Blog • Articles • Medication
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Samie-Huber
M.D., AGAF, FACP, FEBGH, FEFIM, Chief Medical Officer, YouAre
Guidelines for treating overweight and obesity place lifestyle modifications, including physical exercise, decreased caloric intake, and behavioral therapy, as the first steps in the intervention.
Guidelines for treating overweight and obesity place lifestyle modifications, including physical exercise, decreased caloric intake, and behavioral therapy, as the first steps in the intervention.
If no significant changes occur through lifestyle modifications, adding pharmacotherapeutics may help to promote weight loss.
If no significant changes occur through lifestyle modifications, adding pharmacotherapeutics may help to promote weight loss.
There are four Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications on the market for weight loss, namely phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), orlistat (Xenical), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) liraglutide (Saxenda).
There are four Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications on the market for weight loss, namely phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), orlistat (Xenical), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) liraglutide (Saxenda).
How does GLP 1 Receptor agonists work to achieve weight loss:
Reduced appetite and food intake through direct and indirect activation of specific areas in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Reward and motivation reaction towards food is also positively influenced.
Delaying gastric emptying increasing satiety.
How does GLP 1 Receptor agonists work to achieve weight loss:
Reduced appetite and food intake through direct and indirect activation of specific areas in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Reward and motivation reaction towards food is also positively influenced.
Delaying gastric emptying increasing satiety.
When should GLP1 receptor agonists considered for weight reduction:
BMI above 30 or BMI above 27 with other associated medical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus).
Medication might also be considered if you are overweight (BMI above 25) with failure of life style modification to achieve weight loss.
The medication (Wegovy®) is also approved for usage in pediatric patients above the age of 12 years.
When should GLP1 receptor agonists considered for weight reduction:
BMI above 30 or BMI above 27 with other associated medical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus).
Medication might also be considered if you are overweight (BMI above 25) with failure of life style modification to achieve weight loss.
The medication (Wegovy®) is also approved for usage in pediatric patients above the age of 12 years.
What are the positive effects of the medication:
Reducing weight.
Reducing blood sugar.
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reducing blood pressure.
Positive effects with regards to blood sugar control and lowering testosterone levels in females with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
What are the positive effects of the medication:
Reducing weight.
Reducing blood sugar.
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reducing blood pressure.
Positive effects with regards to blood sugar control and lowering testosterone levels in females with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
What are the possible side effects of the medication (side effects are all in all rare and mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In many cases symptoms are temporary and can be reduced by tittering medication starting with the lowest effective dosage) :
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Elevated lipase (pancreas enzyme ) and Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Lowering blood sugar (hypoglycemia, especially if you are using other blood sugar lowering medication).
Retionpathy/change in vision (most probably due to rapid improvement of blood sugar rather than a direct side effect of medication).
Gall bladder-related issues, including cholelithiasis (gallbladder stones).
Cardiovascular issues, including tachycardia and arrhythmias (rapid heart rate, irregular heart rate).
Might reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives and increase chances of fertility/unplanned pregnancy in females under birth control medication.
What are the possible side effects of the medication (side effects are all in all rare and mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In many cases symptoms are temporary and can be reduced by tittering medication starting with the lowest effective dosage) :
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Elevated lipase (pancreas enzyme ) and Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Lowering blood sugar (hypoglycemia, especially if you are using other blood sugar lowering medication).
Retionpathy/change in vision (most probably due to rapid improvement of blood sugar rather than a direct side effect of medication).
Gall bladder-related issues, including cholelithiasis (gallbladder stones).
Cardiovascular issues, including tachycardia and arrhythmias (rapid heart rate, irregular heart rate).
Might reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives and increase chances of fertility/unplanned pregnancy in females under birth control medication.
How to administrate Wegovy®:
The medication is available in the following dosages: 0,25, 0,5, 1, 1,7 and 2,4 mg.
The medication is injected subcutaneously in the abdomen/thigh/upper arm.
Once a week, at the same day, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
Start with the lowest effective dose (usually 0.25 mg) once weekly for 4 weeks.
Escalate dosage guided by tolerance of medication every 4 weeks to achieve the maintenance dosage (2.4 mg in adults and pediatric patients above 12 years).
How to administrate Wegovy®:
The medication is available in the following dosages: 0,25, 0,5, 1, 1,7 and 2,4 mg.
The medication is injected subcutaneously in the abdomen/thigh/upper arm.
Once a week, at the same day, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
Start with the lowest effective dose (usually 0.25 mg) once weekly for 4 weeks.
Escalate dosage guided by tolerance of medication every 4 weeks to achieve the maintenance dosage (2.4 mg in adults and pediatric patients above 12 years).
At YouAre, we’re more than just a weight loss solution; we’re a dedicated partner in your journey to lasting change. With a team that truly understands you, we provide expert advice and unwavering support, ensuring every step is designed with your goals in mind. All this, delivered 100% online, so you can focus on becoming the best version of yourself.
At YouAre, we’re more than just a weight loss solution; we’re a dedicated partner in your journey to lasting change. With a team that truly understands you, we provide expert advice and unwavering support, ensuring every step is designed with your goals in mind. All this, delivered 100% online, so you can focus on becoming the best version of yourself.
Medication
Trusted and approved medication.
Wegovy® is a groundbreaking weight loss solution*, but drugs alone don't solve the problem. Long-lasting results means new habits, lifestyle and mentality.
Average weight loss after 12 months: 15-20%
Disclaimer: Medication is prescribed based on what your medical expert determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. This may include prescribing generic drug products, and/or compounded products if appropriate and necessary.
Medication
Trusted and approved medication.
Wegovy® is a groundbreaking weight loss solution*, but drugs alone don't solve the problem. Long-lasting results means new habits, lifestyle and mentality.
Average weight loss after 12 months: 15-20%
Disclaimer: Medication is prescribed based on what your medical expert determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. This may include prescribing generic drug products, and/or compounded products if appropriate and necessary.
Medication
Trusted and approved medication.
Wegovy® is a groundbreaking weight loss solution*, but drugs alone don't solve the problem. Long-lasting results means new habits, lifestyle and mentality.
Average weight loss after 12 months: 15-20%
Disclaimer: Medication is prescribed based on what your medical expert determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. This may include prescribing generic drug products, and/or compounded products if appropriate and necessary.
Medication
Trusted and approved medication.
Wegovy® is a groundbreaking weight loss solution*, but drugs alone don't solve the problem. Long-lasting results means new habits, lifestyle and mentality.
Average weight loss after 12 months: 15-20%
Disclaimer: Medication is prescribed based on what your medical expert determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. This may include prescribing generic drug products, and/or compounded products if appropriate and necessary.
