Wegovy works by mimicking a natural gut hormone to influence appetite and food intake, helping people eat less and feel fuller sooner. It’s the brand name for semaglutide given as a once-weekly injection and belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. Key ways Wegovy works
- Appetite suppression: Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which helps reduce hunger and cravings. This can lead to lower overall calorie intake.
- Slowed gastric emptying: The drug slows the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, enhancing fullness after meals.
- Metabolic effects: GLP-1 receptor activation can influence insulin release and glucagon suppression in ways that support weight management and may have favorable effects on glucose metabolism in some individuals. (This reflects the broader GLP-1 class mechanism.)
What Wegovy targets
- Weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions, alongside diet and physical activity. It’s prescribed as part of a structured weight-loss program.
- In addition to weight loss, GLP-1–based therapies can have cardiovascular and metabolic considerations, which healthcare providers discuss as part of treatment planning.
How it’s administered
- Wegovy is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, with a gradual dose-escalation schedule designed to minimize side effects and maximize tolerability. The exact dosing schedule is tailored to the individual by a clinician.
Important safety and expectations notes
- Side effects commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort, especially during the initial weeks as the body adjusts. Most people experience these at least briefly, and many improve over time with dose adjustments and support.
- It is not a standalone cure and works best when paired with dietary changes, physical activity, and ongoing medical supervision.
Summary
- Wegovy acts mainly by mimicking GLP-1, reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and supporting lower calorie intake to facilitate weight loss, with treatment personalized and supervised by a clinician.
