How to Be Successful With Semaglutide (Wegovy) for Weight Loss

Are you ready to be successful with your semaglutide (Wegovy) therapy? If so, let a pharmacist be your guide to navigating the challenges of this medication. Semaglutide is known by two brand names Ozempic, for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, for weight management. For the purpose of this article, we will focus only on Wegovy and its use for weight management to avoid any confusion.

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Understanding Semaglutide (Wegovy): What Is It?

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that should be used as an adjunct with a healthy diet and exercise for weight loss. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone found in the GI tract. It helps release insulin when your blood sugar is high, slows down how fast your stomach empties after eating, makes you feel less hungry, helps your body get rid of salt and water, and helps certain cells in your pancreas grow. Besides these, it also protects your heart and brain, reduces swelling and cell death, and may even affect how you learn and remember things, how you feel happy, and what foods you enjoy. Wegovy is 94% similar to naturally occurring GLP-1 in the body. ¹

Understanding Semaglutide (Wegovy): Why Is It Important?

Before finding your success with semaglutide (Wegovy) therapy, you must understand why this is important. Wegovy has been found to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.² This is important because heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes, is a significant health concern for many people, especially those who are overweight or obese. By reducing the risk of these serious cardiovascular events, we can help people live healthier and longer lives. Additionally, preventing heart problems can improve overall quality of life and allow individuals to continue doing the things they enjoy without being limited by health issues. Therefore, taking steps to lower the risk of cardiovascular events, such as through medication or lifestyle changes, is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being.

Understanding Semaglutide (Wegovy): How it Should Be Taken?

Wegovy is prescribed as an adjunct to a healthy diet and increased physical activity to help reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term. It is typically initiated at a dose of 0.25 mg and titrated every 4 weeks. It should be taken once weekly, on the same day of the week. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without meals.

A few takeaways I want to discuss include the indication “in conjunction with a healthy diet and physical activity. There is so much medical misinformation on social media about taking it without dieting and still losing weight. This may work in the short term, but be advised you will not receive the maximal benefits of the medication by doing this. I recently wrote an article “The 10 Best Ways to Cut Calories Now and Lose Weight” elaborating on foods that tend to be high calorie that we do not always think about. Read this and make sure you are taking into account these considerations in your diet. Also, use an app like MyFitnessPal to monitor and determine your daily caloric needs, this will ensure you eating balanced meals. Read my article “How to Monitor Macronutrients” to help you better understand this process and the breakdown of your daily macronutrients.

Exercise is important both for your cardiovascular health and to lose weight. Make sure you are working out 150+ minutes a week, incorporating at least two days of strength training to prevent the loss of lean muscle mass with semaglutide. Consider signing up to receive my WEIGHT LOSS BUNDLE to help kickstart your exercise routine and reach your weight loss goals. It includes a food journal, goal setting sheet, and beginner workout plan.

Understanding Semaglutide (Wegovy): What are the Challenges?

Patients undergoing Wegovy therapy often encounter significant challenges to being successful with therapy, including cost, drug availability, and side effects. As Wegovy is a newly developed medication, it is protected by a patent, meaning there is no generic alternative available at a lower cost. Typically, new brand medications come with a higher price tag, and at the time of writing this article, Wegovy can range from $1000 to $1500.

Moreover, the demand for Wegovy has surged, leading to difficulties in its production. This has resulted in Wegovy being listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list. In response, compounding companies have begun producing compounded versions of the medication. However, this has raised safety concerns regarding the consistency and quality of these compounded versions.

Additionally, clinical trials have highlighted gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) as common side effects of Wegovy therapy. These AEs are reported in a significant proportion of treated patients, ranging from 40% to 85% in various studies.³ Therefore, patients considering Wegovy therapy should be aware of the potential for gastrointestinal side effects and discuss them with their healthcare provider.

Having understood the significant hurdles faced by patients using Wegovy therapy, it’s essential to discuss actionable steps to conquer these challenges. By employing proactive approaches and utilizing available resources, individuals can effectively navigate the issues of cost, drug availability, and side effects. Let’s now discuss practical strategies to tackle each of these concerns head-on.

Overcoming Challenges to Semaglutide (Wegovy): Cost

Given Wegovy’s patent status, a generic version is unavailable. You will find companies offering different versions of the medication (i.e. compounded, sublingual) for low cost, however I would proceed with caution in those cases. So, how do you really save money on semaglutide if your insurance does not cover it? There are a few different platforms that can help you in this regard, but we will first start with GoodRx.

GoodRx is a service that provides information about prescription drug prices, discounts, and coupons to help consumers save money on their medications. It offers a website and mobile app where users can search for the lowest prices for their prescribed medications at local pharmacies. GoodRx also provides coupons and discount cards that can be used to reduce the cost of prescription drugs at the point of purchase. Overall, GoodRx aims to empower consumers to make more informed decisions about their healthcare spending by providing transparent pricing information and savings opportunities. They even offer a tool to check your insurance benefits to see if the medication is covered. Check Wegovy pricing –> HERE.

Secondly, another way to save money is through the manufacturers website. Manufacturer discounts for medications are programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to help patients afford their prescribed medications. These discounts can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals, making crucial treatments more accessible. To find manufacturer discounts for Wegovy, you can visit the manufacturer’s official website and look for information on patient assistance programs or savings cards. It’s essential for patients to inquire about these programs and explore all available options to ensure they can afford their medications and maintain their health. To learn more about Novo Nordisk discount programs follow the link —> HERE. Keeping cost in mind, just be aware that this medication will need to be taken long term to achieve optimal benefits and make sure you factor the cost into your monthly expenses. Also note that these coupons may have a limited use and not cover the medication for the total duration of therapy.

Overcoming Challenges to Semaglutide (Wegovy): Drug Availability

The availability of semaglutide (Wegovy) can pose challenges to medication access. The demand for this weight loss drug has highly surpassed its supply, leading to manufacturing issues and disruptions in the supply chain. Due to supply issues, the medication is currently listed on the FDA’s Drug Shortage List, which enables companies to produce compounded versions of the product. Though compounded medications can be safe, there have been concerns of different salt formulations being used in place of the FDA approved active ingredient in semaglutide. It’s important to note that compounded versions of drugs are NOT reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA and most endocrinologists, as well as medical societies, are advising against the use of compounded products.

To learn tips to identify safe compounding practices and potentially fake semaglutide injections. Read my article “The Best Tips to Identify a Fake Semaglutide Injection.”

However, ensuring access to semaglutide is crucial for individuals seeking effective weight management solutions. Semaglutide has demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health. For individuals struggling with obesity or overweight conditions, timely access to semaglutide can lead to better weight management, enhanced overall health, and reduced risk of obesity-related complications.

See below steps you can take to ensure the availability of semaglutide:

1. Stay Informed: Stay informed about the availability status of semaglutide. Regularly check with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or the medication manufacturer for updates on availability.
2. Refill Prescriptions Early: Refill your prescription as soon as you are able. This allows ample time to address any potential availability issues, such as backorders or supply shortages.
3. Explore Alternatives: Discuss alternative medications with your healthcare provider. Sometimes, there may be similar medications available that can effectively treat their condition if their primary medication is unavailable.
4. Utilize Patient Assistance Programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs to help individuals afford their medications. Patients can inquire about these programs through their healthcare provider or directly from the medication manufacturer.
5. Advocate for Access: Advocate for access by contacting legislators, participating in patient advocacy groups, or raising awareness about the importance of the semaglutide for your health needs.

Another method to find medication is through Ro’s GLP-1 Tracker.

Overcoming Challenges to Semaglutide (Wegovy): Side Effects

Semaglutide (Wegovy) clinical studies have shown that 44% of adult patients experienced nausea, compared to only 16% in the comparable group who received no medication. Vomiting was less frequent at around 24%, compared to only 6% in the group receiving no medication.¹ Why is this important? It is one of the leading causes of discontinuation of therapy. For patients who are unable to tolerate a maintenance dose of at least 1.7 mg, it is recommended to discontinue therapy. In order to be successful on therapy, it’s important to know that this symptom will occur and what measures you should take to lessen the likelihood. Below we will discuss a few strategies to lessen nausea and vomiting with semaglutide therapy. For a more detailed article, make sure to read “How to Overcome Nausea with Semaglutide: The Ultimate Guide.”

Dietary Habits

How and what you eat play a vital role in helping you manage side effects with semaglutide. Mindful eating is paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both internally and externally. It emphasizes being present in the moment and engaging all the senses while consuming food. It involves really gauging your senses and body hunger cues to stop eating when you are full. Eat slowly, without distractions, and avoid late night meals. Other eating tips to consider is the composition of your food. Avoid spicy, high fat, sugar loaded, canned, or greasy meals. Stick to baked, boiled or griddle made food items. Eat foods high in fiber or supplement (Metamucil) to help with regulating your bowel movements. Hydrate with with water and not soda or carbonated drinks. Take small sips, not too much at one time.

Another dietary consideration that can aid in lessening nausea is sticking with foods that are easier on the digestive tract. Diets like the BRAT diet can help soothe the stomach. Comprising bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, and toast, this diet is designed to provide easily digestible and bland foods that are gentle on the stomach. Bananas offer potassium to restore electrolyte balance, rice provides a binding effect to help solidify stools, applesauce contributes a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the senses, and toast provides a mild, starchy base. Together, these components create a comforting combination that aids in settling the stomach and reducing the urge to vomit. The BRAT diet is particularly beneficial during episodes of nausea, stomach flu, or recovery from gastrointestinal issues, offering a bland yet nourishing approach to help you bounce back to balance. This diet may not be the best during your full course of therapy, just in times of dose increases or as small snack 30 minutes after your injection, to offset nausea symptoms. Make sure to read my article “How to Overcome Nausea with Semaglutide: The Ultimate Guide” to see a sample BRAT diet plan.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies like ginger and peppermint have been found to aid in nausea symptoms, ginger particularly post chemotherapy treatment⁴ and peppermint as aromatherapy in hospitalized patients.⁵ A multidisciplinary expert panel comprising three endocrinologists, two nephrologists, two primary care physicians (PCPs), two cardiologists, two internists and one DNE, all of them with clinical expertise in the management of people with T2D or obesity with GLP-1 RA-based therapies, convened across virtual meetings to reach a consensus on how to manage side effects with semaglutide therapy. One of their recommendations included, if 30 minutes has passed since the last GLP-1 RA dose, eat foods able to ease the symptoms of nausea, such as crackers, apples, mint, ginger root or ginger-based drinks.⁶ Take caution with ginger-based drinks, like ginger-ale, they are dense in calories. Try natural teas instead, like the ones provided below. Make sure to have them 30 minutes after your dose of medication.

• Tumeric & Ginger Tea Bags on Amazon (*affiliate link*)
• Peppermint Tea Bags on Amazon (*affiliate link*)
• Try my custom MOCKTAIL

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a crucial nutrient known for its ability to alleviate nausea. It can be a helpful aid in nausea associated with semaglutide and mitigate vomiting discomfort. This essential vitamin plays a significant role in bodily functions, particularly in regulating neurotransmitters linked to nausea. Widely recognized as a reliable remedy for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, Vitamin B6 offers expectant mothers a safe and natural solution. Supported by numerous randomized controlled studies, recent literature reviews confirm the effectiveness of Vitamin B6 supplementation, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients, in alleviating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.⁷ Its benefits extend beyond pregnancy, providing relief in various nausea-inducing situations. By enhancing the body’s ability to metabolize amino acids and neurotransmitters, Vitamin B6 serves as a valuable tool for digestive well-being. Whether obtained from B6-rich foods or supplements, integrating this vital nutrient into daily routines can promote a calmer, nausea-free life. Keep in mind, Vitamin B6 takes a little longer for absorption and to get to adequate levels in the body. Taking around 100 mg a day is generally safe and you would need to give it a few weeks to start working effectively. Please consult with your physician to ensure it is safe with your current medications and conditions. If you prefer not taking a supplement, here is an article that list food sources of vitamin B6–> NIH.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is essential for the metabolism of amino acids, the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 supports immune function, helps maintain normal brain development, and aids in the conversion of food into energy. You can find this in most grocery and retail pharmacy chains, as well as on AMAZON (*affiliate link*).

Directions for Use: How to Be Successful With Semaglutide (Wegovy) for Weight Loss

Semaglutide (Wegovy) has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing body weight by up to 20% and lowering the risk of major cardiovascular events among obese patients. The significant benefits of this medication are widely recognized and hold promise for addressing the endemic health issue of obesity. Ensuring patient access to the necessary tools for successful semaglutide therapy is paramount to maximizing its benefits. However, patients may encounter challenges in staying on therapy, including cost, medication availability, and side effects. It’s crucial for patients to carefully consider whether they can commit to this treatment regimens costs, dietary restrictions, and maintain an adequate diet and exercise plan to effectively lose weight. Making an informed decision and ensuring readiness to adhere to the therapy plan are essential steps in harnessing the potential benefits of semaglutide. See two other resources I have curated to help you be successful below.

When contemplating weight loss therapy, it’s vital to explore all available options. Collaborating with a comprehensive weight management center allows for thorough discussions about various treatment possibilities to determine the most suitable course of action. Many individuals initially consider medication but later realize they might be better candidates for bariatric surgery. My husband, a Bariatric Surgeon, and I recently co-authored “Losing Weight, Gaining Life,” a valuable resource detailing the journey of weight loss, bariatric surgery, and weight loss medications. The key lies in engaging in open conversations and staying well-informed.

For those in the Atlanta area seeking additional support, the Longstreet Clinic Center for Weight Management offers excellent services, including delicious high-protein supplements to jumpstart weight loss journeys. To learn more about current FDA-approved weight loss medications, consider purchasing my eBook below. It provides comprehensive insights to aid in informed decision-making regarding weight loss therapy.

What has been the biggest challenge you face with semaglutide therapy? Feel free to share and comment, we love to hear from our readers!

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4. Lete I, Allué J. The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy. Integr Med Insights. 2016 Mar 31;11:11-7. doi: 10.4137/IMI.S36273. PMID: 27053918; PMCID: PMC4818021.  ↩︎
5. Mohr C, Jensen C, Padden N, Besel JM, Brant JM. Peppermint Essential Oil for Nausea and Vomiting in Hospitalized Patients: Incorporating Holistic Patient Decision Making Into the Research Design. J Holist Nurs. 2021 Jun;39(2):126-134. doi: 10.1177/0898010120961579. Epub 2020 Sep 27. Erratum in: J Holist Nurs. 2022 Sep;40(3):NP1-NP5. PMID: 32985338 ↩︎
6. Gorgojo-Martínez, J.J.; Mezquita-Raya, P.; Carretero-Gómez, J.; Castro, A.; Cebrián-Cuenca, A.; de Torres-Sánchez, A.; García-de-Lucas, M.D.; Núñez, J.; Obaya, J.C.; Soler, M.J.; et al. Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/
   jcm12010145 ↩︎
7. Jayawardena R, Majeed S, Sooriyaarachchi P, Abeywarne U, Ranaweera P. The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023 Oct;308(4):1075-1084. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-06925-w. Epub 2023 Jan 31. PMID: 36719452. ↩︎