How Wegovy Works In Weight Management: Explaining GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Their Role In Weight Loss

Wegovy is a weight loss medication that contains semaglutide, a medication that belongs to a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines help people manage their weight by reducing hunger and helping the body feel fuller for longer. Here’s how Wegovy works and why it’s effective for weight management.

Key Takeaways

How Wegovy Works for Weight Loss

Wegovy, containing semaglutide, reduces hunger and helps people feel fuller for longer by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and slows digestion. This makes it effective for steady weight management.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy works with the body’s natural hunger-control system rather than solely suppressing appetite. This makes it more sustainable than traditional diet pills, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Safe, Regulated Weight Management Option

Wegovy has MHRA approval in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health issues. It is a weekly injection that can support long-term weight loss and improve health related to high blood pressure or diabetes.

What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of medication that mimics a natural hormone in the body known as GLP-1, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar and appetite [1] and also plays a role in slowing down digestion. By mimicking GLP-1, medications like Wegovy help people feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating.

How do GLP-1 receptor agonists help with weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists work in several ways to help people lose weight:

Appetite control:

They target areas in the brain responsible for hunger, helping people feel full with less food.

Slower digestion:

By slowing down the emptying of the stomach, these medications help people feel satisfied for longer periods, reducing the need to snack or overeat.

These actions together make GLP-1 receptor agonists, like the semaglutide in Wegovy, powerful tools for managing weight when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

How does Wegovy work differently from other weight loss treatments?

Unlike traditional diet pills, Wegovy works by mimicking the body’s natural hunger-control system rather than simply suppressing appetite. This means it can be more effective and sustainable for long-term weight management when used alongside a balanced diet and exercise.

Is Wegovy safe for weight management?

In the UK, Wegovy has been approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) for adults who meet specific criteria, such as having a high BMI or weight-related health issues. The medication has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness in supporting weight loss.

Who can use Wegovy?

Wegovy may be suitable for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI of 27 and a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure. A consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine if Wegovy is appropriate for each individual.

How is Wegovy taken?

Wegovy is a self-administered injection that is used once a week. It’s usually injected in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm and is designed to gradually help the body adjust to lower calorie intake and weight loss.

What are the benefits of using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy for weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy provide a steady, manageable approach to weight loss, helping people to:

• Lose weight steadily by reducing hunger and calorie intake.

• Improve overall health by managing weight-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

With consistent use, Wegovy can support individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise [2].

Beginner’s Guide To Wegovy For Weight Loss

Discover everything you need to know about Wegovy for weight loss in our beginner's guide. This comprehensive overview explains how Wegovy works, whether it’s approved by the MHRA, who it’s suitable for, and much more. If you’re curious about how Semaglutide supports weight management or want to compare Wegovy with similar treatments like Mounjaro, this guide has you covered. Read on to see if Wegovy could be the right step in your weight loss journey, with all requests for supply subject to an online clinical consultation and the approval of a registered independent prescriber.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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References

[1] GLP-1 agonists | Diabetes UK 

[2] Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know