Up to 10% total weight loss in six months
The results observed following studies carried out before the drug was launched on the market are promising. “Patients can lose up to 10% of their initial weight in six months in the best casesexplains Perle Sayedoff. This is a very good result, because we are around -5% with a change in diet associated with regular physical activity. »
Wegovy works in several ways to achieve such a result. The satiety hormone that it contains reaches the brain more quickly, while, at the same time, gastric emptying (the time it takes for the stomach to “empty”) occurs less quickly. “Patients experience slowed digestion and a ‘full stomach’ feeling for much longer. They therefore eat less. There is a risk, however, that they will start skipping meals! »
Nausea, vomiting, pain… common side effects
Although the medication seems to have demonstrated its effectiveness, it is nevertheless not without side effects. “Nearly 80% of patients experience them, which is a lot! », testifies Doctor Sayedoff. The most common are digestive: stomach aches, constipation or, on the contrary, diarrhea or nausea, even vomiting. Effects which nevertheless normally fade over time.
“If you increase the dose gradually, as recommended, and if you listen carefully to your feeling of satiety, one should not normally suffer from significant digestive disorders », Specifies Doctor Liliane Borges-Martins.
The persistence of side effects is in fact often linked to a diet problem: too fatty, too sweet, or in too large a quantity. “You need a good diet to support this treatment well. This is an opportunity for the doctor to correct these errors with patients and to rebalance the diet. »
Dangerous hijackings of Wegovy
Wegovy is therefore not a medication intended to be prescribed to people who just want to lose a few pounds. “In the USA, influencers have diverted the product for aesthetic purposes,” reports Perle Sayedoff. Its misuse has been a source of serious health problems, even hospitalizations due to excessive side effects.
“In France, the problem is a little different. For a period, Ozempic could no longer be found in pharmacies.” Ozempic is this diabetes medication containing the same molecule, but in a lower dose. People were then suspected of diverting the treatment in order to lose weight. However, semaglutide should only be taken under strict supervision.. “Some patients are tempted to obtain a prescription abroad, or even to buy products sold on the internet. This is very dangerous, because they may not contain what they indicate at all,” warns Dr. Borges-Martins.
A medicine not yet reimbursed
The two specialists agree that Wegovy is a therapeutic breakthrough when prescribed under the right conditions. “We also note a reduction in cardiovascular diseases among patients. The only risk is gaining weight again after stopping treatment, which lasts at least six months. A risk that can be moderated by good food hygiene,” explains Dr. Sayedoff.
There remains the problem of price. Wegovy is not currently covered by Health Insurance. However, its price is high, since it costs around €300 per month. “So at the moment you need at least €2,000. The price moderates patient enthusiasm. Some even give it up, says Doctor Borges-Martins. However, this medication should be reimbursed. It gives good results. It is sometimes even a much less invasive alternative to certain bariatric surgery operations. “. A situation which could change in the coming months since the High Authority for Health (HAS) has just issued a favorable opinion for its coverage up to 65% in certain cases (initial BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² in the event of failure of well-conducted nutritional care).
