If you use Wegovy to help you lose weight, or it’s something you’re thinking about, you might have concerns about using it long-term. After all, it’s a big commitment, and you want to ensure that you’re making the right decisions for you and your health.
Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications are relatively new, particularly in the field of weight loss, so it’s understandable that people have questions. But what’s the truth?
The medication is designed to manage obesity long term, and Wegovy research has shown that it’s a good fit for sustainable weight loss. Here’s what we know so far about Wegovy long-term safety.
How Wegovy works
Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is a GLP-1 medication, or GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which is produced in the gut, and has an impact on our appetite. By sending signals to the brain telling it that we feel full, it reduces appetite and slows digestion. It’s given as an injection once a week, and people administer the medication themselves at home.
Over time, as people don’t feel as hungry, eat less food and consume fewer calories, they’re more likely to lose weight. Progress isn’t always linear, and it’s likely to be more gradual than sudden, with only slight changes noticeable. As patients move through increasing Wegovy doses over the course of several months, they’re more likely to see the weight loss they hope for.
What we know about Wegovy long-term safety so far
GLP-1 medications are still relatively new, and the long-term effects of Wegovy are still being studied. However, Wegovy is intended to be used over time to help manage obesity and related health conditions, and semaglutide studies have seen participants taking the medication for as long as a few years.
One study of over 17,000 overweight and obese adults aged 45 and over with cardiovascular disease saw participants take Wegovy or a placebo for an average of almost three years (34.2 months). 16.6% ended Wegovy use due to adverse effects, compared to 8.2% of those in the placebo group, while it was also found that weekly semaglutide use was more effective than the placebo in reducing death from cardiovascular causes.
In previous clinical trials, 6.8% of those taking Wegovy stopped due to side effects, compared to 3.2% of those who received a placebo.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Most side effects of Wegovy are mild to moderate and don’t usually last too long. However, some potential long-term or more serious side effects have been observed in clinical trials, including the following:
Depression or thoughts of suicide
Diabetic retinopathy complications
Digestive issues
Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
Hypoglycemia
Issues with anaesthesia
Kidney issues
Pancreatitis
Thyroid cancer
If you’re concerned, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional. If you think you or someone else may be suffering from pancreatitis, you should seek immediate medical care.
What to consider before using Wegovy
Wegovy can be an effective tool to help people lose weight, but it’s not right for everybody. There are particular criteria that people need to meet — a BMI of over 30 or over 27 with certain health conditions.
Understanding obesity treatment safety is vital before starting any medication, and the following people should not use Wegovy. Doing so could mean there’s a greater chance of health issues in the short and long-term:
People under the age of 18
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
People with a known allergy to semaglutide
People with a history or close family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN2)
People with a history of pancreatitis
People taking other GLP-1 medications
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, and it’s best to talk through your medical history with your prescriber to ensure Wegovy long-term safety.
If you think you may be eligible for Wegovy and you’re considering your options, a conversation with a healthcare professional like those at The Virtual Slimming Clinic can help you weigh up the benefits and risks and decide what’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wegovy safe for long-term use?
Wegovy research has indicated that it is generally safe to use long-term when prescribed and monitored over time by a professional. Most side effects are mild to moderate, and don’t tend to last very long – the benefits of sustained treatment are believed to outweigh the potential risks.
What happens if you stop taking Wegovy?
People who stop taking Wegovy may experience some side effects and may regain weight as their appetite gradually returns.
How long do people stay on Wegovy?
Wegovy is designed for long-term use. Everybody is different, and the duration of use may vary based on factors like severity of side effects and personal weight-loss goals, but clinical trials have followed participants for over a year.
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