Lifestyle interventions typically achieve modest weight loss (5%-10%), highlighting the need for additional strategies like pharmacotherapy in obesity management.
Early weight-loss drugs were repurposed from other uses, often with limited success, but newer treatments target appetite regulation, achieving weight loss of up to 15% within 6–10 months. Effective obesity management aims not only for weight reduction but also for health improvements by reducing excess fat while preserving lean mass and bone health, with a focus on long-term sustainability
Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, aids in weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing satiety, and slowing gastric emptying. It is approved for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes. Healthcare providers must consider potential side effects (e.g., nausea, pancreatitis, thyroid tumors), contraindications (e.g., thyroid cancer history, pregnancy), and patient preferences when prescribing it. The drug is administered weekly and works best alongside lifestyle changes. Patient engagement, safety, and long-term management are critical in determining its suitability, with emphasis on personalized care to ensure adherence and success.
Healthcare professionals prescribing Wegovy must evaluate patient suitability, focusing on BMI criteria (≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities) and medical history, including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Potential side effects range from common gastrointestinal symptoms to serious risks like pancreatitis and thyroid tumors, with contraindications such as thyroid cancer history and pregnancy.
Patient preferences, including the convenience of weekly dosing and tolerability of side effects, should guide discussions on realistic weight loss goals, emphasizing the importance of combining medication with lifestyle changes for optimal results.
When choosing Wegovy, healthcare professionals must balance its effectiveness in weight loss and metabolic health improvements against potential side effects.
Patient engagement is key, requiring consideration of goals, concerns, and adherence, with counseling or alternatives for those hesitant about injections. Long-term success depends on emphasizing the chronic nature of obesity treatment and the importance of sustained lifestyle changes alongside the medication.
A collaborative approach with dietitians, behavioral therapists, and medical specialists can enhance outcomes for patients using Wegovy.
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