- Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that helps obese people lose up to 15% of weight in 12 months.
- Wegovy also helps sustain long-term weight loss, as demonstrated by a 2-year long clinical study.
- Apart from weight loss, Wegovy also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in obese people.
- Wegovy is available in 5 different doses - 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg.
Who knew that one day, we could just take an injection and lose weight? Our great-great-great ancestors, who had to stay active just to eat and survive, would probably flinch at the thought.
But let us admit it - we have now found Wegovy, a new way to eliminate obesity. This weight loss injection has arrived just in time, as obesity is becoming one of the topmost causes of disease and death around the world. With a sedentary lifestyle such as ours, where we do not have the time to follow a strict diet or exercise well, a weight loss injection is an absolute boon for mankind.
But what is this weight loss injection? How does it work? Does it really help lose weight and maintain that weight loss?
Read on to find out.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection used for weight loss and weight management. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 mimicking ingredient that the FDA approved in 2021. Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical manufacturer, manufactures Wegovy. Apart from Wegovy, Novo Nordisk also manufactures the anti-diabetic drugs Ozempic and Rybelsus, which are made from semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy.
How does Wegovy tackle obesity?
Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This is what GLP-1 hormone does in your body:
GLP-1 hormone signals the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high. It helps move sugar into cells for energy.
The hormone slows down the movement of food through your stomach, making you feel full for longer after eating.
The hormone decreases the amount of sugar a liver produces when it is not required.
GLP-1 affects the areas of the brain that control appetite. As a result, you feel less hungry.
As a result, by imitating GLP-1, Wegovy helps you eat less and feel full, which reduces calories and helps you lose weight.
What are the key benefits of taking Wegovy?
If you thought Wegovy helps you just lose weight, think again. Wegovy is a promising weight loss injection that offers many benefits beyond weight loss. A list follows:
- Wegovy helps you lose weight.
- The injection also helps sustain weight loss.
- It helps reduce the risk[1] of cardiovascular diseases.
Real people. Real results: Wegovy success stories
Wegovy has taken the world by storm. Thousands of users have shared their own Wegovy success stories.
One Reddit user shares that Wegovy is, “the answer [they] have been searching for for the last 24 years”.
I think this is the answer I’ve been searching for for the last 24 years
byu/GardenPlastic890 inWegovyWeightLoss
Does Wegovy really work for weight loss?
Yes, it does.
A 68-week study was conducted with 1961 participants. These participants were either obese or overweight with at least one obesity-related medical condition.
Some participants were administered a Wegovy injection along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, while others were given a placebo along with diet and exercise.
The average starting weight of both groups was 105 kgs.
The results at the end of the study were as follows:
- 83% of participants lost 5% or more weight on Wegovy. In contrast, only 31% of participants lost the same amount of weight on a placebo.
- 66% of participants lost 10% or more weight on Wegovy. In contrast, only 12% of participants lost the same weight on a placebo.
- 48% of participants lost 15% or more weight on Wegovy. In contrast, only 5% of participants lost the same amount of weight on a placebo.
- 77% of participants lost 5% or more weight on Wegovy. In contrast, only 34% of participants lost the same amount of weight on a placebo.
- Participants taking Wegovy lost an average of 15 kg, while those taking placebo lost an average of 2 kg.
A separate 2-year study was conducted with 304 obese or overweight participants who had at least one weight-related medical condition.
Some participants were administered a Wegovy injection along with diet and exercise, while others were given a placebo.
At the end of the study:
Wegovy vs placebo: 2-year weight loss results
15 kgs
Wegovy
2 kgs
Placebo
Results from a 2-year study with 304 participants
This shows that Wegovy injection not only helps obese or overweight people lose weight, but also helps them sustain weight loss in the long run.
How does Wegovy prevent cardiovascular events?
Wegovy received regulatory approval from the MHRA in 2021 for weight loss treatment. In 2024, the weight loss injection was also approved to prevent cardiovascular events in overweight or obese people.
A study was conducted with 17,604 participants to assess how Wegovy can benefit cardiovascular health in users. The participants were all above 45 years of age and had a BMI of more than 27. They were divided into two groups: Group A was given Wegovy and Group B was given placebo.
At the end of the study, the following was observed:
- 6.5% of participants taking Wegovy experienced overall heart problems, compared to 8% of participants taking a placebo.
- 2.7% of participants taking Wegovy experienced a heart attack, compared to 3.7% of participants taking a placebo.
- 3.4% of participants taking Wegovy had to be hospitalised for heart problems, compared to 4.1% of participants taking a placebo.
- 2.5% of participants taking Wegovy had a cardiovascular event-related death, compared to 3% of participants taking a placebo.
Who can take Wegovy?
If you want to take Wegovy for weight loss, you must meet at least one of the factors mentioned below:
- Age: 18 or older.
- Overweight or obese adults with a BMI of:
- > 30 kg/m2
- > 27 kg/m2 if one or more weight-related complications are present
Who cannot take Wegovy?
Wegovy is not an ideal weight loss injection for everyone. You might not be able to use Wegovy if you have one or more of the following:
- A personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC).
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2).
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- A severe allergic reaction to semaglutide or any other compounds present in Wegovy.
Are you finding it hard to get hold of Wegovy injection in India? Do you want to lose significant weight without any hassle or struggle?
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Start quizTaking Wegovy: One step at a time
Injections may look daunting. But that doesn’t mean it is tough to inject yourself with Wegovy.
When to take Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection for weight loss. This means, you need to inject Wegovy only once a week, on the same day every week.
Usually, the timing of the injection doesn’t matter. However, taking the injection at the same day, at the same time every week will help you stay consistent - and that is the key to safer, faster weight loss.
How to take Wegovy?
Weight loss injections like Wegovy need to be administered carefully. Luckily, the injection pen is quite easy to inject.
Before diving deep into the mechanism of injecting yourself with Wegovy, let us understand what the injection pen consists of. Further, there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the injection.
How to take Wegovy
New dose. New pen
Wegovy comes in a single-use pen, so you must use a fresh injection pen every time you administer a dose.
Preset dose
Wegovy comes in a single-use pen, so you must use a fresh injection pen every time you administer a dose.
A: Expiry date
The expiry date is mentioned on the back of the pen. Check to ensure that Wegovy hasn’t expired.
B: Dosage
Check to make sure that there is enough medicine and dose that your doctor has prescribed.
C: Check pen window
Ensure that Wegovy is clear and colourless. Do not worry if you see air bubbles. They are normal.
D: Needle cover
Before use: The needle will be hidden inside the cover.
After use: The needle cover will lock after use.
E. Pen cap
The pen cap needs to be removed just before you are ready to inject yourself.
How to inject Wegovy: Explained in 5 minutes
Check out this short and simple 5-minute video illustrating how to inject yourself with Wegovy.
1. Prepare your injection
Get the following supplies before you inject yourself:
- Your Wegovy pen
- One alcohol swab/soap and water
- One gauze pad/cotton ball
- One sharps bin for used Wegovy pens
Wash your hands well.
Check your Wegovy pen. Do not use it if it is:
- Used or appears to have been used.
- Broken or appears to have been broken.
- Not reflecting clear or colourless medication.
- Past expiry date.
2. Choose an injection site
- Your doctor will help you choose the best injection site for you.
- You can inject Wegovy into your upper legs, lower stomach, or upper arm
- Do not inject in an area that is sensitive, bruised, red, or hard and has scars or stretch marks.
- You can inject in the same area every week. But ensure that you switch spots.
3. Remove the pen cap
- Pull the pen cap from your pen.
4. Injecting Wegovy
Push the pen firmly against your skin.
- Continue applying pressure until the yellow bar stops moving.
- If the yellow bar doesn’t start to move, press the pen more firmly against your skin.
You will hear two clicks when you inject
- 1st click: This means that the injection has started.
- 2nd click: This means that the injection is ongoing.
If you see blood at the injection site, press lightly with a gauze pad or a cotton ball.
How to troubleshoot Wegovy injection
If you find it difficult to inject, switch to a firmer injection site.
How to store and dispose of Wegovy?
How to store Wegovy injection pen?
- Store the Wegovy injection pen in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2℃ and 8℃.
- If you are in a hotter climate, you can store unused Wegovy injection pen at room temperature between 8℃ to 30℃ for up to 28 days. Keep the pen in its original packaging.
- Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Do not freeze the injection pen.
How to dispose of Wegovy injection pen?
- Do not dispose of your Wegovy injection pens in your household bin. Use a sharps bin container to dispose of the used injection pens.
Wegovy dosage schedule
Wegovy injection pen for weight loss comes in five different doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. Doctors initially prescribe the lowest dose and then gradually increase it to maximise the medicine's efficacy in reducing body weight.
Here is what a typical Wegovy dosage schedule looks like:
Wegovy dosage schedule
Start
- Start Wegovy at a dose of 0.25 mg weekly for the first month.
Step up
- Increase your weekly dose to 0.5 mg in the second month.
- Increase your weekly dose to 1 mg in the third month.
- Increase your weekly dose to 1.7 mg in the fourth month.
Stay
- Your doctor may make you stay at a maintenance dose of 1.7 mg at the start of the fifth month.
- Your doctor may increase your Wegovy dosage to 2.4 mg at the start of the fifth month depending on whether you have met your weight loss goals or not.
What to do in case of a missed dose?
If you missed your Wegovy injection dose, do the following:
- If your next dose is more than two days away from your missed dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- If your next dose is less than two days away from your missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your dosage schedule.
- If you missed more than two consecutive doses, take your next dose as scheduled.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Does Wegovy have any side effects?
Every medicine comes with a few side effects. Wegovy is no exception.
Some of the most common Wegovy side effects include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Stomach flu
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Bloating
- Heartburn (acidity)
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Runny nose/sore throat
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Low blood sugar in type 2 diabetics
- Gastric issues
Wegovy also has some serious but rare side effects. These include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Kidney failure
- Vision change in type 2 diabetics
- Increased heart rate
- Depression/suicidal thoughts
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face, nose, lips)
- Rash
- Difficulty swallowing/breathing
These side effects usually subside within a few days to a few weeks. If they do not subside, contact your doctor immediately.
To view a full list of side effects, check out the Wegovy medication guide information leaflet.
How to manage nausea after taking Wegovy?
Are you feeling nauseous after taking Wegovy injection? Follow the tips below to handle nausea with ease.
| Tips for managing nausea | |
|---|---|
| Eat bland, low-fat foods - think biscuits, toast, and rice. | |
| Eat foods with water content - dals or soups. | |
| Do not lie down immediately after your meals. | |
| Go for a small outdoor walk for fresh air. | |
| Eat slowly and mindfully. | |
Safety advice to follow when taking Wegovy
When taking Wegovy, it's important to follow certain safety guidelines. This ensures the medication works effectively and side effects are minimised. Here's some key safety advice:
| Category | Safety | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Use with caution | Alcohol doesn't directly interact with Wegovy. But, it can affect your blood sugar levels. Drink alcohol in moderation and monitor your blood sugar closely. |
| Pregnancy | Consult doctor | Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. |
| Breastfeeding | Consult doctor | It's not known if Wegovy passes into breast milk. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor in this case. |
| Driving | Use with caution | Wegovy doesn't typically cause drowsiness. But if you experience dizziness or low blood sugar, avoid driving until you feel better. |
| Hydration | Important | Stay well-hydrated while taking Wegovy, especially if you experience diarrhoea or vomiting. This will help prevent dehydration. |
Lifestyle changes to make while taking Wegovy
When you are on Wegovy, some activities will increase the effectiveness of the oral tablet. These activities will keep you in good shape and prevent Wegovy side effects from magnifying. See the infographic below:
Lifestyle tips for people on Wegovy
Eat a balanced diet. Try foods rich in lean protein, vitamins, and calcium. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and too much carbohydrates.
Try to exercise for at least 150 minutes every week. Take a small, brisk walk, jog around the park near your house, go for a swim, or take the bicycle out for a spin—do whatever you enjoy.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration is important to tackle the side effects of Wegovy.
If you have diabetes, regularly track your blood sugar levels.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night to stay fit and prevent Wegovy's side effects.
Stress is not good for the body. To reduce stress, try yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
Foods to eat while taking Wegovy
Eating a balanced diet is easier said than done. But it is crucial to eat healthy when you are on Wegovy, as a good diet will help you lose weight and retain your muscle mass.
Here are some Indian foods you can eat while on Wegovy.
Lean proteins:
- Different types of dals
- Paneer-based dishes
- Egg-based dishes
- Lentils such as rajma and chana
Non-starchy vegetables:
- Green leafy vegetables like palak (spinach), lauki (bottle gourd), gobi (cauliflower), etc.
Whole grains:
- Brown rice
- Millets such as jowar, bajra, nachni
- Chapatis/rotis made from multigrain atta
What does Wegovy interact with?
Wegovy can interact with several other medications taken to treat other medical conditions. Inform your doctor if you are taking one or more medicines from the following list:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas (medicines taken to manage type 2 diabetes)
- Oral medicines taken for various medical conditions
Is Wegovy available in India?
No, Wegovy is not currently available in India.
Karsten Mark Knudsen, CFO and EVP of Novo Nordisk, mentioned in an interview with Business Today that even though the company is “highly vested towards the Indian market,” it won’t be launching Wegovy in India this year. For Knudsen, the demand feels “overwhelming” and that the company “simply cannot manufacture enough compared to the demand in society.”
While the manufacturer hasn’t given an official timeline to launch Wegovy in India, it revealed to Reuters that its goal is to begin supply in India by 2026.
However, many pharmaceutical companies in India, such as Sun Pharma, Cipla, and Lupin are all working to develop different versions of Wegovy.
What does Wegovy cost in India?
Wegovy is not currently approved for sale in India. Of course, a grey market exists, where people who can pay large amounts of money can access Wegovy. Some doctors also prescribe the injection off-label.
However, the risks of using Wegovy off-label outweigh its benefits. Taking the injection for weight loss without a prescription or monitoring may land your health in trouble.
It is always better to stick to approved weight loss treatments, so that you can always be in control of your health.
What are the alternatives to Wegovy?
Like Wegovy, there are quite a few weight loss medicines that can help you lose weight. Check out the comparison chart below to understand the alternatives to Wegovy:
| Medicine | Expected weight loss | How it works | Active ingredient | Form | When to take | Dose adjustments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Up to 15% within 12 months | Reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and leads to weight loss | Semaglutide | Injection | Once a week | Increases every month until the 4th or 5th month |
| Ozempic (off-label prescription) | Up to 15% within 12 months | Reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and leads to improved sugar levels and weight loss | Semaglutide | Injection | Once a week | Increases every week till the maintenence dose of 2.4 mg has been reached |
| Mounjaro | Up to 20% within 17 months | Reduces appetite, increases energy use, and leads to weight loss | Trizepatide | Injection | Once a week | Increases every 4 weeks |
| Saxenda | Up to 11% within 12 months | Reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and leads to weight loss | Liraglutide | Injection | Once a day | Increases every week until the ultimate dose of 3 mg has been reached. |
Is Wegovy the key to weight loss?
To answer the question in one word - yes. Wegovy has been proven to help with drastic weight loss in obese or overweight individuals. This is a ray of hope for scores of obese people who cannot tackle this hormonal condition with diet and exercise alone.
But, as with every other medicine, it is important to note that Wegovy is not a miracle drug that can replace a healthy diet and adequate physical activity for a healthier body. It sure is a means to the end, but it isn’t the end itself.
The path to healthy, sustainable weight loss is complicated, tricky, and exhausting. But Wegovy injection can help. All you need to do is begin.
FAQs
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What should I do if my Wegovy injection pen isn’t working correctly?
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Why are there different coloured Wegovy injection pens?
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Can I change the day or time to take Wegovy injection?
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Do I have to take Wegovy on an empty stomach?
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I am nervous at the thought of injecting myself with Wegovy injection. What should I do?
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Can I travel with Wegovy?
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How soon will I lose weight with Wegovy?
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Is Ozempic a substitute for Wegovy?
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Is there a generic version of Wegovy?
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If a generic version is available in the grey market, is it okay to use it instead of the actual Wegovy injection?
References:
- [1] Verma, S., Colhoun, H. M., Dicker, D., Hovingh, G. K., Kahn, S. E., Kautzky-Willer, A., Lingvay, I., Plutzky, J., Rasmussen, S., Rathor, N., Hoff, S. T., & Lincoff, A. M. (2024). Semaglutide effects on cardiovascular outcomes in people with overweight or obesity (SELECT). Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.08.022