Wegovy Weight Loss Treatment

Obesity is a global health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is associated with a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Despite the known risks, many people struggle to lose weight and keep it off. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of prescription medication to aid weight loss.

In this blog, we will explore the weight loss prescription medication Wegovy, and the science behind effective weight management, and how it can be achieved using a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and prescription medication.

Quick Summary

• Weight loss occurs when the body burns more calories than it consumes.
• Prescription medication like Wegovy can aid in weight loss.
• Wegovy is administered once a week by injection.
• Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the effects of GLP-1.
• Healthy eating is important for weight loss.
• Regular exercise is essential for weight management.
• Effective weight management requires a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and potentially medication like Wegovy.
• Working with a healthcare provider can help develop an individualised weight loss plan.
• To Register Your Interest in Wegovy, you can use the form below or contact our pharmacists in Kennedy's Pharmacy.

The Science Behind Weight Loss

Weight loss occurs when the body burns more calories than it consumes. This can be achieved through a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. 

However, weight loss is not always that simple. Hormones and genetics can also play a role in weight management. For example, the hormone leptin regulates appetite and metabolism. In some people, the body may become resistant to leptin, leading to increased appetite and reduced metabolism.

Prescription Medication for Weight Loss

In addition to lifestyle changes, prescription medication can also be used to aid weight loss. One such medication is Wegovy, which can potentially assist in long-term weight management in adults with obesity or are overweight due to a weight-related condition.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight due to a weight-related condition. Wegovy is meant to be administered once a week by injection, and comes in a pre-filled pen. 

Wegovy is a prescription-only medication and should only be used as part of a weight-loss treatment programme, with the oversight of a qualified pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is produced in the gut and stimulates the release of insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It also reduces appetite and promotes feelings of fullness, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake. 

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist (GLP-1R) receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1.

Healthy Eating for Weight Loss

While medication can aid weight loss, it is important to also make healthy dietary changes. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide the necessary nutrients for the body while also reducing calorie intake.

Portion control is also important, as overeating can quickly negate the effects of calorie restriction. Tracking food intake and keeping a food diary can help individuals stay accountable and make informed choices about what they eat.

Some helpful dietary tips include:

1. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your meals. These are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Aim for at least five servings per day.

2. Choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, turkey, beans, and legumes. These can help to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

3. Include whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread in your diet. These are high in fibre and can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Avoid processed and sugary foods, such as sweets, sugary carbonated drinks. These are high in calories and low in nutrients.

5. Use healthy cooking methods, such as grilling, baking, or steaming, instead of frying or sautéing in oil.

6. Watch portion sizes and use measuring cups or a food scale to ensure that you are eating the recommended serving sizes.

7. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. This can help to reduce hunger and prevent overeating.

Remember, healthy eating is just one component of weight loss. It is also important to incorporate regular exercise and to make sustainable lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise for Weight Loss

Regular exercise is also an important component of weight management. Exercise can increase calorie burn, improve metabolic health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Some examples of exercises that can aid in weight loss:

1. Cardiovascular exercise: This includes activities such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming, which can increase heart rate and calorie burn.

2. Resistance training: This includes weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, or resistance band workouts. Building muscle can increase metabolism and calorie burn even at rest.

3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): This involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. HIIT can be a time-efficient way to burn calories and increase fitness levels.

4. Group exercise classes: Joining a group exercise class, such as aerobics, dance, or cycling, can provide motivation and social support while also burning calories.

5. Outdoor activities: Activities such as hiking, kayaking, or skiing can provide a fun and active way to burn calories and enjoy the outdoors.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration of exercise to avoid injury. It is also important to find activities that are enjoyable and sustainable for long-term weight management.

Effective weight management requires a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and may be aided by prescription medication such as Wegovy. It is important to work with a healthcare provider such as Kennedy's Pharmacy to develop an individualised plan that takes into account individual factors such as hormones and genetics. By making sustainable lifestyle changes, individuals can achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

Wegovy FAQs

Can You Buy Wegovy in the UK?

As of March 2023, Wegovy is available through registered and qualified providers in the UK as a prescription only treatment.

You cannot purchase Wegovy injections and self administered pens. It will only be a prescription medication and will only be available with a valid prescription or as part of a recognised Weight Management Service such as that provided by Kennedy’s Pharmacy.

Does Kennedy's Pharmacy Offer Weight Loss Treatments?

We offer treatment plans for weight loss under two programmes. One orally administered and one as an injections. Learn more if you are eligible for our medicated weight management programmes.

Wegovy vs Ozempic 

Wegovy  and Ozempic are both prescription medications used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or  who are overweight. The medication in Wegovy is called semaglutide, and it is also used to treat Type 2 Diabetes under the brand name Ozempic.

Wegovy vs Saxenda

Saxenda and Wegovy are medications that require a prescription and can assist individuals in managing their weight. Saxenda contains liraglutide, a natural compound, as its active ingredient, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. These compounds work similarly by imitating the effects of GLP-1 hormones in the body.