Wegovy: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable medication approved for chronic weight management in adults. Also known as semaglutide, it's one of the most studied weight loss drugs in recent years, designed to help people who struggle with obesity or overweight conditions linked to other health issues. Unlike diet pills or supplements, Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone your body naturally makes — GLP-1 — that tells your brain when you're full. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about biology.

Wegovy doesn’t burn fat. It doesn’t block calories. It simply makes you feel satisfied faster and keeps hunger signals quiet for longer. That’s why clinical trials showed people losing up to 15% of their body weight on average — and keeping it off — when combined with lifestyle changes. It’s not magic. But it’s science that works. And it’s not for everyone. Doctors only prescribe it to adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with weight-related conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. If you’ve tried diets and exercise without lasting results, Wegovy might be worth discussing.

It’s part of a bigger shift in how we treat obesity — not as a lack of discipline, but as a medical condition. Other drugs like Ozempic (same active ingredient, different dose) are used for diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically dosed and labeled for weight loss. You’ll need to take it once a week, under the skin, like an insulin shot. Side effects? Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are common at first, but most people adjust over time. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and possible thyroid tumors in animal studies — which is why regular check-ins with your doctor matter.

Wegovy doesn’t work alone. It’s most effective when paired with a balanced diet and regular movement. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a tool — one that’s changing lives for people who’ve spent years fighting their weight without success. If you’re considering it, know what you’re getting into. The data is clear: this drug helps people lose weight. But the real question is whether it helps you — and whether you can stick with it.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people using Wegovy, comparisons with other weight loss medications, and what to watch out for when starting treatment. These aren’t ads. They’re facts, stories, and warnings from patients and doctors who’ve been there.