Wegovy for Weight Loss: Honest Reviews & Powerful Results Revealed!

Obesity, defined by the WHO as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a risk to health, is a growing concern. A body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater is considered obese. The approach to management of overweight and obesity is multi-pronged, and includes modification of physical activity and behaviour in addition to medical nutrition therapy. Drug therapy for overweight or obesity is indicated only for those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more, or for those with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more with at least 1 weight-related comorbidity. Semaglutide 2.4 mg joins 3 other weight-loss drugs approved in Canada: orlistat, liraglutide, and the combination of naltrexone and bupropion.

This article delves into Wegovy, a relatively new medication, examining its effectiveness, potential side effects, and the overall patient experience based on available reviews and clinical data.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy® is the first once-weekly prescription medication approved for weight loss. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, mimics a naturally produced hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 regulates appetite by helping you feel less hungry and eat less, resulting in weight loss. Semaglutide also helps regulate blood sugar. It is administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection at a dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. It is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least 1 weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.

Clinical Trial Results: Efficacy and Weight Loss

In clinical trials, Wegovy proved to be one of the most effective weight loss medications on the market, helping patients lose an average of 15.8% of their initial body weight.

Four placebo-controlled, double-blind (DB) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) - STEP 1 (N = 1,950), STEP 2 (N = 1,210), STEP 3 (N = 611), and STEP 4 (N = 803) - compared semaglutide 2.4 mg to placebo, and 1 open-label RCT compared semaglutide to liraglutide and placebo (STEP 8, N = 338), all over 68 weeks of treatment. All patients in the included studies had overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least 1 weight-related comorbidity) or obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater), and patients enrolled in STEP 2 also had type 2 diabetes. All studies were funded by the sponsor and all were multi-centre. Two studies (STEP 1 and STEP 2) had Canadian sites. STEP 4 included a 20-week run-in period where all patients were titrated to the target dosage of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly before randomization at week 20. All patients in the STEP trials received counselling regarding diet and physical activity. In STEP 3, the first 8 weeks of the study consisted of a 1,000 kcal per day to 1,200 kcal per day liquid calorie diet, after which patients were gradually transitioned to a less strict hypocaloric diet consisting of conventional foods. The primary outcome of all studies was the percentage reduction in body weight from baseline to week 68, and the co-primary outcome of the STEP 1 to STEP 3 studies was patients achieving at least a 5% reduction in body weight by week 68.

Across studies, the mean age of patients was 46 years to 49 years, with the exception of STEP 2, where the mean age was 55 years. The majority of patients (75% to 80%) was female, with the exception of STEP 2 where there was a roughly equal percentage of females and males in the study. The vast majority of patients across the studies was White (75% to 93%), with the exception of STEP 2, where about 60% of patients were White and 27% were Asian. Baseline body weight in STEP 1, STEP 3, and STEP 8 was approximately 105 kg, and slightly lower (approximately 100 kg) in STEP 2, which focused on patients with type 2 diabetes, and even lower in STEP 4 (approximately 96 kg). Baseline hemoglobin A1C was approximately 5.7% in STEP 1 and STEP 3, 5.5% in STEP 8, and 5.4% in STEP 4, which featured the run-in, and much higher in STEP 2 (8.1%), which enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes.

The percentage change from baseline to week 68 in body weight was a primary outcome in all studies. There was a statistically significant difference in percentage reduction in body weight for semaglutide versus placebo in each of STEP 1 (difference between groups of -12.44% [95% confidence interval, or CI, -13.37% to -11.51%; P < 0.0001]), STEP 2 (difference between groups of -6.21% [95% CI, -7.28% to -5.15%; P < 0.0001]), STEP 3 (difference between groups of -10.27% [95% CI, -11.97% to -8.57%; P < 0.0001]), and STEP 4 (difference between groups of -14.75% [95% CI, - 16.00% to - 13.50%; P < 0.0001]), and a statistically significant difference in percentage reduction in body weight for semaglutide versus liraglutide in STEP 8 (difference between groups of -9.38% [95% CI, -11.97% to -6.80%; P < 0.0001]).

Patients achieving a 5% reduction from baseline in body weight was a co-primary outcome in the STEP 1 to STEP 3 studies, and there were greater percentages of patients in the semaglutide group than in the placebo group who achieved a 5% weight loss by week 68 in each of STEP 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 11.22 [95% CI, 8.88 to 14.19; P < 0.0001]), STEP 2 (OR = 4.88 [95% CI, 3.58 to 6.64; P < 0.0001]), and STEP 3 (OR = 6.11 [95% CI, 4.04 to 9.26; P < 0.0001]). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences in favour of semaglutide for percentages of patients with at least a 10%, 15%, and 20% reduction in the STEP 1 to STEP 3 studies.

Change from baseline to week 68 in waist circumference was also a confirmatory secondary outcome in the STEP 1 to STEP 4 studies. The mean waist circumference was reduced for semaglutide versus placebo in each of STEP 1 (treatment difference of - 9.42 cm [95% CI, -10.30 to -8.53; P <…

Some patients see results from taking Wegovy in their first month, while others take longer to get results. Research indicates that, on average, individuals experienced around a 6% reduction in their initial body weight after 12 weeks of use, approximately 10% by 20 weeks, and about 15% after a year. It’s important to note that patients in the study used Wegovy in combination with healthy nutrition and physical activity.

Read also: Customer Experiences with Bliss

A more recent analysis showed an average weight loss of just over 10% for people who used semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, compared with 1.5% for study participants who got a placebo. The analysis showed results for people taking Wegovy as long as four years.

A previous clinical trial showed even greater average weight loss for Wegovy: about 15% on average over 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% for people who got a placebo. Patients stayed on the medicine while they sustained the weight loss.

In the new analysis, the researchers reported that after two years, about 68% of people taking Wegovy had lost at least 5% of their body weight, while 21% of people on a placebo did. Almost 23% of people on Wegovy lost at least 15% of their body weight, compared with 1.7% on a placebo.

Real-World Patient Reviews: A Mixed Bag

Real Wegovy patient reviews offer honest, first-hand accounts, including its effectiveness, side effects, and overall experience.

The following are some real patient reviews:

"I've been on Wegovy for just over 2 months and lost about 15 pounds. I get some side effects a few hours after the shot, but then I'm good. Overall super happy with it because it really stops the food noise for me and helps me realize when I'm actually hungry."
"Taking Wegovy was the best decision I’ve ever made. No major side effects, appetite minimal, and I am seeing results. I was on Saxenda in the beginning and switched to Wegovy with no issues."
"I've been on Wegovy since January and I've lost 20 lbs. I can't wait to see what happens after 9 months. This medication is amazing and is changing my life. This isn't a typical diet."
“I love this product!! Brief nausea in the first week or so, but even on the 0.25 mg dose a week, my appetite is what I would consider normal, 2 meals a day for me with no snacking! Perfect for losing weight slowly."
“This product does exactly what it says it does, weight loss."
“I have lost 11kgs since I started on Wegovy. I have had little or no side effects. I am a slimmer happier person."
“Very happy with this product. Side effects such as nausea or diarrhoea are quite common in the first few weeks."
"Excellent. There are a few side effects of diarrhoea and indigestion, but I’ve lost 4 stone!"
“This medication works brilliantly. Halves my hunger, and I’ve lost weight every week since starting. Slow & steady ongoing weight loss done right."
“Craving and thinking about food seems to be lessened."
“It’s definitely curbing my appetite."
“Kills your appetite, which is amazing as I’m not craving food 24/7. Lost a stone in 1 month. So much more energy to do things now."
“Works great. Definitely noticed a drop in appetite. No side effects so far."
“Starting to see results after one month."
“Has helped me lose weight."
“This stuff is great. Severe back and other health problems stop me from doing any real physical exercise, and I’ve been using this product for 8 weeks now. The results are good and very encouraging for when I get to the 2.4 mg maintenance dose."
“Great product, great program, with expert guidance from Click2Pharmacy."
“The pens work, and I’m really happy with the product. I have no side effects, and as well as losing 12 kgs, my cholesterol has fallen from 6.7 to 4.2."
"Very expensive if your insurance does not cover. Per my PCP had to start at lowest dose to see if side affects. First dose level, nothing, gained weight. Third dose level: Notice sllight decline in appetite for dinner. No weight loss. Fourth does level: Again decline in dinner appetite, no weight loss. Some constipation. Did not work for me… Going to look at other snacks to go low calorie on them. Event though nuts are very good for you they are very high calorie so have to accept that won't be a snack item. Good luck on your journey. You could be in the group you have great weight loss with WEGOVY. Try it and see if side affects are worth the benefits."
“I’ve had 2 injections so far, and I can honestly say this isn’t working for me at all! I now have really bad heartburn, but other than this, my appetite remains the same."
"The pen to administer is terrible. Have to push very hard into injection site to get it to click. If I'm pushing into fat in stomach area can push inches deep with no click triggered. the clicks are loud and obnoxious, the…"

These reviews highlight several key themes:

Appetite Suppression: Many users report a significant reduction in appetite and cravings, making it easier to adhere to a reduced-calorie diet.
Weight Loss: A majority of reviewers experienced weight loss while taking Wegovy, with some reporting substantial losses.
Side Effects: Gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, are commonly reported, particularly in the initial weeks of treatment. However, some users experience no side effects.
Improved Health Markers: Some users have experienced improvements in cholesterol levels.
Individual Variability: Experiences vary, with some users seeing rapid results and others experiencing a more gradual process. Some individuals may not respond to Wegovy.
Cost and Access: The cost of Wegovy is a significant barrier for many, particularly those without insurance coverage.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with Wegovy:

Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer: Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy® and medicines that work like Wegovy® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer.
Pregnancy: Wegovy® may harm your unborn baby.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if Wegovy passes into breast milk.
Interactions with other medications: Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Wegovy® may affect the way some medicines work and some medicines may affect the way Wegovy® works. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines to treat diabetes, including sulfonylureas or insulin.
Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis): Stop using Wegovy® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting.
Gallbladder problems: Wegovy® may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallstones may need surgery.
Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially those who also take medicines for diabetes such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar and check your blood sugar before you start and while you take Wegovy®.
Dehydration leading to kidney problems: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Severe stomach problems: Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Wegovy®.
Increased heart rate: Wegovy® can increase your heart rate while you are at rest.
Depression or thoughts of suicide: You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery: Wegovy® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation).

Stakeholder Perspectives: Patient Groups and Clinicians

Patient groups emphasize that overweight and obesity affect many areas of life, often presenting with comorbid conditions like arthritis, hypertension, and mental health issues. They highlight the stigma associated with obesity and the need for affordable, effective medications with fewer side effects. Key outcomes identified as important include weight loss, reduced weight-related comorbidity, and improved health-related quality of life.

Clinicians believe that current therapies don't fully address the multifaceted nature of obesity. They suggest that patients who struggle with portion control and experience significant hunger are most likely to benefit from Wegovy. Monitoring markers like hemoglobin A1C is recommended to assess treatment response.

Considerations for Use

According to the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, drug therapy for overweight or obesity is indicated only for those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more, or for those with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more with at least 1 weight-related comorbidity.

The clinical expert consulted by CADTH on this review noted that targeting a “normal” BMI of under 25 kg/m2 is neither realistic nor appropriate for many patients living with obesity; rather, the emphasis should be on improving overall health and well-being as well as these weight-related comorbidities.

Wegovy Compared to Other Medications

The clinical expert groups believed that semaglutide is likely to replace liraglutide and naltrexone-bupropion for many patients.

One study involved 751 people with an average weight of 113 kgs (nearly 18 stone). They were asked to take the maximum amount of either tirzepatide or semaglutide they could tolerate for around a year and a half.

People using the GLP-1 drug Zepbound, which uses the active ingredient tirzepatide and targets a second hormone called GIP, lost an average of 21% of their body weight over 36 weeks.

Long-Term Weight Management and Cardiovascular Benefits

Other studies have shown that many people regain weight after stopping the drugs, including one published in December from Novo Nordisk competitor Eli Lilly.

The Select trial showed last year that Wegovy reduced the risk of a heart attack, stroke or heart-related death by 20% in people with existing cardiovascular risk with obesity or who are overweight.

The new analyses, presented Monday at the European Congress on Obesity and published in the journal Nature Medicine, show results for people taking Wegovy as long as four years.

The Broader Implications: Beyond Weight Loss

Drucker said studies have shown that GLP-1 drugs tamp down harmful inflammation, which his lab is studying. He even noted that he receives communications from people with conditions like Covid-related brain fog, ulcerative colitis and arthritis - driven by inflammation - who think their symptoms have improved while using GLP-1 medicines.

“We probably really need to rethink these criteria for reimbursing the medicines, because they are going to be helpful in terms of actually improving health and saving lives and saving health care dollars in people with obesity and heart disease even without much weight loss,” he said.

tags: #Wegovy #reviews #for #weight #loss