How It Works & Its Primary Uses
Wegovy is the same formulation as Ozempic, containing the same active ingredient “semaglutide”. It is an injection given once weekly for obesity management at doses up to 2.4 mg/week. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it slows gastric emptying and acts on the brain’s hunger centers to reduce appetite. The result is significant weight loss: clinical trials showed ~12–15% average weight reduction. While indicated for obesity, Wegovy also improves blood sugar and can have cardiovascular benefits (it carries FDA approval for reducing CV risk in overweight diabetics, though that’s beyond the scope here).
Wegovy is approved in India (launched June 2025) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27 with comorbidities). It is used in addition to diet and exercise for people needing significant weight loss. Patients should use Wegovy only with medical supervision, as part of a broader weight-loss plan.
Benefits, Expected Results & Pricing
The hallmark of Wegovy is its strong weight-loss effect. In trials, patients on Wegovy typically lost 12–14% of their body weight over one year (for example, 12–14 kg in a 100 kg patient). Even 5–10% weight loss yields meaningful health gains (improved blood sugar, blood pressure, lipids). Diabetic patients often see lower HbA1c. Many people also report less hunger and smaller meal portions. Wegovy’s weight loss tends to be greater than what patients see with diet/exercise alone, but it must be continued long-term for sustained effect: stopping Wegovy usually leads to gradual weight regain. As always, it should be used alongside lifestyle changes for best results.
Novo Nordisk’s official pricing for Wegovy in India (MRP per month) is: about ₹17,345 for the lower-dose regimen (0.25–1 mg weekly, i.e. 4 pen doses/month) and ₹26,015 for the top dose (2.4 mg weekly). To break it down, 0.25–1 mg/week costs ~₹4,366/week, while 2.4 mg/week costs ~₹6,504/week. (These figures are MRPs and include taxes.) A 1.7 mg/week dose is priced at ₹24,280/month. Because Wegovy was only recently launched, availability may be limited and prices could change; watch for generic versions in the coming years.
Practical Guide: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects
Wegovy is typically injected in the abdomen once weekly. The dose is slowly escalated to reduce side effects.
Wegovy’s common side effects are mainly gastrointestinal, similar to other GLP-1 drugs. Common ones include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, and bloating. Other effects may include headache, fatigue, belching, dizziness, and injection-site redness. Most GI symptoms are mild-to-moderate and temporary; often more common during the first couple weeks of starting medication. Talk to your doctor if they are severe or persistent.
All these medications require a physician’s prescription and supervision. They should only be used under medical guidance as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including diet, exercise, and monitoring. Each drug carries its own precautions. This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance and immediately report any concerning symptoms.
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