What Are Wegovy’s Side Effects?

Main image courtesy of Everyday Health.

Losing extra weight is sometimes one of the hardest things to do, especially if you’ve tried in the past and have come up short. Although it can be difficult, dropping excess weight is one of the best things you can do for your long term health, as obesity can lead to an increased chance of developing other conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Making lifestyle changes such as committing to a healthy, balanced diet, getting the right amount of sleep, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are sure-fire ways to lose weight, but sometimes they just aren’t enough to get you the results you want. That’s when it might be a good idea to speak to your doctor about weight loss medication such as Wegovy.

But what exactly is Wegovy, does it have any side effects, and how do you know if it’s right for you? Today we’re covering all that and more including:

• Why is Wegovy so popular?
• Wegovy side effects to look out for
• How to alleviate some potential side effects of Wegovy

What is Wegovy? (and is it right for you?)

Does Wegovy really work for weight loss?

Weight loss medications are one potential solution for those who are considered obese and are struggling to lose weight. If you have a BMI of over 30, or a BMI of 27 with an obesity related condition (such as diabetes), you may be a good candidate for a prescription weight loss medication like Wegovy. This particular drug was approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2021, and it is manufactured by the same company that makes Ozempic, which is designed to help those with type 2 diabetes lower and control their blood sugar levels.

Doctors noticed that after prescribing their patients with Ozempic, they tended to lose some extra weight as well. This was a welcomed side effect, which is why the drug company set out to create a similar drug specifically for weight loss. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are semiglutides or GLP-1 agonists, and they work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite. They tell the brain that the stomach is full even though someone may have eaten less than they normally would. It slows down the emptying of the stomach so that they are less hungry throughout the day and need less calories in order to feel full.

When you couple a weight loss drug like Wegovy with changes to your diet and exercise habits, you should see results in as little as four weeks, and full results in a few months. This is great news for folks who are obese and need to lose weight in order to decrease the chance that they’ll develop chronic issues that need long term management, such as diabetes or heart disease. It should be noted that once you start taking medication like Wegovy, you will need to continue to take it as long as you want to keep the weight off. Weight gain is common in folks who stop taking this weight loss drug. 

Wegovy is taken once a week via injection, and it is not always covered by insurance, so it can be costly. The first step to determining if this medication is right for you is to speak to your doctor. A lot of people have been making waves in social media about losing weight on Wegovy, even though they are not classified as obese, but this is not who the drug was intended for. You and your doctor can discuss if this is the right option for your situation. 

Potential side effects of Wegovy

Are there Wegovy side effects you should be aware of?

If Wegovy is right for you, that’s great news! You’ll be on your way towards managing your weight, which is a great decision for your overall health. However there are a few side effects you should be aware of that can occur when you’re taking Wegovy. Most people experience only mild side effects, and they tend to lessen in intensity the longer you’re taking the drug.

Gastrointestinal

The most common side effects patients experience are stomach issues such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, irritation, and bloating. Although this can be annoying, they tend to become less severe as you continue to take the drug. These side effects are typical among patients whose dosage is too high, which is why doctors tend to start you on a lower dose, and gradually increase it every four weeks until you’re at the recommended dosage. You can reduce the severity of these side effects by consuming smaller meals, avoiding greasy, high fat foods, and selecting blander, low fat foods. 

Lower blood sugar

This side effect is less common and tends to happen if you are already taking certain drugs for diabetes. Because Wegovy works to slow the digestion of food from your stomach, it may interfere with how other medications are absorbed into your body. You should speak to your doctor if you experience:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Weakness

Allergic reaction

Some patients have allergic reactions to Wegovy, although this seems to be more common in adolescents who are taking this medication for weight loss. Rashes, swelling, fainting, and trouble breathing or swallowing are common indicators that you’re having an allergic reaction. 

Decrease in muscle mass

Another potential side effect of taking Wegovy, and GLP-1 agonists in general, is the potential for a decrease in your muscle mass as you lose weight. They can also cause a decrease in bone density and lower your metabolic rate, which can lead to a condition known as sarcopenia. This condition is typically seen in aging adults, however, it can occur in folks who are taking weight loss medications like Wegovy. 

In order to combat this, you can increase your protein intake and incorporate strength training into your exercise routine. This should help you keep your lean muscle mass as you continue to drop the pounds. 

Less common side effects of Wegovy

There are less common side effects with Wegovy, such as an increased risk for thyroid tumors, thyroid cancer, gallbladder problems, or pancreatitis. Although these are more rare, they have occurred in studies involving Wegovy. This is why you will discuss all the risks of taking this medication as well as your family history of any of these conditions with your doctor, so they can determine if this is the right medication for you. 

How to reduce the occurrences of some Wegovy side effects 

There are ways to combat some of the side effects of Wegovy

One of the best ways to ensure you have a positive experience on Wegovy is to follow your doctor’s recommendation on dosing. They will start you out with a lower dose so you don’t have the common side effects of an upset stomach or nausea, and gradually increase your dose so your body can become accustomed to it. 

You can also make changes to your diet, and ensure you’re getting the right amount of protein and nutrients to fuel your body. Healthier eating choices are key to long term weight management, so you’ll want to find foods that are high in protein, low in sugar, and will support keeping you full. 

Here are some great products to include on your Wegovy weight loss journey.

A high protein shake like WonderSlim’s Meal Replacement Shake is a great way to add more protein to your day, without the extra calories and sugar. Each convenient, single serving contains 15 grams of casein protein, 24 vitamins and minerals, and just 100 calories. There are 8 wonderful flavors (plus a variety pack) to choose from, which means you’ll never have to worry about getting burned out on a flavor. These shakes are designed to replace a meal, or as a snack to keep your body nourished while you’re on your weight loss journey. 

Sometimes you just need a healthy snack to help you get through your busy day. WonderSlim’s Protein Poppers are a healthy choice when you’re looking for a snack in between meals. Made with 15 grams of protein, 160-170 calories, 10 net carbs, and 0 trans fats, you’re going to reach for these convenient single serving packets time and time again. The protein will help keep you full, and the delicious flavors only taste like a guilty treat! 

Yes, you can lessen the impact of Wegovy side effects!

Wegovy is a great option for folks who need to lose weight. If you’re worried about the side effects of Wegovy, make sure you speak to your doctor, but keep in mind there are ways to lessen some of the effects so you have a positive experience.