Ozempic, a drug manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, helps fight diabetes. Diverted from its use, some use it to lose weight, but it is not without risks. Good news, Danish researchers have put the Wegsa drug directly intended for weight loss, and it has just been authorized in France. We present its effects to you and explain how to obtain it.
What is Wegovy?
Delivered in “early access” for certain people by the French health authorities since July 2022, Wegowy finally received full authorization on October 1. This authorization will allow people with obesity to benefit from the effects of semaglutide, the main component of Wegowy. Concretely, this medication comes in the form ofa pre-filled pen whether the patient injects into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
Wegowy works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is thus able to target areas in the brain that serve to regulate appetite. By suppressing hunger, it will prevent the patient from eating more than necessary. In addition, semaglutide causes a change in food preferences by reducing the taste for fat. An extremely effective double effect for weight loss.
The effects of Wegowy
Researchers observed 611 patients suffering from obesity or overweight for 68 weeks. Some receiving a placebo, others the Wegowy. During this experiment, patients received intensive behavioral therapy, that is, a strict diet, increased physical activity and professional advice. Those who received semaglutide had lost 17 kilos on average compared to 6 kg for the others. They also lost on average 15 cm waist circumference compared to only 6 cm for patients who received the placebo.
Wegowy is a medicine, therefore only adults aged under 65 and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35 kg/m²or the stage of severe obesity can be prescribed it. And it should absolutely only serve as a solution if the person has already tried to lose weight in a conventional way: professional support, low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
This medication is therefore only available on prescription. It is not suitable for people wanting to lose weight for aesthetic reasons. Only specialists in endocrinology, diabetology and nutrition can prescribe Wegowy. According to Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France, pharmacies should sell it “between 270 and 330 euros per box”. A box of four injections allows for one month of treatment, and this is not reimbursed by Social Security.
Side effects of Wegowy
A treatment with Wegowy, although very effective, should not be taken lightly. It actually includes many side effects and therefore requires constant monitoring by health professionals. Studies on semaglutide show that patients can suffer from nausea, diarrheaabdominal pain, headaches and risks of hypoglycemia and dizziness.
