Wegovy
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist containing semaglutide that is prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, and has also been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Brief glance
Wegovy is a branded drug product manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Its active substance is Semaglutide. The linked substance is commonly grouped under “Weight Loss” as a primary outcome. FDA status: Approved. First FDA approval on record: Jun 2021. It is not currently flagged on our shortage list.
| Phase | Days | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| titration | 1 – 28 | 0.25 mg | Every 7 days |
| titration | 29 – 56 | 0.5 mg | Every 7 days |
| titration | 57 – 84 | 1 mg | Every 7 days |
| maintenance | 85+ | 1.7 mg | Every 7 days |
Follows prescribing guidance issued for this product. Not medical advice — consult your healthcare professional before starting, adjusting, or stopping any medication.
Overview
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available as an injection or oral tablet for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical conditions. Used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Wegovy helps patients lose weight and maintain weight loss, and the injection formulation is also indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with known heart disease. The active ingredient semaglutide works by mimicking a natural gut hormone to regulate appetite and metabolic function.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in adults. The medication works by targeting brain regions that regulate appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety, which collectively support sustained weight loss. Wegovy is prescribed for adults with obesity or overweight individuals who have weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, as well as for adults with established cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The drug is available in both injectable and oral tablet formulations and is used in combination with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 17% in patients who remained on the oral formulation compared to 3% with placebo.
Benefits
Wegovy (semaglutide) is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, and in adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity, used alongside reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, resulting in mean weight reductions of 12-20% over 68-104 weeks compared to 2-4% with placebo.1,2,3 In clinical trials, 73-89% of patients achieved at least 5% weight loss versus 18-48% on placebo.1,2,3 In 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke by approximately 20% in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight, based on a trial of over 17,600 participants.1,4
Side effects
The most common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, heartburn, and low blood sugar (particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes).5,6 Serious side effects may include thyroid tumors (including cancer), pancreatitis, gallbladder problems such as gallstones, severe gastrointestinal issues including gastroparesis, acute kidney injury, hypoglycemia, and serious allergic reactions manifesting as swelling, breathing difficulties, or rapid heartbeat.5,6,7 Wegovy is not recommended for patients with severe gastroparesis or a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.5 Gastrointestinal side effects are often most prominent during dose escalation and may be transient, but persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical evaluation.5,7 Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.6,8
Mechanisms of action
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with 94% structural similarity to native GLP-1, binding to and activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly the hypothalamus and hindbrain, to reduce appetite and food intake.9,10,11 It slows gastric emptying, prolonging satiety and decreasing overall caloric consumption.12,13,14 Additionally, semaglutide stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells while suppressing glucagon release from alpha cells, aiding in blood sugar regulation.11,12,13,15 The precise mechanism for cardiovascular risk reduction remains unestablished, though it may involve improved glycemic control and weight loss.9,12