For individuals who have found it challenging to lose weight through traditional methods like diet and exercise, weight loss medications such as Wegovy® may offer a promising solution. Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is a once-weekly injectable medication that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in weight management. This article delves into the experiences of individuals using Wegovy, providing insights into the week-by-week journey, expected results, and potential side effects.
Understanding Wegovy and Its Mechanism
Wegovy (semaglutide) is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It functions by mimicking a hormone in the body that signals brain receptors involved in appetite and food intake. The medication can reduce your appetite, potentially helping you eat less and leading to weight loss. Other prescription drugs that also contain semaglutide are Ozempic (injection) or Rybelsus (oral tablets).
A Patient's Journey with Wegovy: A Week-by-Week Account
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Wegovy experience, let's explore the journey of Terri K., a Form Health patient who has documented her progress with Wegovy. Her experiences offer valuable insights into the potential outcomes and challenges associated with this medication.
Week 1: Starting the Journey
Terri K. began her Wegovy journey with a mix of excitement and apprehension, primarily due to the injectable nature of the medication. Fortunately, she had no issues filling her prescription at her local pharmacy, and her insurance covered the cost. Despite her initial nervousness, the first injection was easy, causing only a small pinch. She experienced some nausea after her first Wegovy injection but kept a journal to track her symptoms and communicated them with her Form Health team. Her Care Team has been amazing by answering all of my questions and checking in to see how I am doing. She lost 1 pound on her first week on Wegovy, but more importantly she has hope that she can be successful on her weight loss journey. It was exciting to see the scale move in the right direction.
Week 2: Getting Used to Wegovy
By week two, Terri was adjusting well to Wegovy. After her first shot, she experienced nausea for two days, but it was manageable. For her second injection, she did it on a full stomach and that helped so much. She didn’t experience any side effects. She was surprised to start seeing and feeling the results of this medication so quickly - her hunger level dramatically decreased, she felt fuller sooner, and she didn’t have a lot of “food noise”. Before taking Wegovy, she was constantly thinking about food. She lost 3 pounds in her second week of Wegovy, the weight is really starting to come off.
Read also: Sustainable weight loss using Wegovy
Week 3: Building Momentum
In week three, Terri's momentum continued to build. It’s week 3 on Wegovy and I am down 6 pounds already! I am feeling more motivated and encouraged than I ever have been on a weight loss journey. I’ve started incorporating healthy lifestyle changes little by little and am really making an effort to try new foods. I don’t like a lot of veggies, but my Form Health Registered Dietitian Alysha has challenged me to try one new veggie a week, and it’s been a fun and easy way for me to try new things. This week I went out to dinner and didn’t finish my entire meal, so I took a to-go box home. This hasn’t happened in ages! I was so proud of myself, this was a major non-scale victory for me. I've also noticed that it’s much easier for me to say no to sweets, they are simply not interesting to me. One thing I was not expecting is that I don’t crave alcohol and I actually haven’t had any since I started Wegovy.
Week 4: Weight Changes
By week four, Terri had lost 8 lbs, which is about 2 lbs a week. I am amazed and excited by my progress. Over the last month, I am moving around easier, sleeping better, using my inhaler less, and I feel happier. I am also starting to see physical differences, my jeans are fitting better, my stomach is smaller, and I’ve noticed weight loss throughout my body. She experienced some nausea and constipation when increasing her dose to 0.50 mg. She spoke with her Form Health doctor about her symptoms, and she prescribed anti-nausea medication which worked really well. I only had to take it the first two days after my injection. I am also increasing the amount of fiber I consume to help with the constipation I am experiencing. My Form Health Care Team has been amazing and so willing to offer advice and support.
Week 8 and Beyond: Maintaining Results
After eight weeks on Wegovy, Terri reached a significant milestone: she was finally out of the 200’s! It’s been 9 years since I weighed less than 200 pounds, and I am so proud of myself. Together, Wegovy and my Form Health team have helped me lose 18 pounds. Her Form Health team has been talking with me about ways to sustain my success. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I am just not a veggie person, although I keep trying! My Form Health Registered Dietitian Alysha has been setting little goals for me in between visits, like trying one new veggie each week. As I work to complete these goals, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. When I think about the biggest benefit from taking Wegovy, it really goes beyond the weight loss I am experiencing. For me, my decrease in appetite has been life changing and by far the best part of the experience. Prior to taking Wegovy, my appetite, hunger, and thoughts of food took up so much space in my brain. Now I don’t have the desire or urge to eat sweets or drink alcohol. This is something I’ve never experienced before, and it’s been a huge benefit. My confidence has grown and the support I feel from everyone around me has been incredible. I’m so fortunate. When I reflect on my Form Health journey, I think about how far I’ve come. It’s hard to put into words the impact that Wegovy and my Form Health experience has had on my life. I don’t remember a time when I’ve felt so good about myself. I eat better, I exercise more, and I pay attention to how my decisions make me feel. My blood pressure has dramatically improved and I sleep better at night. I am so glad I invested in myself and signed up for Form Health. I am confident that I’ll be able to keep the weight off this time!
Expected Weight Loss with Wegovy
Wegovy patients tend to lose around 4% body weight after two months, 6% after three months, and 8% after four months. After 17 months you can expect to lose around 17% of your starting body weight. However, this kind of weight loss is only sustainable if you’re following a balanced diet, leading an active lifestyle, effectively managing your stress levels, and getting good quality sleep.
Wegovy Dosage and Timeline
The typical maintenance (long-term) dose for Wegovy can be up to 2.4 mg. Your doctor will prescribe a maintenance regimen at the dose that helped you reach your goal weight. For some people, the maintenance dose may be 2.4 mg. For others, the maintenance dose may be 1.7 mg.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
The recommended starting dose for Wegovy is 0.25 milligrams (mg). You’ll need to take 0.25 mg once per week for the first 4 weeks of treatment. If you tolerate the initial dose, your doctor may gradually increase the dosage as follows:
- Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg
- Weeks 9 through 12: 1 mg
- Weeks 13 through 16: 1.7 mg
Here's a monthly breakdown of what to expect from Wegovy:
- Month 1: Dose: 0.25mg
- Month 2: Dose: 0.5mg | Expected weight loss: 4% body weight*
- Month 3: Dose: 1mg | Expected weight loss: 6% body weight*
- Month 4: Dose: 1.7mg | Expected weight loss: 8% body weight*
- Month 5: Dose: 2.4mg | Expected weight loss: 10% body weight*
- Month 6 onwards: Dose: 2.4mg | Expected weight loss after 17 months: 17% body weight*
*Based on semaglutide over 68 weeks. Results measured in participants who adhered to the dosing schedule and reached the maximum dose of semaglutide.
Factors Influencing Weight Loss
Several factors can influence the amount of weight you lose with Wegovy, including:
- Individual response to medication: Each patient will have a different response to medication as well as different results.
- Lifestyle modifications: Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, can enhance weight loss results.
- Adherence to the dosing schedule: Sticking to the prescribed dosage and timeline is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Potential Side Effects of Wegovy
Like any medication, Wegovy can cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of these potential effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Common side effects include:
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
Other potential side effects and warnings associated with Wegovy include:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
- Risk to unborn babies (Wegovy® may harm your unborn baby)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder problems
- Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in those taking medicines for diabetes
- Kidney problems (kidney failure)
- Severe stomach problems
- Increased heart rate
- Depression or thoughts of suicide
- Risk of food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery
Strategies to Maximize Weight Loss with Wegovy
While Wegovy can be a valuable tool for weight loss, it's essential to combine it with healthy lifestyle habits to achieve the best results. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Reduce your calorie intake: Reducing your calorie intake by 500 kilocalories per day may support weight loss.
- Increase your physical activity: Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week can help increase weight loss.
- Eat nutrient-dense foods: Nutrient-dense foods provide important vitamins and minerals and are lower in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. Nutrient-dense foods help provide your body with the nutrients it needs without excess calories.
- Manage stress: Stress can change food intake and fat storage, potentially leading to weight gain. Finding healthy ways to manage stress may support weight loss.
- Get quality sleep: Inadequate sleep may increase the risk of obesity and increase energy intake. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep may help with weight loss.
Considerations for Stopping Wegovy
Wegovy is a long-term treatment that you may use to maintain weight loss until you can manage its side effects. If you stop using Wegovy, you may regain the weight that you lost. If you had preexisting cardiovascular or metabolic conditions, these may also return.
A 2022 study found that 1 year after stopping semaglutide, participants had regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost by using the drug and making lifestyle changes. If you want to stop using Wegovy, it is important to continue any other lifestyle changes you’ve made to support weight loss, such as eating a low calorie diet and increasing your physical activity. You can talk with your doctor about how to stop Wegovy safely while avoiding weight regain and preventing health conditions from returning.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
At Form Health, patients work one-on-one with a physician who is board certified in Obesity Medicine and a Registered Dietitian who specializes in weight management to develop a treatment plan that works best for them based on their unique history, medical conditions, and health goals. At Form Health, medications such as Wegovy may be prescribed, if appropriate, and used along with healthy lifestyle modifications to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss.