If you’re struggling to lower your body weight after attempting other weight management techniques, you may have considered opting for weight loss medication. In the UK, you may be prescribed Wegovy to help manage obesity.
But how does Wegovy work? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on to find out:
Before we explore how Wegovy works, let’s determine exactly what this weight loss drug is. Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist - which refers to a class of anti-diabetic medications that can promote weight loss in people with type-2 diabetes (or without!).
It contains semaglutide. Semaglutide is a medication used as a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity - and can be used for long-term weight management.
There are currently 3 weight loss injections available on the NHS - Wegovy, Mounjaro (which contains tirzepatide) and Saxenda (which contains liraglutide).
You can take semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) orally or through subcutaneous injection. Wegovy itself is taken via injection - you typically take the Wegovy injection once a week. The injection pen comes pre-filled, so you won’t need to worry about measuring out the precise dose.
You can inject Wegovy in the following places:
The best approach depends on your personal preference - however, we recommend rotating the injection site regularly.
Here’s a helpful step-by-step guide on how to use Wegovy:
At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we are here to guide you on your Wegovy journey. We’ll be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Wegovy targets areas of the brain responsible for regulating your appetite. Our bodies naturally produce GLP-1 - which sends signals to the brain that control your appetite. Wegovy essentially mimics this hormone, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing feelings of hunger.
It can also help to stop you craving high- carb, high-calorie and high-fat foods. Ultimately, Wegovy can help you to achieve a low-calorie diet, which is how you lose weight.
This weight loss and diabetes medication can also promote the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. This, in turn, reduces your blood sugar.
Another added weight-loss benefit of Wegovy is that it can increase the number of resting calories you burn. This means that you burn more calories from doing your day-to-day activities, which can speed up your weight loss journey.
In short, yes - but don’t just take our word for it - let’s see what studies have shown. Four large studies assessed the effectiveness of 2.4mg of semaglutide in those with obesity. The studies involved 5,000 participants chosen at random.
Those who took semaglutide lost more weight than those who received a placebo - and the higher the dose of semaglutide, the more weight lost. The average weight loss in these studies was up to 16% and many of the participants who took semaglutide lost between 5% to 10% of their body weight. These studies suggest that Wegovy does help you lose weight.
As with any medication, it’s important to consider the potential risks. Let’s begin by explaining some of the more common side effects of Wegovy:
You may have heard that Wegovy can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, studies have assessed this and concluded that GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy are unlikely to increase the risk of thyroid cancer. There is no proven link.
There is, however, a potential risk of having an allergic reaction. This can be life-threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking Wegovy, seek medical attention urgently.
If you are taking Wegovy through Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we are here to support you if you experience side effects. We can advise you on how to minimise these effects and make the most of your weight loss medication.
Mounjaro
£205.00
£129.00/month
Yes, you can get Wegovy through the NHS. However, you won’t be able to get it directly from your GP if you plan to take it to lose weight. Instead, you will need to be referred to a specialist weight management service.
You will be eligible for Wegovy if you:
When you opt for private treatment, Wegovy can cost anything from £149 to over £200 per month.
If you’re considering Wegovy for long-term weight loss, you should carefully consider the benefits and potential drawbacks. Consider whether the potential side effects are worth it, or if you have tried other weight management techniques.
You can begin your weight loss journey today by completing an online assessment. In the first six months, you can expect a noticeable difference, both on the scales and in real life. Many people lose up to 10% of their body weight within just six months! You should expect higher energy levels and a boost in your mood and confidence.
We can offer you 1:1 coaching and support to help you stay on track and achieve your long-term weight loss goals. Trust our science-backed approach to give you your best chance for sustainable weight loss.
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”