Recently, the medical weight loss specialists at TLC Surgery in Houston have received a growing number of inquiries about a new weight loss drug called Wegovy. We are excited to offer this drug to appropriate patients, as it has been shown to significantly improve their weight management when combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is part of the family of drugs called glucagon-0like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. Wegovy has the same active ingredient as Ozembic, but comes in a higher dosage. When combined with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity, Wegovy may help obese patients achieve long-term weight management.

Wegovy is injected at home once a week.¹

Who is Wegovy For?

Wegovy has been approved by the FDA for use by obese patients who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher along with at least one obesity-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes)

Wegovy Results

In a Step 4 randomized clinical trial, patients who took Wegovy showed significant weight loss when compared to patients who took a placebo. According to the results of this research, 33% of patients who took Wegovy lost more than 20% of their body weight over the course of the 68-week trial. These patients also showed reduced waist circumference and improved systolic blood pressure when compared to the patients who did not take Wegovy.²

Wegovy Side Effects

The most common side effects of Wegovy are gastrointestinal tract problems, including gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and heartburn. Patients may also experience headaches and fatigue. Additional Wegovy side effects seen in a smaller number of patients include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Increased risk of low blood sugar in diabetic patients who also take diabetes medications
• Kidney problems
• Allergic reactions
• Vision changes in diabetes patients
• Increased heart rate
• Depression or thoughts of suicide
• Mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract disorders³

Learn More About Wegovy from our Bariatric Surgeons

If you have been diagnosed with obesity and are struggling to manage your weight, Wegovy may make it easier for you to reach your goals. To learn more about this and other medical weight loss options, please contact us to schedule a consultation with a bariatric specialist.

¹U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. Available: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014. Accessed November 19, 2021.
² Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, Hesse D, Greenway FL, Jensen C, Lingvay I, Mosenzon O, Rosenstock J, Rubio MA, Rudofsky G, Tadayon S, Wadden TA, Dicker D; STEP 4 Investigators. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021 Apr 13;325(14):1414-1425. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.3224. PMID: 33755728; PMCID: PMC7988425. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33755728/. Accessed November 19, 2021.
³ Novo Nordisk Inc. Wegovy. Available: https://www.wegovy.com/. Accessed November 19, 2021.