If you've been struggling with obesity and are considering the use of weight-loss medications, you might have come across the newly FDA-approved drug called Wegovy. While Wegovy has been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight, it's essential to know the potential side effects that come with it. In this article, we'll discuss the most common Wegovy side effects that you should be aware of before deciding to use the drug.
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a medication used to help people with obesity lose weight. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone that stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, Wegovy can help you eat less and feel full faster.
Wegovy works by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and increasing feelings of fullness. This, in turn, reduces the amount of food you eat and helps you lose weight. Wegovy also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
While Wegovy has been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight, it can also cause several side effects. The most common side effects include:
Nausea and vomiting are the most commonly reported side effects of Wegovy. These symptoms can be mild to severe and usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment. To reduce the likelihood of nausea and vomiting, it's recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time.
Diarrhea is another common side effect of Wegovy. It can be mild to severe and usually occurs during the first few weeks of treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding high-fat meals can help reduce the likelihood of diarrhea.
Headaches are another common side effect of Wegovy. These can be mild to severe and usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment. If you experience severe headaches or migraines, it's recommended to speak to your doctor.
Constipation is a less common side effect of Wegovy, but it can still occur. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation.
Injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching, can occur with Wegovy injections. These reactions are usually mild and go away on their own.
While rare, Wegovy can also cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Wegovy can cause inflammation of the pancreas, a condition called pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Wegovy can increase the risk of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones. Symptoms of gallstones include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Wegovy can increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, a rare type of thyroid cancer. Symptoms of thyroid C-cell tumors include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Wegovy is a new weight-loss medication that has been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight. However, It's essential to know the potential side effects that come with using Wegovy before deciding to use the medication to manage obesity or type 2 diabetes.