The FDA says Wegovy injections could be used as a weight-loss treatment for individuals that are obese or overweight. Is the risk from the side effects worth it?
On June 4, the FDA approved the use of Wegovy (semaglutide) injections for weight loss. The injections are targeted for individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. The benefit of taking the injections? The possibility of losing up to 12% of body fat in 68 weeks.
Wegovy injections are one of the first injections to be used for chronic weight management since 2014. The injections are used for individuals with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher with at least one weight-related problem, or for individuals with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or higher.
The trials on Wegovy injections were done on four groups of people in 68 weeks. Three were randomized groups, and the final group was used as a placebo. The results of the study showed that 74% of the patients were female with an average body weight of 231. By the end of the study, the average female had lost 12.4% body fat.
A similar trial was performed on individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the results were very similar. The average person had lost 6.2% body fat after initially weighing an average of 220lb.
The injections show many benefits, but there are side effects you should take into account.
—nausea
—thyroid cancer
—Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
—headache
—fatigue
—hypoglycemia
—gastroenteritis
—gastroesophageal reflux disease
you can learn more on the Wegovy website.
Nonetheless, researchers are saying that Wegovy could be the solution to the obesity epidemic. With over 70% of Americans in the overweight or obese category, these new injections could help individuals live healthier life.
The FDA says you can talk to your healthcare provider about the steps you can take in being cautious of the side effects. Still, is the risk from the side effects worth it?