Are you obese or have obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol? Have you been having trouble trying to lose weight through lifestyle changes like eating healthier and getting more exercise?
If so, you may benefit from the prescription drug Wegovy. Before you make the decision, however, you and your physician need to discuss the pros and cons of this medication.
Here is more information on the pros and cons of Wegovy including Wegovy side effects.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a semaglutide prescription drug that, when injected on a weekly basis, helps slow down the movement of food through the body, thereby reducing appetite and aiding in weight loss. Wegovy is available by prescription only, so you will need to talk with a physician to see if it is right for you and obtain a prescription before you can use it.
Good candidates for Wegovy are those with a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher who have tried to lose weight through lifestyle changes but have not been able to do so. Those who have a BMI between 27-29 may also be good candidates if they have obesity-related issues such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Pros of Wegovy
There are many reasons why you may want to consider Wegovy for your weight loss goals. They include effective weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a reduced cardiovascular risk. Other pros of Wegovy are that is is easy to administer as it only needs to be injected on a weekly basis and that you may able to get assistance with paying for it, making it an affordable medication for nearly all who need it.
Cons of Wegovy
Of course, every prescription drug has some cons. One is that you may experience weight gain after discontinuing use of Wegovy. You may also find the cost prohibitive if you do not have the right kind of insurance. Since Wegovy is a relatively new drug, the long-term safety of it is also not yet knows.
The side effects of Wegovy may also be a drawback. Common side effects include swelling of the stomach area, nausea or vomiting, stomach flu, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, headache, gas, and infection of the nose or throat. Most of these Wegovy side effects are relatively minor and fade after continued use. However, there is a potential for more serious side effects including thyroid tumors, severe allergic reactions, kidney or gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, pancreatitis, vision changes, suicidal thoughts, and vision changes. While rare, some of these side effects could be life-threatening.
Wegovy Side Effects: Is It Worth It?
It’s important to discuss all the Wegovy side effects with your doctor before you make a decision to start using it. If you do notice any of the symptoms of the more serious side effects after you start use, you should immediately call your physician and discuss the symptoms. While Wegovy may be a healthy supplement to lifestyle changes for those who need to lose weight, the Wegovy side effects must be fully understood so you can make a solid decision.
