Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Wegovy Answered By A Doctor

Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Wegovy Answered By A Doctor

Get expert insights on the Wegovy® FlexTouch® pen from Dr. Nourhan Elmenofy where she answers the common questions that you've asked us about the weight loss treatment.

Your Most Popular Questions About the Wegovy® (semaglutide) FlexTouch® pen Answered

UK Meds collected some of the most commonly asked questions about Wegovy (semaglutide) from our weight loss patients and we've provided the answers to them below.

What is the release date for Wegovy in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, Wegovy launched on 4th September 2023. It is available on NHS prescriptions as a weight management treatment on the NHS (in line with NICE guidance), in combination with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. You can now purchase Wegovy online in the United Kingdom from UK Meds.

The launch of Wegovy in the UK has had widespread media coverage:

Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?

Wegovy NHS

Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is available on the NHS as part of a specialist weight management programme. This weight loss injection is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to support effective weight loss.

However, Novo Nordisk (the company that produces Wegovy) have only provided NHS England with a limited number of Wegovy pens due to a global shortage of semaglutide.

Eligibility Criteria for Wegovy on the NHS

To qualify for Wegovy, you must meet the following requirements:

• BMI Requirements:

  • BMI of 35 or higher.

  • BMI between 30 and 34.9 with a weight-related health condition.

• Weight-Related Conditions:

  • High blood pressure.

  • High cholesterol.

  • Cardiovascular disease.

  • Dysglycaemia or dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood sugar or fat levels).

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea.

• Failed Conventional Treatment:

  • You must have already tried traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without success.

• Ethnic Considerations: For individuals with Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, BMI thresholds are adjusted due to different health risk levels:

  • BMI of 23 to 27.4 for being overweight.

  • BMI of 27.5 or above for being obese.

You can also get a private prescription for Wegovy following a successful online consultation with a registered prescriber.

Does Wegovy burn fat?

No, Wegovy doesn’t directly burn fat. Instead, it helps you manage your appetite by making you feel fuller for longer, which can reduce how much you eat. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Wegovy supports sustainable weight loss by helping you consume fewer calories. This approach allows your body to burn stored fat while building muscle through physical activity.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

No, Wegovy and Ozempic are not the same, although they are closely related. Both medications contain the active ingredient semaglutide, but they are approved for different uses and prescribed at different doses.

Key differences between Wegovy and Ozempic

• Primary Use:

  • Wegovy: Approved for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

  • Ozempic: Approved for managing type 2 diabetes, helping to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels, and is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Both medications are administered once a week as an injection under the skin, but Wegovy is typically prescribed at higher doses than Ozempic for weight management.

• Manufacturer:

  • Both medications are produced by Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company.

If you're unsure which medication is best for you, consult your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your health needs and determine the most suitable treatment.

Who makes Wegovy?

Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a renowned global healthcare company based in Denmark. Novo Nordisk is well-known for its expertise in diabetes care and other health treatments. They produce several widely used medications, including Ozempic and Saxenda.

Novo Nordisk’s products are available in many countries, including the UK, where Wegovy is used to support weight loss and management under medical supervision.

Is Wegovy a GLP-1?

Yes, Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are medications that mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body.

These medications help regulate blood sugar levels and manage weight by:

• Stimulating the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high.

• Suppressing the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.

• Slowing down how quickly the stomach empties, making you feel full for longer.

For Wegovy, this dual action aids weight management by reducing appetite and food intake, supporting significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Wegovy has also been shown to improve insulin resistance, a common challenge for individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Is Wegovy and semaglutide the same thing?

Yes and no. Semaglutide is the active ingredient found in certain medications. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to:

• Regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

• Aid in weight management at higher doses.

Wegovy is the brand name for a specific formulation of semaglutide designed and approved for chronic weight management in adults. While semaglutide is the shared active ingredient, the dose and purpose differ depending on whether it is used in Wegovy or other medications like Ozempic, which is primarily for managing diabetes.

Is Wegovy the same as Saxenda?

No, Wegovy and Saxenda are not the same, but both are weight management medications in the same class of treatments.

• Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is approved for chronic weight management in adults.

• Saxenda contains liraglutide, also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is similarly approved for weight management in adults.

Both medications are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and work by helping to regulate appetite and reduce calorie intake. The main difference lies in their active ingredients and dosing schedules.

Can you take Wegovy if you have high blood pressure?

Yes, Wegovy is approved for weight management in adults, including those with high blood pressure (hypertension). In some cases, medications like Wegovy, which belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, may help lower blood pressure. However, the full effect of semaglutide (Wegovy’s active ingredient) on blood pressure in people with obesity or hypertension is still being studied (Kennedy et al., 2023).

If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to monitor it regularly while taking Wegovy. Always consult your doctor to ensure it’s a safe and effective treatment for your individual needs.

How quickly do you lose weight with Wegovy?

In clinical trials, people using Wegovy alongside lifestyle changes like a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise lost an average of 15% to 20% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks. Results can vary—some people may lose more, while others may lose less. Wegovy works best when combined with healthy habits for long-term weight management. For reviews from real Wegovy users about their experiences with weight loss and the medication, check out the user experiences section above.

How does Wegovy make you lose weight?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) helps you lose weight by reducing hunger, curbing cravings, and helping you feel full for longer. This makes it easier to control eating habits and consume fewer calories.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, is a synthetic version of a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1). GLP-1 plays a key role in appetite regulation. After you eat, it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce hunger hormones, and slow stomach emptying, keeping you satisfied for longer periods.

By helping you feel less hungry and more in control of your eating, Wegovy supports healthy weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Can Wegovy improve heart failure symptoms?

Yes, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, has been shown to improve heart failure symptoms in patients after a year of treatment. Research indicates that semaglutide helps reduce symptoms, improve physical activity levels, and aid in weight loss for individuals with heart failure and obesity (Kosiborod et al, 2023). However, Wegovy is primarily licensed for weight management, not as a heart failure treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting Wegovy to ensure it is safe and suitable for your specific health needs.

Can Wegovy impact sexual health?

Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, has mixed findings regarding its effects on sexual health. Here’s what the research says:

• For Men: Studies suggest that semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists may help increase testosterone levels in overweight men with low testosterone, even those with type 2 diabetes. Research also indicates potential improvements in sexual health beyond just testosterone levels (Cauwenberghe et al, 2022; Jensterle et al, 2023).

• For Women: A small study on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) showed that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced testosterone levels and promoted weight loss after three months (Niafar et al, 2015).

If you are concerned about how Wegovy might impact your sexual health, it’s essential to discuss this with your doctor. They can assess your individual health needs and help determine if Wegovy is the right treatment for you.

Is there a link between Wegovy and erectile dysfunction?

Research has explored the connection between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, and erectile dysfunction (ED). In non-diabetic men, studies found a slight increase in the risk of erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism (low testosterone levels). However, these conditions were rare, with a low incidence rate (Kahl, 2023).

If you're concerned about potential side effects, including ED, it’s essential to discuss your medical history and concerns with your doctor before starting Wegovy. They can help assess your suitability for the medication and provide personalised advice.

Is there a link between Wegovy and hair loss?

Yes, there is a potential link between Wegovy (semaglutide) and hair loss, although this is often related to weight loss itself rather than the medication directly.

Clinical Trials

• Adults: In clinical trials, 3% of adults taking Wegovy reported hair loss, compared to 1% of those on a placebo.

• Adolescents: Among participants aged 12 and above, hair loss was slightly higher, at 4%.

Causes of Hair Loss

• Weight Loss Connection: Rapid weight loss can lead to telogen effluvium, a temporary condition where hair enters a shedding phase due to the body's response to sudden changes.

• Medication-Related: Hair loss may also be linked to other medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), another GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Hair Regrowth

Hair loss associated with Wegovy or rapid weight loss is typically temporary. Hair often begins to regrow within a few months after treatment ends.

Maintaining Healthy Hair

To support hair health while on Wegovy, consult your doctor about supplements like:

• Biotin

• B vitamins

• Vitamin D and E

• Calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron

Always monitor your overall health and report any unusual changes to your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Can you take NAD+ with Wegovy?

If you're using Wegovy for weight loss and want to support your energy levels or overall wellness, you might be curious about NAD+.
Read more about combining NAD+ with GLP-1 injections like Wegovy.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC Reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website