Injections for weight loss are becoming increasingly popular. They are a new option for those who do not like to diet or exercise . Of these weight loss injections, Wegovy , which contains the active ingredient semaglutide , is the most effective.
Many people have problems losing weight or maintaining their weight . This is particularly difficult for people who are very overweight . It is a struggle in which everything plays a role. For example, metabolism , diet and lifestyle . Many people lose weight but then gain it back again. They then become frustrated and have health problems .
Obesity is more than just being overweight . There are also complex interactions at the hormonal and psychological level. Treatments must take all aspects into account. Weight loss injections such as Wegovy , Saxenda or Zepbound are prescribed when other methods do not help.
These injections help you eat less and exercise more. They also have a positive effect on your metabolism , so you can lose weight in the long term.
Today we explain what Wegovy is, how it works and how it can help you lose weight .
What is the Wegovy injection? And how does Wegovy work?
Wegovy is a drug prescribed to treat overweight and obesity . It was approved in January 2022 and has been available in Germany since July 2023. It is marketed by Novo Nordisk , a large pharmaceutical company. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide. This is a substance that mimics a natural hormone in the body that regulates appetite. We'll explain how exactly this works later.
Who is Wegovy suitable for?
Wegovy is mainly prescribed to people with a high body mass index (BMI) who have often tried other methods of weight loss without success. It is important to understand that it is a medicine and should not be used to lose a few pounds. It is a treatment for people who need to lose weight for medical reasons .
BMI shows whether you are overweight. To be eligible for Wegovy , you must be obese , meaning you have a BMI of 30 or more. It can also be prescribed to people with a BMI of 27 or more if they have health problems related to being overweight .
Wegovy is also recommended for those who have tried other methods of weight loss without success, such as diets , exercise programs or other treatments for obesity .
Your doctor will not prescribe Wegovy just like that. He will take into account your BMI and your previous weight loss attempts . But also whether you are at risk for weight-related diseases , whether you are motivated and whether you are ready to change your lifestyle .
Wegovy is not a miracle cure . You have to take care of losing weight yourself. It only works if you stick to a plan that includes diet , exercise and sometimes psychological help . It must always be taken under the supervision of a doctor so that he can monitor possible side effects .
Related article : A step-by-step guide to the correct injection of the Wegovy weight loss syringe.
How does semaglutide work?
We will now explain to you how Wegovy works in our body and how it helps us lose weight.
This is due to its active ingredient, semaglutide. The active ingredient binds to the receptors for the hormone GLP-1. This hormone regulates appetite and satiety. Wegovy works by imitating the hormone.
When you inject Wegovy, semaglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the body. This helps us lose weight:
- Reduces appetite. This reduction in the feeling of hunger leads to a natural reduction in daily calorie intake and thus to long-term weight loss.
- It delays gastric emptying . What does this mean? By delaying gastric emptying, Wegovy ensures that food stays in the digestive tract longer. This process prolongs the feeling of satiety after meals, so you feel full for longer. This reduces cravings for food between meals, helping you eat less and therefore lose weight.
- Improves blood sugar control . For people with type 2 diabetes, this additional benefit of semaglutide is very beneficial. Wegovy can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be a crucial factor in the management of diabetes, which is often associated with being overweight or obese.
And how does Wegovy work?
Wegovy helps you lose weight effectively and safely. But that's not all. Wegovy is not only prescribed for weight loss. It also helps reduce the risks of heart disease, sleep apnea and certain types of cancer.
How is Wegovy used?
Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week, usually in the abdomen or thighs.
The medication is available in single doses and in prefilled Flextouch injection pens in various concentrations. Even if you are nervous about injections, you will find that Wegovy injection pens are easy to use. You don't even have to see the needle!
Wash the area where you want to inject the medication with alcohol, soap and water. Then remove the cap from the pen and press it firmly against the skin. After two clicks, the injection is over. After the injection, you must dispose of the pen in a container for sharps.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to inject Wegovy effectively and safely at home. However, if you feel uncomfortable with the injections, you can always ask for help. The injections are usually painless due to the modern design of the needles, although they may cause slight discomfort.
Another point that I think is important to consider before using Wegovy is storage. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in your Wegovy pens, is very sensitive to temperatures. It should be stored in the refrigerator , but under certain conditions it can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
Wegovy versus other weight loss injections
There are other drugs on the market that are supposed to help with weight loss. There are similar drugs such as Saxenda (based on liraglutide) or the new Zepbound, which was approved in the USA in November 2023 (not yet in Germany).
These obesity injections have different properties and are intended for different medical needs. Talk to your doctor to find out which medication is best for you. Here is some general information.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic
Wegovy is often compared to Ozempic because both drugs contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide). However, they are FDA-approved for different purposes: Wegovy for weight management and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is a drug for adults who are overweight and have certain medical conditions.
Ozempic helps people with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is not approved for weight loss, but it may help.
Both Wegovy and Ozempic are given by weekly injections. Wegovy comes in single-dose pens, while Ozempic comes in four-dose pens. The dosages vary. Wegovy is usually prescribed in higher doses than Ozempic.
The side effects are similar because they come from the same active ingredient. The higher dose of Wegovy (2.4 mg) may have different side effects than Ozempic (1 mg).
Related article : Ozempic for weight loss: effects, side effects, results, and alternatives.
Wegovy vs. Zepbound
Zepbound is the new weight loss injection that was recently approved by the FDA in the United States, precisely on November 8, 2023. Since then, this drug seems to be a real revolution in the fight against obesity and the health problems associated with it.
The most obvious difference between Zepbound and Wegovy is the active ingredient. Zepbound contains tirzepatide , a substance that acts not only on the GLP-1 receptors like Wegovy, but also on the GIP receptors, giving it a broader effect and greater effectiveness.
Another difference is that Wegovy is approved for pediatric patients over 12 years of age, while Zepbound can only be prescribed to adult patients.
In terms of effectiveness, Zepbound has been shown to be more effective in clinical trials , outperforming Wegovy, which was considered the most effective treatment until its introduction.
Both drugs are administered by weekly subcutaneous injections and have a similar dosing protocol. The side effects are also similar.
The decision between Zepbound and Wegovy should be based on a detailed medical evaluation that takes into account not only effectiveness but also the patient's medical history and personal situation. Although Zepbound's effectiveness is higher than Wegovy, this does not necessarily mean that it is the best weight loss injection for you.
Saxenda or Wegovy?
Saxenda is another weight loss injection. Wegovy is newer, while Saxenda, which contains liraglutide , has been on the market for a while.
Like Wegovy, Saxenda is prescribed to obese or overweight adults with related health problems. The liraglutide in Saxenda works in a similar way to the semaglutide in Wegovy by mimicking GLP-1 to control appetite and regulate blood sugar levels, but this time it is injected once a day, rather than once a week like Wegovy.
Studies and patient reports show that Wegovy is more effective than Saxenda for weight loss. However, I would like to point out again that you should not only focus on effectiveness. There are other things to consider. For example, your medical history, side effects and goals. Talk to your doctor. Together you can find the best solution for you.
But there is one thing you should never forget: obesity treatment is not magic. They work. They only work if you take them together with a balanced diet and more exercise.
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