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Wegovy® (semaglutide) is one of the most powerful tools available today for medically assisted weight loss. It is a prescription medication that helps eligible patients achieve significant results safely and sustainably. If you’ve struggled with losing weight despite diet and exercise, Wegovy might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription injectable medication that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is used for chronic weight management in adults and children over 12 years old with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions.
Wegovy is a clinically tested, medically approved treatment used alongside a healthy lifestyle to reduce body weight and prevent cardiovascular events.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which affects areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. It helps you:
- Feel full sooner and for longer – lower caloric intake.
- Improve blood sugar control
- Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke (along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity)
- There is some evidence that GLP-1 may also reduce cravings and change food preferences, possibly by acting on reward centers in the brain.
Who Is Wegovy For?
Wegovy is suitable for:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
- Adults with a BMI of 27 – 29.9 (overweight) who also have a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Individuals who’ve struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
Note: In some ethnic groups, like African, Indian, or Middle Eastern populations, weight-related health risks may occur at a lower BMI.
Is Wegovy Available in South Africa?
Wegovy is available in South Africa and will only be available via prescription from a registered medical doctor. It is not available over the counter. If you’re interested in starting Wegovy, you’ll need a medical assessment to confirm your eligibility.
How Is Wegovy Taken?
Wegovy comes as a pre-filled pen which you self-inject once weekly. You may inject it under the skin (subcutaneously) in your upper leg (front of your thigh), lower stomach (5cm away from your belly button), or upper arm.
The dosage may be increased gradually (as directed by your medical doctor) as needed, at a minimum interval of 4 weeks, to minimize side effects.
Potential Benefits of Wegovy
- 17% mean weight loss sustained over 68 weeks*
- Appetite suppression to help you stay on track
- Improved blood sugar control
- Reduced waist circumference and blood pressure
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients
Wegovy vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?
While both medications contain semaglutide, Wegovy is specifically dosed and registered for weight loss, while Ozempic is prescribed primarily for type 2 diabetes.
Click HERE to get a prescription for Wegovy
Side Effects and Safety of Wegovy
Most common side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
- Gas
- Feeling bloated
- Belching
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
- Runny nose
- Sore throat.
Serious side effects may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney issues
- Possible thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer (avoid if you or any family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2)
- Mental health changes (e.g. depression or suicidal thoughts)
- Serious allergic reactions
- Severe stomach problems
- Increased heart rate
- Change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes
Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting Wegovy.
Click HERE to get a prescription for Wegovy
Do You Still Need to Diet and Exercise?
Yes. Wegovy is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. It is not a magic solution, but it can help you gain momentum and stay on track.
How Long Can You Take Wegovy?
Wegovy is typically prescribed for up to 2 years. Long-term use is still under study, so it is important to be monitored regularly by your prescribing doctor.
Wegovy for Heart Health
Wegovy is approved for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease and a BMI of 27 or more. Wegovy is the first weight-management medicine that is FDA approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events.
FAQs About Wegovy in South Africa
Is Wegovy available in South Africa?
Yes, Wegovy is available in South Africa. You will need a valid prescription from a registered medical doctor in order to purchase Wegovy from your pharmacy.
Do I need a prescription for Wegovy?
Yes, Wegovy is a prescription only medication. It must be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.
How much weight can I lose on Wegovy?
Clinical studies show an average of 15% body weight reduction over 15 months when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
How long before I see results with Wegovy?
Some patients begin seeing results within 4 to 8 weeks, but substantial weight loss occurs over several months.
Is Wegovy safe?
Wegovy is generally safe when used as prescribed but may cause side effects. Regular follow ups with your doctor are essential.
Can I take Wegovy if I have diabetes?
Yes, especially type 2 diabetes, but your medication plan may need to be adjusted to avoid low blood sugar.
What happens when I stop taking Wegovy?
Without lifestyle changes, some people regain weight after stopping. That is why support is crucial during and after treatment.
Is Wegovy the same as Saxenda or Mounjaro?
No. All three are GLP-1 agonists but differ in active ingredients, dosage, and effectiveness.
Can I use Wegovy if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Wegovy is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be stopped at least 2 months before trying to conceive.
Click HERE to get a prescription for Wegovy
Links for further information: https://www.wegovy.com/
