How Long Should You Stay on Wegovy? Risks and Benefits of Therapy

Are you struggling with obesity and have tried everything from dieting to exercising without success? Then you may be a candidate for Wegovy, the newest medication for weight loss approved by the FDA in 2021. But how long should you stay on Wegovy, and what are the risks and benefits of therapy? In this blog post, we'll answer these questions and more, so keep reading!

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication that mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. Unlike other weight loss medications that suppress appetite, Wegovy works by reducing the absorption of calories from food, making you feel full faster, and increasing the burning of stored fat. The recommended dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg once a week, administered by subcutaneous injection.

How long should you stay on Wegovy?

The duration of therapy with Wegovy depends on your weight loss goals, medical history, and response to treatment. According to clinical studies, patients who took Wegovy for at least 68 weeks lost an average of 15-20% of their initial body weight, which is impressive compared to other weight loss interventions. However, weight loss is not the only criterion for deciding how long to stay on the medication.

long to stay on Wegovy.

Once you achieve your weight loss goal, your doctor may recommend continuing Wegovy for maintenance, especially if you have a high risk of regaining weight, such as a family history of obesity or a sedentary lifestyle. However, long-term use of Wegovy has not been studied extensively, so it's essential to monitor your health regularly, including your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and kidney function.

Risks and benefits of therapy

Like any medication, Wegovy has risks and benefits that you should be aware of before starting treatment. The most common side effects of Wegovy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, which usually subside after a few days or weeks. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, you should contact your provider.

Wegovy can also cause more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid cancer, and allergic reactions. Therefore, you should inform your provider of any medical conditions you have or medications you take before starting Wegovy. Moreover, Wegovy is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, or those with severe gastrointestinal disorders.

On the other hand, the benefits of Wegovy go beyond weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and improve quality of life in people with obesity and diabetes. Moreover, Wegovy may help control other conditions related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea and even provide benefit to women with PCOS, endocrine dysfunction and other health conditions.

Conclusion

Wegovy is a promising medication for weight loss that can help you achieve your health goals. Long term therapy with Wegovy is possible with proper oversight and management while taking this medication which is very beneficial in comparison to other weight loss medications. Keep in mind, medication duration does vary from person to person, with consideration for health and underlying conditions. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare professional before starting Wegovy and follow their instructions for dosing, monitoring, and reporting side effects.

At Adair Family Clinic & Medspa, we offer personalized weight loss programs that include nutritional counseling, and medication therapy with Wegovy. Our experienced staff will work with you to develop a plan that suits your lifestyle and preferences and helps you achieve sustainable results. Contact us today to schedule a medical visit and learn more about our medically supervised weight loss program and how Wegovy can benefit you.