Patient Eligibility and Considerations
Patient Eligibility:
- Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia [5].
- Patients who have not had success in weight loss or who have plateaued during an initial weight management program focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
Additional Considerations:
- Dosing Schedule: Wegovy is started at a dose of 0.25 mg once a week and gradually increased every four weeks to a maintenance dose, which can be either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once a week.
- Missed Doses: If a dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.
- Administration Tips: It can be taken with or without food. If you need to change the day of the week for your injection, ensure that the last dose was given at least 2 days before.
Comparative Analysis with Other Weight Loss Treatments
Wegovy vs Ozempic
Semaglutide is the key component of Wegovy, functioning as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a mechanism it shares with Ozempic. Although both medications contain semaglutide, Ozempic is tailored for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Wegovy stands out with its higher dosage of semaglutide at 2.4 mg, compared to Ozempic’s 1 mg. Studies comparing the two indicate that Wegovy’s higher dose more effectively curbs hunger and reduces calorie intake, leading to almost twice the weight loss seen with Ozempic.
Wegovy vs Saxenda
Saxenda and Wegovy are both weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, but they differ in their active ingredients; Saxenda contains liraglutide, while Wegovy has semaglutide. Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy users typically experience a weight reduction of about 15% from their initial weight after one year, compared to an average of 6% weight loss for those on Saxenda. This data suggests that Wegovy may offer superior weight loss results.
Wegovy vs Orlistat/Xenical
Orlistat, an oral medication taken with meals up to three times daily, operates differently from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy. It acts in the gastrointestinal tract to inhibit the absorption of some fats from the diet. Although Orlistat is effective for certain individuals, research indicates that only about 10% of users achieve a weight loss of 10% or greater. In comparison, Wegovy has shown that almost 70% of its users can reach or exceed this level of weight loss when used over an extended period.
Cost Considerations and Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance through your employer or a private provider, you might be eligible to get Wegovy at no cost. Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that can reduce your monthly expenses by up to $225 if your insurance covers the medication.
For those without Wegovy insurance coverage, the cost can range from $1,350 to $1,800 for a 28-day supply. However, Novo Nordisk provides a savings card that could lower the cost by up to $500. With this card, eligible individuals may pay nothing for their monthly supply for up to 12 refills. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider and Novo Nordisk for the most accurate and current information regarding coverage and costs.
Wegovy Injections for Weight Loss Near Me
Weight Loss Clinic LA offers the best Wegovy Injections near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
References:
- Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. J Investig Med. 2022;70(1):5-13. doi:10.1136/jim-2021-001952
- Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. Published 2022 Sep 1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
- Wegovy | European Medicines Agency. Europa.eu. Published March 10, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/wegovy
- Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. J Investig Med. 2022;70(1):5-13. doi:10.1136/jim-2021-001952
- Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) Assessment Report Wegovy.; 2021. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/wegovy-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf