What is Wegovy (Semaglutide) for Weight Loss?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a FDA-approved weekly injectable drug for weight loss management for adults. Ozempic (Semaglutide) is the same weekly injectable medicine as Wegovy (Semaglutide). Ozempic has FDA-approval for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. However, Ozempic is often prescribed off-label for medical weight loss. La Chelé Medical offers prescriptions for Wegovy (Semaglutide) in New Hope, Newtown and Newtown Square, PA.
Those with diabetes taking Semaglutide (Ozempic) experienced very potent weight loss effects. Novo-Nordisk, the manufacturer of Semaglutide, increased the dose and started marketing it as a weight loss management drug under the name of Wegovy.
How does Wegovy (Semaglutide) work?
Wegovy stimulates receptors of a hormone called Glucagon Like Peptide 1 or GLP-1. Activation of GLP-1 receptors in the brain increase satiety and decrease hunger. Activation of GLP-1 receptors in the GI tract slow down gastric emptying and slow the transit of food through the intestines.
Wegovy is injected with a pre-filled pen, under the skin weekly. Patients will be taught to administer these injections at home.
Who can use Wegovy?
Wegovy is indicated for patients with a BMI of 30 or above or patients with a BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related medical condition. Combining Wegovy with the Lifestyle Medical Weight Loss Program should can help patients to lose and keep a significant amount of weight off long-term.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Side Effects
The most common side effects of Wegovy include include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. These potential side effects can be minimized by starting at a low dose and titrating the dose as tolerated by the patient.
Where can I Get Wegovy (Semaglutide)?
You can schedule a consultation with one of our Medical Weight Loss Program Providers to see if Wegovy, is right for you. If you qualify for treatment, you would receive a prescription for Wegovy to be filled at your pharmacy.
What is the cost of Wegovy for weight loss?
The cost of Wegovy depends on insurance coverage. Most Insurance companies require a prior-authorization to approve coverage for Wegovy. Insurance coverage qualifications generally include a BMI greater than / equal to 30 or greater than / equal to 27 with a weight-related medical condition. If you do not have coverage for Wegovy, your La Chele Weight Loss Provider can help to find the most economic way to pay for Wegovy out-of-pocket.
La Chele Medical is proudly serving New Hope, Newtown, Yardley, Langhorne, Princeton, Horsham, Upper Dublin, Princeton, Upper Makefield, Fairless Hills, Richboro, Northampton, Wrightstown, Warminster, and other surrounding areas in the Bucks County and Delaware County Region.