Overweight and obesity medication efficacy increases with the addition of diet and exercise. Many people with overweight or obesity who lose weight have a tendency to regain all or some of the weight over time. This medication can cause side effects, so it’s recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time to reach the target dose. Wegovy® (semaglutide)† is a GLP-1 injection for weight loss. Wegovy® pill is only approved in the US. Through life’s cycles, changes, and transitions, we’re here to help you make informed choices about your health. Individual response to treatment may vary and is not guaranteed by Nurx. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your provider. These early successes often motivate patients to continue their weight loss journey. By the end of the second month, many patients report noticeable weight loss. This reduction, combined with other lifestyle changes, supports sustained weight loss over time. It had just been approved by the FDA at the time, and he thought it could be a good option for me. About a year later, he brought up Wegovy® to help me lose weight and keep it off. But we were not finding anything at the time that seemed like a good fit for me. “If patients have not tolerated the injection or are having a tough time going up on the dose, they may opt to switch to the Wegovy pill,” Moreno told CNN. While everyone’s response to treatment will be different, in the medical study, people who took Wegovy® pill lost on average about 14% of their starting weight. Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help children 12 years and older with obesity to lose weight and keep the weight off Or, you may have a medical condition that requires treatment before you can fully benefit from weight loss medication. Explore another effective option for medical weight loss available at our clinic. Discover how GLP-1 medications like Ozempic help you achieve your weight loss goals. Understand the differences between these two popular weight loss medications to make an informed choice. Significant weight loss is not typically expected in the first week. The yellow bar will not fill the entire pen window. The second click means the injection is ongoing. When the injection is still in progress, you will hear a second click. If you do not hear the first click and the yellow bar does not start moving, press the pen more firmly against your skin. Remove the pen cap by pulling it straight off your Wegovy® pen. Once you’re done with your injection, slowly lift the pen away from your skin. If you’re experiencing difficulties injecting, you can switch to a more firm injection site, such as your upper leg or upper arm.What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?People who took the pill in clinical trials also experienced similar side effects as those on injectables, including gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, according to Novo Nordisk.Schedule a consultation with our medical weight loss experts to see if Wegovy is right for you.By week 8, average weight loss is around 4%, though this varies from person to person.Choose what works best for you and your treatment goals.A November 2025 poll by KFF Health News found that about half of people who were already on a GLP-1 medication, including those with insurance, had reported difficulty affording the drugs. Wegovy injection may be given with or without food. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking your dose to eat, drink, or take other medicines by mouth. People who are 75 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Wegovy. Do not share Wegovy with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. Wegovy may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. The presence or absence of side effects does not predict whether the medication will work for weight loss. If you are asking What Should I Expect the First Week of Wegovy, you want clear, realistic guidance on titration, typical side effects, injection care, and early weight loss signs. It should not be regarded as a substitute for guidance from your healthcare provider. How many doses are in a Wegovy pen? It’s recommended that you use Wegovy® pen on the same day every week, at a time that is most convenient for you. Gradually increasing your dose over time is done to help your body get used to the medicine. Talk with your healthcare professional to find the dose that is right for you. How can my patients save on the cost of Wegovy®? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Then use Wegovy at the next scheduled weekly dose. If you miss one dose of Wegovy injection and your next dose is less than 2 days away (less than 48 hours), skip the missed dose. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week—you and your health care professional will gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks. Think of healthy weight loss as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s unlikely you’ll see significant weight loss in the first week. This information can be really helpful when you talk with your healthcare provider about how things are going. During the first week, some people experience side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue. If you haven’t yet, taking the TrimRx free personalized quiz can illuminate the best path for you, including whether prescription options like Wegovy or compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide might be suitable. After week one, Wegovy’s levels begin building, and steady-state concentrations usually emerge by month two. Mild headaches or tiredness can occur as your body adjusts. Side effects, while generally mild, are often one of the biggest concerns for new users. Severe belly pain, persistent vomiting, or no bowel movement with worsening discomfort requires immediate medical review. If you get constipation, increase fluids and add soluble fiber gradually, and use osmotic stool softeners if recommended by your provider. Dose escalation follows a set schedule and can increase side effects as the drug ramps up. Many people notice a decrease in interest in large meals, smaller portions, and early fullness. Semaglutide’s appetite regulation helps patients lower their calorie intake. Patients typically experience mild side effects, such as nausea, as their metabolism begins to change. These changes mark the beginning of a weight management journey focused on long-term success. Most people do not see a measurable change in body weight in the first seven days. Appetite suppression often shows up within the first five days at the starter dose, though for some people it appears after the second or third weekly dose. The dose is low by design to ease your body into semaglutide. This article gives simple, practical steps to help you start Wegovy with confidence, minimize side effects, and see early signs of progress toward your weight loss goals. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Wegovy® works like GLP-1 to regulate appetite and calorie intake by helping to reducing appetite, so you eat less and lose weight. Your brain gets signals from different places in your body. Novo Nordisk® is the only company in the United States with FDA-approved medicines containing semaglutide. Compounded or knockoff semaglutide has not been approved by the FDA and has not been proven to be safe or effective. Get the inside scoop on Wegovy®, including tips for using the pen. Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Thankfully, there are ways to manage these adverse reactions or side effects. Other possible reasons are that the food you eat interacts with semaglutide or you lack physical activity. This could provide an option with higher prospects of regimen compliance for patients with obesity. These modifications have resulted in an increased half-life of the molecule, allowing subcutaneous semaglutide to be administered once weekly.10 There were 127 results received but only SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes), PIONEER (Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment), and STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) trials were reviewed because these were original, randomized, controlled clinical trials done before approval of semaglutide for management of diabetes and obesity. The SUSTAIN and PIONEER clinical trials studied the use of 1.0 mg, once-weekly, subcutaneous and oral semaglutide (a new GLP-1 homolog), respectively, on participants with type 2 diabetes. Take care not to inject subcutaneous semaglutide into a muscle or vein.Here we compared the results reported for semaglutide based on administration modality—oral or subcutaneous injection—based on the PIONEER and SUSTAIN trials’ findings (tables 1 and 3).If side effects persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.Sustainable weight loss requires consistency and the gradual building of positive lifestyle habits.Keep track of any symptoms you experience during the first week.Long-term use can lead to sustained weight loss and improvements in overall metabolic health.Wegovy injections have to be kept in the refrigerator until use; if an injection pen is exposed to temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), they go in the trash, Khan says.It may be helpful to check in with your health care professional while stepping up your dose to help track your progress and what’s working for you. It is important to remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and consistency is key. On the first day of your Wegovy treatment, you will take your initial dose. As with any drug, note it will react differently with different people, because of different factors (genes, medical history, etc.). 83% or about 8 in 10 adults achieved 5% or more weight loss with Wegovy® compared with 31% taking placebo. In comparison, adults who used placebo lost on average about 6 lb, or about 2.5% of their body weight. Ask your healthcare professional about what might be realistic for you. To help with weight loss in adults and children over 12 years, in addition to a calorie-controlled diet and exercise planUse the weight loss calculator to get an idea of how much you could potentially lose with Wegovy®.Clinical trials for Wegovy showed that people lost around 15% of their body weight when combined with healthy diet and exercise changes .If you experience these side effects, talk with your healthcare professional.If you skip a whole week, levels will drop and its effects may wear off.Other successes, such as decreasing waist circumference and BMI of patients, were also observed. If you're experiencing some of the more common side effects, like nausea, you can try a few easy tweaks to help you manage until it passes. Because you've only just started Wegovy, this full stomach feeling might wear off after the first few days instead of lasting the whole week . The starting dosage of Wegovy is 0.25mg, taken once a week for the first 4 weeks. At TrimRx, we believe sustainable weight loss is achieved through a blend of science, empathy, and transparency. Starting Wegovy marks a significant milestone in addressing overweight or obesity challenges, offering a scientifically validated tool to recalibrate hunger and foster lasting weight management. If you’re ready to explore clinically proven, personalized weight loss options tailored for sustainable results, we invite you to begin your journey with our free, no-obligation assessment today. TrimRx is here to support this phase with unlimited access to healthcare professionals who value your unique journey. Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 medicines, or in children under 12 years of age. I was excited to start treatment with Wegovy®. He let me know that it’s an injection, and wanted to know if that was something I’d be OK with. My doctor said, I would need to take Wegovy® with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Medicine information This is known as the weight loss plateau, a common feature in most weight loss journeys, and something that you can break through with the right approaches. You may also find that, for a certain period of time, you’ll stop losing weight and may even start to put it back on. Maintaining healthy habits over a long period of time can still be a challenge, and may require creativity in order to keep it up. Eight weeks might already feel like a long time, but you have a long way to go. Prescription weight loss drugs help patients lose weight and keep it off. For self-pay patients, Wegovy injections cost $349/month, while the Wegovy pill is $299/month. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Does Wegovy interact with foods or drinks? By participating in our programs, you receive FDA-approved medications from registered pharmacies combined with expert consultation, lab work, unlimited support, and clear guidance every step of the way. Before diving into the day-to-day expectations, it’s essential to understand how Wegovy functions and why it’s more than just a medication. Whether you’re curious about how your body will respond or seeking confidence to take the next step, this comprehensive overview offers clear, empathetic insights enhanced by the latest research and clinical wisdom. Intermittent fasting has many health benefits and has become a popular choice for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall well-being.The only apparent difference between oral semaglutide and subcutaneous semaglutide, besides slight differences in their efficacy in weight reduction, is the route of administration.Whether you lose weight quickly at first or don’t see results until later, it’s important to remember that some people don’t see results until later.I have been using Nurx for 5 plus or so year now for my medication.Need additional time to adjust to Wegovy®?While everyone’s response to treatment will be different, in the medical study, people who took Wegovy® pill lost on average about 14% of their starting weight.76% or about 8 in 10 adults achieved 5% or more weight loss with Wegovy® compared with 31% taking placebo.However, many people experience noticeable changes within a relatively short timeframe. As a result, they may require higher doses or more frequent administration to achieve the desired results. This means that their bodies may metabolize and eliminate semaglutide at a faster rate. People with higher metabolic rates tend to process medications more quickly. Rapid weight loss can include some muscle loss unless you plan for strength. Establishing these routines early can lead to more sustainable and prosperous weight loss in the long run. Longer-term effects often peak near one year of treatment in trial data. Side effects can start within hours to a few days after the first dose. Important instructions for using Wegovy® pen Remove the pen cap by pulling it straight off your Wegovy® pen. Now let’s walk through the injection from start to finish. The needle is covered and will not be seen.Now let’s talk about how to use your Wegovy® pen. Now you’re ready to start using your Wegovy® pen. Because loss of muscle occurs with any type of weight-loss intervention, this type of exercise is crucial. Firstly, engaging in aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling can expedite calorie burning and improve cardiovascular health. By following a healthy, nutritious eating plan, you can harness the full potential of Wegovy and improved health. For best results, you should take Wegovy while following a low-calorie diet. If you are trying to lose weight and taking, or considering taking, Wegovy, here are 5 ways to boost your chances of success. Managing side effects during the first week Trials show that semaglutide is most effective for weight loss when patients get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Many people don’t start seeing visible weight loss with Wegovy injections until the 20-week mark. In other words, results won’t happen overnight – that’s over a year of weekly semaglutide injections and healthy lifestyle changes. Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 medicines or in children under 12 years of age. She explained to me that this would be something I have to take with a lower calorie diet, increase physical activity. We went over the potential benefits and risks of treatment. My body just wasn't responding and I was just stuck at 400 pounds and I was like, I'm gonna be this big forever. I was dieting and exercising, but all of that was not working for me. Then you can lift the pen slowly from your skin.Now it’s time to safely throw away or dispose of your pen. Once you’re done with your injection, slowly lift the pen away from your skin.If you’re experiencing difficulties injecting, you can switch to a more firm injection site, such as your upper leg or upper arm. So, keep applying pressure until the yellow bar stops moving.The pen window will look like this when the injection is complete. The real transformation unfolds over the following months as you progress to higher doses. Compounded semaglutide provides the same active ingredient at more affordable prices. Fewer cravings for specific foods, especially sweets or fatty foods, suggests the medication is influencing your food preferences. Feeling satisfied sooner during meals indicates the medication is affecting your hunger signals properly. Many people describe this as the most noticeable early change. If all patients stayed on treatment Percent weight reduction at 64 weeks1 "Wegovy® pill is the next chapter in our decades-long GLP-1 experience—supported by the most affordable self-pay price to date in a GLP-1 for obesity. We are prepared for a full US launch in early January 2026, with manufacturing well underway in our North Carolina facilities." At Nurx, we make it easy to get the expert healthcare you deserve. You've made it to the next phase of your weight loss journey.Most people start with a 0.25 mg dose for the first four weeks, with the dose gradually increasing to 2.5 mg over time.Using tracking tools for food intake, weight, and habits can help you stay on track and motivated.This comprehensive approach ensures that weight management becomes a permanent part of their health journey.“I am hopeful with lower costs for the Wegovy pill, more insurances will opt to cover it.” It gives us a surge of energy but also encourages us to overeat or crave foods that aren’t as healthy. Getting at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week will also help reduce your risk of cardiovascular complications, like high blood pressure. Aerobic exercise can be brisk walking, swimming, dancing, cycling, weight lifting, or jogging. Your provider may also be able to suggest a sustainable meal plan and caloric intake recommendation to make sure you are getting the nutrition you need. If you have been struggling to lose weight while using Wegovy or Ozempic, ask yourself if you are choosing the right foods alongside your GLP-1. Some people experience no side effects at all during week one. Real weight loss typically accelerates once you reach 0.5 mg and continues improving through the higher doses. Its purpose is to help your body adapt to semaglutide before moving to higher, more effective doses. This starter dose isn’t designed for significant weight loss. Clinical trial data from the STEP 1 study shows that participants lost just over 2% of their body weight by week 5. It may be helpful to check in with your health care professional while stepping up your dose to help track your progress and what’s working for you. The recommended maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once-weekly. The first week on Wegovy is about more than just the medication itself. Continue following your diet and exercise plan, and monitor any side effects you’re experiencing. There's a healthier way to lose weight with weight-loss medication. Clinical trials have shown similar weight loss results between the oral pill and injectables. The pill is cheaper to produce, does not have to be refrigerated and is taken as a pill daily as opposed to a weekly injection. The Wegovy pill is the first and only oral GLP-1 for weight loss in adults. For many people, the weight-loss journey with semaglutide extends beyond the initial 5 to 6 months. The speed at which semaglutide begins its weight-loss effects can vary from person to person. In the ever-evolving landscape of weight-loss medications, semaglutide has emerged as a groundbreaking option. Our new Mayo Clinic Diet for Weight-Loss Medication program can help support your medical weight loss while taking Wegovy. It’s best to work with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are receiving the most effective dosage of Wegovy suitable for you. Once in use, you can keep the pre-filled pen at room temperature. Please note that this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier and happier you! This literature review summarizes and discusses the weight loss results from the SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes), PIONEER (Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment), and STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) clinical trial programs. If you’re ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey, visit our Advanced Weight Loss Center to learn more about personalized solutions. For long-term weight management, patients must continue adopting lifestyle changes, such as improving their exercise habits and focusing on nutrient-rich foods. The simplicity of semaglutide injections supports adherence. This comprehensive approach ensures that weight management becomes a permanent part of their health journey. Eli Lilly, a competitor of Novo Nordisk, is also manufacturing its version of a GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, which is also expected to be approved soon by the FDA. The weekly injectable version of Wegovy runs upwards of $300 per month without insurance. When it comes to cost, the Wegovy pill is expected to be a $25 or less copay per month if covered by insurance. Drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced Monday that its daily oral Wegovy pill is now available by prescription. Medical tools and resources Bnf.nice.org.uk/interactions/semaglutide/ “Semaglutide For Managing Overweight And Obesity.” Clinical Guidance, NICE (2023). Your clinician will assess whether you're a good candidate for the higher dose. Stopping suddenly can lead to weight regain, so always discuss your long-term strategy with your clinical team. Most people stay on Wegovy as long as they're benefiting from it and tolerating it well. People who are prescribed the pills can expect their doses to increase over several months to allow the body to adjust and to assess any side effects that might come up. Unlike the injections, the pill is absorbed through the stomach before it reaches the bloodstream, which means the dose needs to be higher to reach comparable weight-loss results. A pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss medication Wegovy is rolling out in the U.S., and people are already actively navigating prescriptions. Want something that reminds you to drink water between injections, nudges you to eat protein after a workout, and celebrates the small wins? The Wegovy dosage schedule is a gradual increase over 17 weeks. While everyone's body responds differently, it's important to remember that Wegovy reaches its full effect gradually. Regular check-ins can help ensure that your treatment is optimized and that any concerns are addressed promptly. It’s a long-term approach to weight management that requires commitment and patience. Wegovy is designed to help you lose weight by imitating a hormone that makes you feel less hungry and fuller longer. Wegovy reaches its peak concentration in your bloodstream roughly 1-3 days after each injection. If you miss a dose of the pill, that dose should be skipped, and the next dose should be taken the following day. Others may prefer the simplicity of a weekly injection, if they don’t mind needles. The pill and injection had similar tolerability in clinical trials. The medicine won’t be effective if patients don’t wait 30 minutes to give the tablet time to absorb, according to Novo Nordisk. For children aged 12 and up with obesity, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to lose weight and keep it off Wegovy® is the first and only GLP-1 weight-loss medication available in a pill Exploring terms "golden dose," “5th dose” or "fifth pen" in Mounjaro use, and understanding prescribed dosing, and personalised treatment guided by experts. Retatrutide is a triple-action weight loss treatment currently in development. If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey, the team at MedExpress can assess your eligibility and help you find a treatment that suits your lifestyle. The starting dose is usually 0.25 mg, and your doctor will likely increase it gradually to minimize side effects and help your body adjust.There are ways to save on the cost of Wegovy® pill, even if you don‘t have insurance.Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, bloating, and upset stomach are among the most common side effects.There's a healthier way to lose weight with weight-loss medication.In the first few weeks, your body is adjusting to the medication and your new appetite.Patients should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as recommended by healthcare providers.This site is intended for US patients only. Some people find it helpful to keep a log of when they've taken their dose and set reminders for their next dose . If you need to change the day of the week you take Wegovy you can, as long as your last injection was 2 or more days before . Pick a day of the week that suits you to take your first shot, and that will be the day you take your injection each week. If you're feeling nervous about injecting yourself, that's okay — make sure you reach out to a healthcare professional and they can talk you through it . After starting on this dose, you'll gradually work your way up to a higher dosage (usually either 1.7 mg or 2.4mg a week). The types and frequency of common adverse reactions of the Wegovy® pill were similar to the Wegovy® pen. Wegovy injections have to be kept in the refrigerator until use; if an injection pen is exposed to temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), they go in the trash, Khan says. For a limited time, the company is offering the second 4 mg dose for $149 per month before it will be increased to $199 on April 15. A November 2025 poll by KFF Health News found that about half of people who were already on a GLP-1 medication, including those with insurance, had reported difficulty affording the drugs. Experts say that a pill version of the high-demand medication, which is part of a category of drugs that are broadly known as a glucagonlike peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, could significantly reduce access barriers. Patients typically experience mild side effects, such as nausea, as their metabolism begins to change.Wegovy® injection is also indicated in addition to diet and exercise, for chronic weight management in adolescents with obesity ≥12 years.The key is to be in constant dialogue with your healthcare provider.Just know that your timeline may vary from this based on guidance from your doctor.So, keep applying pressure until the yellow bar stops moving. The pen window will look like this when the injection is complete.If you’re within that 48-hour window, skip the missed dose and wait to take your next scheduled one.At TrimRx, we emphasize personalized care, knowing each body responds uniquely to medication. How to Apply for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program I love it when people see me today and they're like, “whoa, what happened to Terry? If you get a lump or swelling in your neck or an allergic reaction, serious side effects may happen, including pancreatitis. You know, when I started to take Wegovy®, I started a weight log and uh, over time, man, you could really see those results. Since starting Wegovy®, I've lost about 50 pounds over two years, and that's about 17% of my starting body weight. When I was at my heaviest, uh, I, I really tried to, um, avoid seeing people I hadn't seen in a long time. The needle is covered and will not be seen. Now let’s talk about how to use your Wegovy® pen. You may consider leaving your pen out to reach room temperature before using it. Throw away the pen if Wegovy® has been frozen. What if blood appears after the injection? If blood appears at the injection site, press lightly with a gauze pad or cotton ball. Research has found that on average, it takes a person around four weeks on semaglutide to see some weight loss. Many people wonder whether it’s possible to lose weight as early as your first week on semaglutide. Newer data on Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose shows an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks, demonstrating just how effective it can be when used consistently and with the right support . All of this can also depend on any other weight loss strategies you've been implementing, like diet and exercise. Both oral semaglutide and subcutaneous semaglutide showed similar adverse effects (tables 2 and 4), and the most commonly reported were gastrointestinal (primarily mild to moderate nausea and vomiting). Here we compared the results reported for semaglutide based on administration modality—oral or subcutaneous injection—based on the PIONEER and SUSTAIN trials’ findings (tables 1 and 3). Comparison of PIONEERS trials showed that Japanese patients had a more significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c than global trials (PIONEER 1–8).29 This finding suggests that diabetes mellitus type 2 in East Asian patients is more likely due to dysfunction of the beta cells than insulin resistance and obesity. Eligibility depends on factors like BMI, weight-related health conditions, and medical history. While Wegovy helps regulate appetite, combining it with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise maximizes weight loss and health benefits. While the first weeks may require patience and adjustment, understanding what to expect—from initial appetite changes and manageable side effects to gradual and sustained weight loss—empowers you to navigate the journey confidently. If side effects persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider. Before starting Wegovy, Chloe had tried everything to lose weight. Even though Wegovy has been proven to work in studies, it’s also helpful to hear firsthand experience from real patients. For more tips on how to manage side effects, head to the MedExpress GLP-1 Weight Loss Guide. It should be taken on the same day each week, but it can be taken any time of day before or after food . Wegovy is taken as a once-weekly injection — it's injected underneath your skin, usually in your upper arm, stomach, or thigh. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you feel prepared, and make it easier to stay on track with your treatment goals. “I was always on this yo-yo diet scenario, which never worked. With Juniper, Wegovy is delivered as part of a complete programme that includes expert care, coaching, and tracking tools — to help you get the most from your treatment. This doesn't mean you won't start losing weight sooner than the 4-month mark. You're much less likely to experience negative side effects by following the recommended dosage plan . This can take up to 4 months, as the drug's levels reach a steady state in your body. Once you’ve verified that your patient is covered and the prior authorization is approved, you can prescribe Wegovy® through your electronic health record system. As you consider prescribing Wegovy® for your patients, you may have some questions. Scientific American maintains a strict policy of editorial independence in reporting developments in science to our readers. There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. She has edited and written stories that tackle a wide range of subjects, including the COVID pandemic, emerging diseases, evolutionary biology and health inequities. Celebrate small victories, like feeling more energetic or making healthier food choices, and keep your long-term health goals in mind. Try to focus on overall health improvements rather than just the number on the scale. They’ll want to make sure Wegovy is safe for you, and that there aren’t any potential contraindications or risks based on your health history. It works by mimicking a hormone in your body called GLP-1. They can help you determine if Wegovy is right for you, discuss any potential risks, and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Though most people experience minimal side effects after their first Wegovy dose, you might notice some popping up. Getting these habits locked in during the first few weeks can lead to more sustainable weight loss, but can also help you have more weight loss success . As your body adjusts to Wegovy, you might notice some of its effects immediately after the first dose. Then, they'll discuss your dose and how to administer your medication for the first time . Weeks 2 to 4: Building Consistency and Early Progress The main thing to remember is not to take two doses within 48 hours of each other. Most of the time, you’ll recover on your own. Too much Wegovy can lead to an increase in side effects like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you accidentally take two doses within 48 hours of each other, you may not feel the best. Avoid using the same injection site each time you use Wegovy by rotating where you inject it. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group. Do not use Wegovy unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. If you need to change the day of the week, you may do so as long as your last dose of Wegovy® was given 2 or more days before. Each dose comes in a pen of a different color. It is taken on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. The Wegovy tablet and injection resulted in similar weight loss in clinical trials. The pill uses the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the injection. Patients whose insurance plans cover the drug for obesity could pay as little as $25 a month for the pill or injection under a savings program offered by Novo Nordisk. The 1.5 mg starter dose of the pill costs $149 a month for patients who pay cash, as part of a recent deal Novo Nordisk made with the Trump administration. Being able to address obesity with a GLP-1 pill is a significant advance in weight management. Some studies show meaningful weight change by four weeks in a portion of users, but clinical trials typically track outcomes at 12 weeks and later. These first-week effects vary a lot between individuals. The injection is quick and many people barely feel it during the brief push of the button. Pick a time of day that fits your schedule and consider taking it at roughly the same time each week to build a habit. The injection comes in a single-use pen that you use yourself. Several factors contribute to how fast semaglutide starts working. As a GLP-1 drug, semaglutide mimics the action of the natural GLP-1 gastrointestinal hormone. At the heart of semaglutide's effectiveness lies its activation of the GLP-1 agonists. If you're struggling with obesity and your doctor recommends Wegovy, don't let the sticker price stop you from accessing a medication that could genuinely change your life. ✅ Uninsured patients get 13 months at $25/month, buying time to secure insurance or qualify for assistance ✅ You need higher doses of semaglutide (Wegovy goes to 2.4mg vs. Ozempic's 2mg max) ✅ Your primary goal is weight loss (not diabetes management) Sometimes denials happen because of how the prescription was coded. The starting dosage of Wegovy® pen is 0.25 mg once weekly, and this dose will gradually increase every 4 weeks until you reach your maintenance dose of either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg. Each pen is for one-time use only and comes with a preset dose. You will use 1 pen each week, on the same day each week, at any time of day. If you are using semaglutide for this reason, see our separate medicine leaflet called Semaglutide for diabetes. It increases the amount of insulin produced by your body, which then reduces the level of sugar in your blood. Ask your doctor for advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Semaglutide should only be used as an addition to a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. This makes you feel fuller or less hungry with fewer cravings for food, helping you to eat less and lose weight. Intermittent fasting has many health benefits and has become a popular choice for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall well-being. Learn how the Success by Sesame plan can help you see real results with medication, ongoing provider support. “Ozempic face” is a well-known side effect of weight loss drug use. This article will examine Ozempic’s efficacy as a weight loss drug, how it works, and what to consider before taking it. Wegovy is a recent entry into the expanding group of prescription drugs used to help people lose weight. She did a thorough workup and told me most of my challenges were due to my weight. I couldn't just keep ignoring what was going on with my body. When I had gotten into the 400-pound weight, I also wanted to get back into motorcycle riding. This can help you make healthier food choices and reduce your calorie intake. You may experience some mild side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea, but these usually subside within a few days. It contains semaglutide, a synthetic version of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and food intake. Redness or swelling at the injection site Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. If you track numbers, keep a simple log of weight, fasting glucose if applicable, and blood pressure so you can share trends at follow-up visits. Your clinician may see shifts in blood pressure or blood sugar before you notice a weight change. For people with type 2 diabetes, there can be episodes of low blood sugar. Medications like Wegovy work best when used with a healthy lifestyle program, such as the Mayo Clinic Diet. List your off-scale victories too, like improvements in your health, confidence, or stamina. Using tracking tools for food intake, weight, and habits can help you stay on track and motivated. Embrace a nutrient-dense diet, stay physically active, prioritize sleep, manage stress, and build a strong support crew. This way you can maintain your weight-loss achievements and safeguard against weight regain. You will start week one with a 0.25 mg weekly injection of Wegovy. To help with that, MeAgain's GLP-1 app offers daily reminders, symptom tracking, and easy tips so you can manage side effects, follow your dose plan, and notice progress without guesswork. Get Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribed online, if eligible and approved. The field of weight management is evolving–and fast. I was playing basketball four to five times a week. Serious side effects may happen, including pancreatitis. I was nervous about how the weight was affecting my body overall. Anytime there was food that just meant there was a party gonna happen, and it just was a part of our culture.