The three main FDA-approved injectable weight loss medications are Semaglutide (Wegovy), Liraglutide (Saxenda), and Tirzepatide (Zepbound), which mimic gut hormones (GLP-1, GIP) to increase fullness, reduce appetite, and slow food movement, though Semaglutide and Liraglutide target GLP-1, while Tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP.
1. Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever.
Studies comparing Wegovy and Ozempic show both drugs are effective at helping patients diagnosed with obesity or overweight reduce their body weight, but Wegovy reduces weight more effectively than Ozempic does.
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced Monday that its daily oral Wegovy pill is now available by prescription. Consumers with prescriptions may pick up the new Wegovy pill at pharmacies nationwide or have it delivered through telehealth companies, according to Novo Nordisk.
People using Semaglutide typically shed about 5% of their body weight within a month, and around 8% after two months. For example, if your weight is 232 lbs, you can expect to lose up to 35 lbs (about 15% of your body weight) after 68 weeks (about 15 months) using Wegovy.
Subsequent doses of 9 and 25 mg are both priced at $299 per month. But under some insurance plans, the pill could cost as low as $25 per month, according to Novo Nordisk's spokesperson. Pills are easier to take, but they are also easier and cheaper to produce, ship and store.
If you're wondering how much weight you can lose on Wegovy in three months, clinical data suggests around 6% body weight reduction by week 12. Many patients report feeling satisfied with their progress once they reach this or a slightly higher dosage (1.7 mg).
Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 medicines, or in children under 12 years of age. Do not take Wegovy® if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, or if you are allergic to Wegovy®.
Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem. This medicine may increase your risk of having kidney stones.
If you're finding it hard to lose weight despite maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits, low levels of vitamin D may be part of the problem. Studies show links between vitamin D deficiency and weight gain, though the exact relationship is still under investigation.
The table below lists prescription drugs approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. The FDA has approved six of these drugs—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound)—for long-term use.
Her workout regimen consisted of a mix of strength training, Pilates, and cardio workouts, which helped her burn fat and build lean muscle. Strength Training: Adele incorporated weightlifting into her routine, working with personal trainers to design a program that suited her needs.
Fastest ways to lose weight usually combine:
Diabetes medications can cause weight changes by affecting your body's insulin levels and how your body uses glucose (sugar). Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are examples of diabetes medications that can cause significant weight loss.
The potential side-effects of GLP-1 medication have attracted attention. In clinical trials, the proportion withdrawing from GLP-1 treatment ranges from 15% to 25%. About half of people who stopped taking the drug did so as a result of side-effects – mostly gastrointestinal problems.
Overview. a BMI of at least 27 kg/m² but less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) who have weight-related health problems (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of fats in the blood, breathing problems during sleep called 'obstructive sleep apnoea' or a history of heart attack, stroke or blood vessel problems).
Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:
What foods should I avoid while taking Wegovy?
Research has shown that Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) can lead to a weight loss of around 16% of your body weight, or 16-17kg, after 68 weeks. Most of this weight loss occurs in the first 32 weeks (9 months) and plateaus thereafter as the body adapts to the medication and patients find a sustainable way of eating.
Wegovy has been approved for use in medical weight-loss treatment plans for those who are considered obese (have a BMI of 30 or higher) or for those who are considered overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition (BMI of 27 or higher).
Compounded semaglutide as a Wegovy alternative
Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy. Compounding pharmacies, online pharmacies, and some providers and health clinics may prescribe compounded semaglutide for weight loss, which can be a more affordable version of Wegovy.
Wegovy® comes in 5 packs (1 for each strength). Each pack contains 4 Wegovy® pens (1 for each week) *A 3-month supply for appropriate patients would be dispensed as 3 packs, each containing 4 Wegovy® 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg dose single-use pens (1.7 mg/0.75 mL or 2.4 mg/0.75 mL) for a total dispense quantity of 9 mL.
Several insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare, typically cover Wegovy in some form or another. However, coverage varies by plan. Benefits offered by employer plans also vary, and coverage is often based on what employers are willing to cover.