Who Should and Should Not Use Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a clinically proven medical treatment for weight loss and obesity management. While people have lost profound amounts of body fat on this medication, it is not for everyone.
Wegovy is suitable for adults with obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or those with a BMI of 27 or greater accompanied by a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. However, certain individuals should avoid using Wegovy. These include people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy should not use this medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised against its use due to insufficient data on its safety during pregnancy and lactation.
How Safe is Wegovy for Weight Loss?
Wegovy belongs to a revolutionary class of weight loss drugs called GLP-1 agonists. Since these drugs mimic the action of a natural hormone called Glucagon-like peptide-1, they are generally considered safe. In clinical trials, patients have seen astounding changes in body mass on Wegovy, losing as much as 15% of their total body weight in just a few months. These results are comparable to those of invasive and much more dangerous techniques like bariatric surgery!
Wegovy slows stomach emptying so you get full faster and stay fuller longer, resulting in reduced food intake. In addition to significant weight reduction, other benefits include more energy, better control of blood sugar levels, and increased self-esteem.
However, as with any prescription drug or medication, it has some potential side effects and some safety concerns.
Most side effects from Wegovy injections are mild and easily mitigated. To reduce the risk of adverse reactions, you will be started on the lowest dose and slowly build over time to the maximum effective dose of Wegovy. The most important thing when dealing with side effects is to make your healthcare provider aware of any adverse effects you are experiencing right away.
Is There Anyone Who Should Not Use Wegovy?
As effective as Wegovy can be for weight loss, some people have certain afflictions or a family history of certain medical conditions and should approach the use of this medication with caution. For example, Wegovy is not recommended for those with a history of severe gastrointestinal diseases like gastroparesis or for individuals with specific health conditions such as thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients with current or past cases of pancreatitis should also use Wegovy cautiously, as the drug may exacerbate the condition.
People who have a history of allergic reactions to semaglutide, GLP-1s, or similar medications should not take Wegovy. Wegovy treatment is generally not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing an infant on breast milk, nor is it indicated for use in children below 12 years of age.
Is Wegovy Safe for Children?
Semaglutide can be used in children with excess weight who are 12 years of age or older. It is being studied for use in younger children but is not yet approved for pediatric use in children younger than 12. Children 12 and over must have a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex and weigh more than 60 kg to be prescribed this medication for weight loss or obesity control.
Is Wegovy Safe for Seniors
Seniors can effectively use Wegovy for long-term weight management if they meet the appropriate medical criteria. However, because older adults are more likely to have multiple medical conditions or health issues or are likely to be on other medications, careful assessment and monitoring are crucial. Kidney function, which can decline with age, should be closely observed, as GLP-1 agonists may increase the risk of dehydration and kidney problems. Seniors should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider to determine if this weight loss drug is appropriate for their particular situation.
Are There Different Concerns About Using Wegovy for Males and Females?
No significant gender-based differences in the safety or effectiveness of Wegovy have been reported. Both men and women may experience similar benefits and side effects. However, women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid Wegovy due to unknown effects on fetal development and lactation. Hormonal fluctuations in women might also interact with appetite and weight loss, so personalized advice from a healthcare provider is recommended.
Is Wegovy Safe for Non-Diabetics?
Wegovy is safe for non-diabetic individuals who meet the criteria for its use, such as those who are obese or overweight with related health conditions. While it was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic, the doses and goals for Wegovy differ. Non-diabetic individuals may still experience side effects like nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort, and regular monitoring is essential to ensure safe and effective use.
Wegovy Side Effects, Warnings and Contraindications
Common Wegovy Side Effects
The most common side effects of Wegovy are those related to the stomach. Typical gastrointestinal side effects include:
- Mild to moderate nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Injection Site Reactions
Nausea, vomiting, and all of the above stomach and digestive side effects are well-known and quite common among GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Once your body has had time to adjust to your weight loss injections, these types of gastrointestinal adverse effects usually resolve on their own after a few weeks.
Other reported side effects or potential risks of Wegovy during clinical trials included:
- Dizziness
- Gas and Feeling Bloated
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Hair Loss
Less Common or Rare Side Effects
The less common or rare side effects of Wegovy include:
- Increased Risk for Thyroid Cancer
- Inflammation of the Pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Gallstones
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
Despite this list of side effects, Wegovy is still a very good treatment option for obese adults. Most adverse events are mild and resolve on their own once your body becomes used to the presence of the medication.
Please inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, your complete medical history, and any allergic reactions you have had to medications.
How to Use Wegovy Properly
The medication is administered subcutaneously once a week, typically using a prefilled single-dose pen. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the proper dosage and demonstrate the correct injection technique. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency as directed by your healthcare professional.
Wegovy comes in five different strengths. You start with 0.25 mg once a week and increase the dose every four weeks until you reach the full dose of 2.4 mg.
Wegovy isn’t just a drug; using Wegovy is part of a comprehensive medical body fat reduction strategy. When you embark on your Wegovy journey, you’ll receive personalized guidance from your healthcare provider, including recommendations for making healthier dietary choices and ways to incorporate exercise and more physical activity into your daily routine. By integrating healthy lifestyle changes alongside Wegovy, you’ll maximize your chances of long-term success.
Tips to Help Ensure the Safety of Wegovy Injections
It is recommended that you rotate your injection sites each week or so to minimize the chances of inflammation or other injection site reactions.
Pharmacists recommend that you check that your pen isn’t damaged or broken. Also, look at the liquid in the pen window; it should be clear and never cloudy. Check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed or the medicine does not seem perfectly clear, throw away the pen and use a new, unexpired pen instead.
Following proper injection sterility procedures is also very important to avoid infections and injection site reactions. Make sure your hands are thoroughly cleaned before you take your injection. Clean the injection area with an alcohol swab and allow the area to dry completely before injecting your dose. Avoid touching the area after it has been cleaned.
How to Ensure the Long-Term Safety of Wegovy
To use Wegovy safely, you must never use it on your own, and you need to follow all of your healthcare provider’s recommendations closely. This includes adhering to the prescribed dosage schedule, reporting any side effects promptly, and attending regular follow-up appointments. Wegovy should be part of a comprehensive medical weight-loss program that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Staying well-hydrated and monitoring for symptoms of dehydration or gastrointestinal discomfort are also critical for minimizing risks. Individuals should avoid combining Wegovy with other weight-loss medications unless directed by a healthcare provider.
By considering these factors and obtaining your prescription for Wegovy from a qualified healthcare provider like our Medical Weight Loss Clinic, you can expect a safe and effective weight loss experience with Wegovy.
Final Words on Wegovy Safety
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, offers significant weight loss and additional health benefits for most patients. While risks are not without, these can often be mitigated through proper medical supervision and adherence to prescribed guidelines. Clinical research continues to affirm its safety and efficacy for weight management in adults, making it a promising option for individuals seeking to achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Wegovy represents a revolutionary step forward in the treatment of obesity. With the right approach, semaglutide can be a safe and effective tool for weight loss. Why not contact us today to see if it is right for you?