If you are researching info on the recently approved injectable weight loss medication Wegovy, this article covers all bases. We detail how it works, how to use, weight loss results and possible side effects. We will also tell you the lowest Wegovy price and where to obtain it. There are also some Wegovy alternatives over the counter that can produce safe and permanent weight loss.
Wegovy Alternatives Over The Counter
PhenQ and Zotrim are natural diet supplements that are available without prescription. Both supplements contain ingredients that can help suppress appetite and reduce food cravings. PhenQ can also burn excess body fat and stop new fat cells from being formed.
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Wegovy Reviews
Wegovy weight loss injections are being heavily featured in 2023 by the media. With no small thanks to Elon Musk, who allegedly tweeted positive reviews on Wegovy. Asked about his recent successful weight loss results, he answered "fasting and Wegovy."
This positive review caused stock of the anti diabetes drug to completely run dry at the start of 2023.
Wegovy patient reviews and patient experiences are on the whole positive. One Wegovy user says she lost weight. She lost 16 lbs in 3 months. That's 5.5 lbs per month (1.3 lbs per week). Although impressive, many people lose more than that with diet and exercise.
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[Stock image - not typical before and after results pictures]
Another Wegovy user claims the injection helped her to lose 60 lbs in 6 months (2.3 lbs per week) but points out her doctor told her the results were not typical.
There's a lot of interest in a weekly weight loss injection called Wegovy. It was developed by Novo Nordisk and attained FDA approval as a weight loss aid in June 2021.
Wegovy injections provide the drug Semaglutide, which has been shown to be capable of outperforming placebos in clinical trials. However, it's worth noting the research was funded by Novo Nordisk. So, even though the FDA must be happy with the data supplied, it's hard to rule out the risk of bias during the clinical trials.
In November 2021, the College of Family Physicians of Canada published a paper provided by researchers from the University of Alberta. [1]
Unfortunately, although the investigation was independent, it was using data provided via a study funded by close connections. [2]
However, used alongside appropriate lifestyle changes, injections providing Semaglutide (2.4 mg) produced reasonable improvements in weight loss (in comparison with the placebo group). Most of the patients lost more than 5% of their body weight over the 68-week study period.
However, 75% of the Semaglutide group experienced gastrointestinal side effects. In a few cases, the side effects were so bad the researchers were forced to discontinue the treatment. [1]
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If you are considering using weekly Wegovy injections for weight loss, it's worth being aware this medication can be very expensive to buy. You also need to be aware that the prescribing information for Wegovy has a black box warning about the risk of thyroid tumors and cancer.
A black box warning is the most serious warning the FDA assigns to medications. It draws attention to serious/life-threatening side effects or risks. [3]
Although it sounds scary, many other medications have this warning as well.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weight loss injection that provides Semaglutide. It's a synthetic version of a gut hormone that suppresses appetite.
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Semaglutide was originally developed to treat people with type-2 diabetes. It gained FDA approval as an anti-diabetic medication in 2017.
There are several other diabetes medications for weight loss on the market.
Loss of appetite is one of the main side effects. When Novo Nordisk realized this, it became keen on getting the FDA to approve Semaglutide as an anti-obesity treatment.
Semaglutide is presently available as Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss). Both options are distributed in fixed-dose injector pens.
What is the Difference Between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Ozempic vs Wegovy:
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Wegovy and Ozempic are similar but different types of drugs used to treat high blood sugar levels. Wegovy and Ozempic are once-weekly injectable medications that belong to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
It works by helping the pancreas make more insulin when blood sugar is high, and helps reduce the amount of sugar made by the liver.
Wegovy is basically a higher dose version of Semaglutide that has FDA approval for weight loss.
How Does the Wegovy Weight Loss Injection Work?
Wegovy is an appetite suppressant. It helps you to eat less and maintain the calorie shortage that causes the body to begin burning its stores of fat to get energy. The end result is that users lose weight.
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Drugs and natural supplements suppress hunger by affecting the body in different ways. For instance, glucomannan is a popular plant-based ingredient that swells inside the stomach, making it feel full and reducing food intake.
The popular prescription medication Phentermine works differently. It suppresses hunger by initiating a stress response known as fight or flight.
Wegovy is different again. Wegovy injections provide Semaglutide, which mimics the abilities of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Natural GLP-1 is produced in the intestines as a result of the digestive processes. After it passes through the intestinal walls, it enters the blood and affects the body in several ways.
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One of the things GLP-1 does is stimulate insulin secretion. That's why Semaglutide has value as a type-2 diabetes medication.
However, when GLP-1 reaches the brain it causes a feeling of satiety that dulls the desire for food. [4]
Unfortunately, research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Semaglutide, may have the potential to damage the pancreas and/ or the thyroid gland. They may also present a risk of cancer. [5]
Who Should Use Wegovy?
The Wegovy weight loss injection is intended for people who are very overweight or obese. The FDA only allows doctors to prescribe the medication to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is for chronic weight management and weight related medical problems.
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People with a BMI of 27-29 may be able to obtain Wegovy as well but only if they have at least one weight-related medical condition such as sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, or type-2 diabetes.
You should always incorporate any prescribed obesity medicine with a healthy diet. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a weight loss program.
How to Take Wegovy
You only need to have one Wegovy weight loss injection each week. That's one of the reasons so many people find this medication so enticing.
However, the fact that you have to inject Wegovy is less attractive and may make a lot of people think twice before using this prescription medication.
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Fortunately, users never see the needle. It's hidden inside the tip of the Wegovy injection pen, which is preset to deliver the correct dose.
The recommended injection sites are the stomach (2" away from the belly button), the front of the thighs, and the upper arms. It's important to clean the injection site before using the pen. Soap and water is okay but you may be better off using an alcohol swab.
Weight Loss Injection
The tip of the pen has a protective cap that needs to be removed before delivering the Wegovy weight loss injection. It's a push fit and not difficult to take off.
After the cap is removed, you need to press the tip of the pen against the skin. If you are pressing hard enough, a yellow bar will appear and begin expanding in the viewing window on the side of the pen. If it does not appear or fails to continue moving, you will need to apply further pressure.
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The medication should go into the flesh beneath the skin, not into a muscle or vein.
During the injection, there will be two audible clicks. The first one indicates the injection has started. The second one lets you know it is finished. From start to finish,
Wegovy injections should take around 5-10 seconds.
Wegovy injection pens are disposable. You only use them once. Although the needle is hidden inside, it's best to put the used pens inside an FDA-approved sharps disposal container.
Correct Wegovy Dosage
Wegovy is available in five strength options. New users begin with the lowest dose and move up a pen size every four weeks.
● 0.25 mg (weeks 1-4)
● 0.5 mg (weeks 5-8)
● 1 mg (weeks 9-12)
● 1.7 mg (weeks 13-16)
● 2.4 mg (Week 17 onward) - maximum dose
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Average Wegovy Weight Loss Results
As with any other weight loss medications and supplements, Wegovy results are likely to vary from one person to the next.
The people taking part in the manufacturer-funded study achieved mean weight losses of 10% to 15% in 68 weeks, versus 2% to 3% weight losses in the placebo group.
However, the independent evaluation published by The College of Family Physicians of Canada points out that "weight was regained on medication discontinuation." [1]
Interestingly, the Wegovy website states that it helps people to "lose weight and keep it off."
Unfortunately, it's hard to find reliable sources of Wegovy reviews. However, one Wegovy user says she lost weight. She lost 16 lbs in 3 months. That's less than 5.5 lbs per month (1.3 lbs per week). Many people lose more than that with diet and exercise.
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Another Wegovy user claims the injection helped her to lose 60 lbs in 6 months (2.3 lbs per week) but points out her doctor told her the results were not typical.
Wegovy Side Effects and Dangers
We have already mentioned the potential link between Semaglutide and cancer. [5]
Unfortunately, Wegovy injections could cause many other side effects as well.
The most common Wegovy side effects are:
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Heartburn
● Abdominal pain
● Stomach upset
● Gas
● Constipation
● Diarrhea
● High blood pressure
● Headaches
● Allergic reactions
● Fatigue
● Dizziness
● Low blood sugar
● Weight gain
More serious (but less common) Wegovy side effects include:
● Vision problems
● Fainting
● Gallstones
● Changes in heart rhythm
● Inflammation of the pancreas
● Difficulty breathing or swallowing
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How to Buy Wegovy
Wegovy is only available from pharmacies. You need to have a prescription to buy it. Before medical insurance,
Wegovy Price - How Much Does Wegovy Cost?
Wegovy can cost up to $1,600 to $1700+ for a 28-day supply.
That's a lot of money but the manufacturer provides a Wegovy savings card that can make things cheaper and may allow some people to have a weekly Wegovy injection cost-free.
Lowest Wegovy Price
We have seen costs as low as $800 - $1300 on some vendors. We cannot publish as we cannot verify if the source is legitimate.
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Can You Get Wegovy on Insurance?
However, to get a free supply of Wegovy, you will need to be with a health insurance company that picks up most of the bill. The maximum Wegovy discount is only $225 per month.
If your insurance does not cover the cost of Wegovy, the savings card may still provide a discount but it's capped at $500 per month.
The bottom line is, without the support of a generous insurance company, many Wegovy users will need to spend $1000+ per month.
Wegovy Reviews Conclusion
If you are obese and your healthcare provider has recommended you lose weight, an injectable weight loss medication may be the answer.
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Wegovy Weight Loss FAQs
What's the best time to take Wegovy?
You only need to take one Wegovy injection each week. The time you take it does not matter and you can take it with or without food.
Do you have to diet on Wegovy?
Yes. As with all FDA-approved weight loss medications, Wegovy is intended to aid the efforts you are already making with reduced-calorie meal plans and physical activity.
Can you drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
There are no known interactions between Wegovy and alcohol. However, alcohol is surprisingly high in calories so it's best to severely limit alcohol consumption if you are serious about losing weight. Better still, avoid it completely.
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Research Sources
1. Semaglutide for Weight Loss: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8589135/
2. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/
3. Black Box Warnings: https://www.drugwatch.com/fda/black-box-warnings/
4. Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Promotes Satiety and Suppresses Energy Intake in Humans: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC508592/
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
