Your questions about Wegovy®, answered

Over the last few years, GLP-1 agonists have burst onto the scene as an effective weight-loss tool. Wegovy® (semaglutide) is one of the most studied and widely used medications for chronic weight management today, helping many people reach elusive weight-loss goals and changing the conversation around weight loss and metabolic health.

What is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® is an injectable weight-loss medication developed by Novo Nordisk. It is part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Today they are commonly used, at higher doses, for obesity treatment.

Most people are familiar with Ozempic®, which can be used off-label to treat obesity. Wegovy® contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but unlike Ozempic®, it is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management, while Ozempic® is only approved for type 2 diabetes treatment.

How Wegovy® works

Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone our bodies naturally produce: GLP-1. This hormone is released into the bloodstream after you eat, helping to regulate appetite, slow digestion, and control how your body processes sugar, all of which help with weight loss.

Here’s what this can mean for you:

• Reduced hunger and cravings. Fewer cravings and decreased appetite are common “side effects” of Wegovy® medication. Many people report that it helps quiet food noise and makes it easier to make better decisions about food.
• Increased satiety. Wegovy® slows gastric emptying, meaning food leaves the stomach more slowly, which helps you feel full for longer.
• Steadier glucose levels. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar so you don’t have as many blood sugar spikes throughout the day.

Over time, these effects typically lead to reduced calorie intake and improved metabolic health markers—and therefore weight loss. Wegovy® works best when paired with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. A highly restrictive diet, including many fad diets that have dominated the wellness industry for years, is not necessary to achieve your weight-loss goals with Wegovy®, but getting your nutrients from the right sources is still important.

GLP-1s like Wegovy® work with your body’s natural hunger hormones to make it easier to get real results from your efforts. For many, GLP-1 agonists are the missing piece of the weight-loss formula they need to make progress.

Approved uses for Wegovy®

Wegovy® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The typical criteria are a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition. Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss, with participants losing an average of 15% of their body weight.* The scale of obesity in the U.S. helps explain why medical treatments are needed: adult obesity affects a large share of the population and increases risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, making evidence-based options important for public health efforts (Adult Obesity Facts, CDC).

Wegovy® is a prescription medication and is prescribed only after consultation with a licensed healthcare provider to determine appropriateness. If you want to see if you qualify, fill out this quick form with your health goals and medical history and, if you qualify, a provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Common benefits of Wegovy®

Wegovy’s effectiveness has been backed by multiple clinical trials. When paired with a healthy diet and exercise, study participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight.* People with type 2 diabetes may lose somewhat less weight on average.

Other benefits aside from weight loss may include metabolic health improvements, cardiovascular health benefits, and fewer cravings. Notably, Wegovy® is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with obesity or overweight and established cardiovascular disease; the FDA based this approval on a large outcomes trial showing a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (FDA press announcement — FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight (Wegovy)).

Risks and side effects of Wegovy®

Wegovy® is not recommended for patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid weight-loss medications as well. Your provider will evaluate your medical history and goals before recommending the best treatment plan and medication for you. They may also review history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid concerns, ocular disease, or neuropathy, and assess current medications that could increase the risk of low blood sugar.

As for common side effects, most are gastrointestinal, but can include any of the following:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Headaches

These side effects are typically dose related and tend to ease with time as your body adjusts to the medication. Practical tips that help many Shed members include:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals and stop eating when comfortably full.
• Avoid heavy, greasy, spicy, or sugary foods, and limit carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
• Sip fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated; consider an electrolyte beverage if needed.
• If vomiting occurs, start with bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and broths.
• Talk with your provider about slowing dose increases or short-term anti-nausea options if symptoms persist.

Find more tips on how to minimize Wegovy® side effects here.

How to take Wegovy® injections: Dosing and administration

Wegovy® comes in convenient pen injections, which are self-administered once a week. Common injection sites include the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. While the injection site is largely up to the patient, it’s a good idea to rotate regularly to ensure consistent results and reduce local irritation.

Treatment usually starts at a low dose and is gradually increased every four weeks, or longer if you need more time to adjust. Doses typically start at 0.25 mg and increase gradually until you reach your maintenance dose, which is around 2.4 mg weekly, or the highest amount you can tolerate comfortably. See a sample Wegovy® dosing schedule here.

Helpful self-injection tips:

• Inject on the same day each week, at the same time.
• Do not double up if you miss a dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it has been two days since your missed dose, skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
• Follow the dosing plan set by your provider. Do not adjust your dose without consulting with your provider first.
• Wash hands, check that the liquid in the pen is clear and particle free, and never share pens or needles.
• Keep a simple log of injection sites to rotate areas.
• Keep unopened pens in the refrigerator. Once you have started using a pen, follow the label instructions for storage.

What happens if you stop taking Wegovy®?

Clinical studies show that weight lost on semaglutide can return after stopping treatment, particularly if lifestyle behaviors are not sustained. In extension data from the STEP 1 trial, many participants regained roughly two-thirds of their lost weight within one year after stopping semaglutide, highlighting that ongoing strategies are often needed to maintain weight loss (STEP 1 trial extension, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2022). For some, long-term treatment may be the best option. For others, it is it’s better to taper off treatment once they have hit their weight-loss goal.

Building a plan before you stop treatment helps prevent weight regain. Many people do best with a gradual taper, nutrition planning focused on adequate protein, and consistent resistance training to protect muscle. Coaching support can also help you maintain new habits and prevent rebound weight gain.

The right plan for you depends on what your goals are and how your body responds to treatment. Your doctor will work with you every step of the way to ensure you’re getting the treatment you need.

Lifestyle changes that make Wegovy® work better

You may have heard about dramatic weight-loss results from GLP-1 medications, but Wegovy® is not meant to be a quick fix or a stand-alone solution. Those who make lifestyle changes alongside the medication typically see better results and are more likely to maintain weight loss long term.

These lifestyle habits have been shown to help maximize Wegovy® results and minimize side effects:

• Eat more protein. Everyone’s protein needs are a little different, but if you are making an effort to include protein in all of your meals and snacks, you should be in good shape. Lean options like fish, poultry, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and nut butters can help preserve muscle while you lose weight.
• Drink lots of water. While uncommon, dehydration can happen while taking Wegovy® due to changes in appetite and digestion. Drink more water than you’re used to to ensure your body is getting what it needs to function properly. This can also help mitigate side effects.
• Stay active. Move throughout the day and work out regularly, incorporating both cardio and strength-training exercises. Strength training is especially important for those on a GLP-1, as weight loss can cause muscle loss. Day-to-day movement like walking and taking stairs adds up too.
• Sleep 7 to 9 hours per night. Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones and increase cravings.
• Eat a nutritious diet. Most people eat less when they are on a weight-loss medication like Wegovy®, so it’s more important than ever to make sure the nutrients you are consuming are the ones your body needs. Focus on fiber, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and limit ultra-processed foods.

Remember: Your weight-loss journey doesn’t have to be solo! Support from friends, family, or a health coach can help you stick to your goals and keep moving forward on the hard days.

Enhance your weight-loss journey with a Shed Membership

Weight loss is more complicated than most of us have been led to believe. This is why Shed offers a program specifically for Wegovy® users to give you the support you need to succeed at your weight-loss goals and establish long-term habits. The program includes provider visits, text-based Health Coaching**, educational resources, and a community of other members to interact with. Medication is not included.

Shed’s clinical approach reflects best practices used by multidisciplinary weight programs. Your membership includes guidance on nutrition, activity, and behavior change, with regular check-ins to monitor weight, body measurements, and labs when needed. If you are ready to start your weight-loss journey, visit Shed’s website to see if you qualify for Wegovy® and to learn more about the membership program.

FAQs about Wegovy®

Resources and disclaimers

Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, The New England Journal of Medicine

*Based on a 68-week study of adults with obesity or overweight who also had weight-related medical problems, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Learn more about the study here. Individual results vary.

**Text-based coaching is powered by AI and monitored by a licensed coach. Responses may be automated, but your coach reviews interactions to ensure quality and support.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.