June 4, 2021: The US Food and Medication Administration (FDA) has accepted the Wegovy (semaglutide) injection as a new medication application, Novo Nordisk stated it is effective from June 4, 2021. This 2.4 mg prescription weight loss drug is the only one available, and it should only be taken once a week.

Also, as per an update in 2023, Novo Nordisk stated that its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy could receive expanded approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration within six months.

When used in conjunction with a diet low in calories and increased physical activity, the obesity drug Wegovy is recommended for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or excessive weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical conditions (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).

Since 2014, this under-the-skin injection has been the first FDA-approved obesity medication for chronic weight management in individuals with general obesity or overweight.
Sufferings due to obesity!
About 70% of adult Americans are overweight or obese. Obesity and overweight are serious health problems linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer, among other major causes of mortality.

Reducing body weight by 5% to 10% by diet and exercise has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

Wegovy, FDA FDA-approved drug for obesity mimics the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that acts on the brain regions responsible for controlling hunger and food intake. To lessen gastrointestinal adverse effects, the FDA-approved obesity medication dosage needs to be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to 2.4 mg once weekly.

Obesity drug Wegovy should not be taken in conjunction with any GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide-containing products, or other weight-loss medications, such as over-the-counter, prescription, or herbal treatments.

Study & Clinical Trials Details Revealed
Wegovy FDA approved for weight loss based on the findings of the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in Obese People) clinical trial program, which consisted of four phase 3a clinical trials comprising roughly 4,500 patients.

Compared to patients on placebo (reduced-calorie meal plan and higher physical activity only), the trials showed that patients taking WegovyTM with a reduced-calorie meal program and enhanced physical activity experienced a substantial decrease in body weight.

Additionally, Wegovy - FDA drug for weight loss users lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight after 68 weeks in the STEP 1 study, compared to 2.4% for placebo-takers. Furthermore, in the WegovyTM arm, 83.5% of patients lost 5% or more of their body weight, compared to 31.1% in the placebo arm.

"We have never observed such a significant weight decrease with a medication. With results that have never been seen with an anti-obesity medication previously, this wegovy FDA approval provides obese patients with a once-weekly, non-surgical option, according to Dr. Robert Kushner, a professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

With Wegovy's weight loss FDA approval, healthcare professionals will now be able to treat obesity medically and assist patients in controlling their chronic weight more effectively."

Some key considerations you should keep in mind:
The wegovy FDA approval for weight loss is surely completed but can cause serious side effects that need to be considered before use. One significant risk is the potential development of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. If you experience symptoms such as a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, it could indicate thyroid cancer, and you should inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Other serious side effects include inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder problems, which might require surgery. Wegovy - FDA drug for weight loss
can also increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes, potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fast heartbeat.

Kidney problems and serious allergic reactions are also possible, along with changes in vision and increased heart rate. Additionally, individuals taking the Obesity drug Wegovy might experience mental health issues such as depression or thoughts of suicide, requiring prompt medical attention.

Common side effects of Wegovy™ include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, among others. It is crucial to discuss your medical history and any other medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting Wegovy™, as it can interact with certain drugs.

About Scott Read Pharmacy: It is a leading Pharmacy in Houston , offering a range of high-quality medications and supplements to fulfill the requirements of a diverse customer base. We are also the trusted community pharmacy and provider of wegovy - FDA-approved drugs for obesity, after careful consideration of customer needs and healthcare professionals’ prescriptions. Through our pharmacy, we believe in establishing trust and relationships with the client, while also providing detail-oriented personalized pharmacy services.