Wegovy can have side effects, and it is not suitable for everyone. Some of the common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, which can be mild or severe depending on the individual. Additionally, the medication is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
It is also important to remember that weight loss medications should always be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. While Wegovy can help to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, it is not a substitute for making lifestyle changes that support overall health and well-being. People who take Wegovy should work with a healthcare provider, such as CheqUp, to develop a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes dietary and exercise recommendations, as well as regular monitoring of health parameters such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Published: 07 March 2023