Could you imagine losing up to 25% of your body weight? A prescription drug called Wegovy promises just that. But is it available in Australia and how does it actually work? Read on to learn more about this promising weight loss product.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a medication that is only available on prescription. It helps with overweight and obesity. The active ingredient semaglutide is a genetically engineered GLP-1 analogue.
Active ingredient semaglutide: a GLP-1 analogue
GLP-1 is a hormone found in the body that helps control blood sugar levels and reduce hunger. Semaglutide can support the hormone and thus help with weight loss.
Indication for the treatment of obesity
In the EU, Wegovy is only approved for obesity or overweight. It is combined with a low-calorie diet and more exercise. This can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How does Wegovy work?
The active ingredient semaglutide in Wegovy helps regulate weight. It promotes insulin secretion and lowers glucagon concentration. This improves blood sugar control and reduces appetite, leading to weight loss.
Regulation of insulin and glucagon
Semaglutide in Wegovy mimics the hormone GLP-1. This hormone is released after eating and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Wegovy enhances this process, improving blood sugar control.
Delayed gastric emptying and appetite control
Semaglutide also slows down gastric emptying. Patients feel full for longer and are less hungry. The active ingredient influences the feeling of satiety in the brain. This leads to significant weight loss in Wegovy users.
| How Wegovy works | effect |
|---|---|
| Stimulation of insulin secretion | Better blood sugar control |
| Inhibition of glucagon production | Lowering blood sugar levels |
| Slowing down of gastric emptying | Longer feeling of satiety, reduced appetite |
| Influencing appetite regulation in the brain | Reducing the feeling of hunger |
Wegovy supports patients who are overweight or obese in losing weight.
“Wegovy is a promising drug that can help patients reduce their weight in the long term and avoid health complications.”
Who can get Wegovy?
In Australia, only certain people can get Wegovy . This applies to people who are obese (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight with comorbidities (BMI ≥ 27). They must first try other treatments such as changing their diet and increasing their exercise.
Requirements for Wegovy
- Adults must have a BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m².
- Children and adolescents aged 12 and over who are obese and weigh at least 60 kg can also receive Wegovy.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| BMI for adults | ≥ 30 kg/m² (obesity) or ≥ 27 kg/m² to |
| Comorbidities | At least one weight-related comorbidity |
| Weight for children/teenagers | At least 60 kg |
Wegovy is only approved for these groups. It is not suitable for people without obesity problems. The drug can carry risks.
“To obtain a prescription for Wegovy®, you must be examined by a doctor and meet the prescription requirements.”
Side effects of Wegovy
Wegovy can cause side effects. Initially there may be problems with the digestive system. These include nausea , vomiting and diarrhea .
In the long term, there is a risk for the wegovy pancreas and wegovy thyroid . This is what the European Medicines Agency says.
There have been cases of depression and suicidal thoughts in the US. These long-term effects have not yet been fully investigated. If you notice symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Common side effects such as nausea and diarrhea
Digestive problems are common with Wegovy. Studies show that 30 percent of patients experience nausea in the first few weeks . Around 15 percent suffer from diarrhea .
Potential long-term risks to the pancreas and thyroid
The European Medicines Agency says that Wegovy poses long-term risks to the pancreas and thyroid. Regular check-ups are important.
“If you experience severe abdominal pain, you should see a doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas.”
Buy wegovy: Costs and reimbursement
In Germany, patients have to cover the costs of wegovy themselves. Weight loss medication is not reimbursed by health insurance companies. Treatment with wegovy costs around 175 euros per month. At the highest dosage, the costs are around 300 euros.
In comparison, wegovy costs around $1,350 (€1,200) per month in the US. This makes the prices in Germany significantly lower.
According to studies, treatment with 2.4 mg semaglutide injections leads to weight loss. This applies to patients who are overweight or obese. The FDA has therefore approved wegovy for weight loss.
| Location | Price per month (wegovy) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 175 – 300 euros |
| USA | 1,350 dollars (1,200 euros) |
| Switzerland | 149.46 francs per dose, 188 francs per 4 weeks, over 2,000 francs per year |
Although wegovy may seem expensive, the side effects are “relatively manageable” according to experts. But there are also rare but serious side effects. These include inflammation of the pancreas, which requires medical supervision.
The total cost of wegovy in Germany is higher than in Switzerland. In Switzerland, the cost per month varies between 149 and 719 francs. The high cost of obesity in Germany amounts to 100 to 300 million francs per year.
Fake weight loss products: Be careful
The high hype and high cost of Wegovy are driving many people to search for cheaper alternatives on the Internet. In doing so, they risk getting a counterfeit drug that could endanger their health. The Freiburg regional council has already warned about counterfeits of the drug in circulation . These counterfeits pose “significant risks” for users.
Experts warn against fake weight loss injections . They can lead to high dosages or incorrect active ingredients. They can also contain contaminated substances that can lead to serious side effects.
- Harmful ingredients
- Incorrect dosage
- Lack of purity and quality controls
To be safe, you should only buy weight loss injections like Wegovy or Saxenda with a doctor’s prescription. Buying fake drugs online can put your health at great risk.
| Original Wegovy | Fake Wegovy preparations |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients and dosage according to the approval | Unknown ingredients in unknown concentration |
| Manufactured under strict quality controls | No quality controls, increased health risk |
| Only available on prescription | Freely available on the Internet, without medical supervision |
To protect your health, you should avoid fake weight loss products . It is important to always consult your doctor before using a weight loss injection.
“Counterfeit medicines like Wegovy pose a serious threat to consumer health. They can cause serious side effects and can even be life-threatening.”
– Expert in drug safety
Celebrities and social media drive demand
The hype around weight loss injections like Wegovy is growing, thanks to celebrities like Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian who have lost weight quickly. But these reports are misleading. Wegovy is not intended for easy weight loss.
It is approved for obesity and overweight with comorbidities.
Ozempic , a diabetes drug containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is also popular. Its use for weight loss is becoming increasingly popular, with celebrities such as Elon Musk drawing attention to it on social media.
Semaglutide does indeed have weight-loss properties. But the German Society for Endocrinology warns of risks. Side effects such as nausea and diarrhea can occur.
The application should be under medical supervision. It should be part of an overall therapy concept, including diet and exercise.
| Key figure | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight loss with semaglutide | 15% after 68 weeks |
| Weight loss with placebo | 2% after 68 weeks |
The social media hype surrounding Wegovy is driving demand. But the medication is only intended for special cases. Uncontrolled use is risky and should be discussed with a doctor.
New developments and alternatives
The demand for weight loss drugs like Wegovy is increasing rapidly. New, more effective drugs are being developed. A drug called VK2735 in the USA promises up to 25% weight loss.
Experts expect up to ten new products in the next few years. They could achieve annual sales of 100 billion dollars in the USA. These new weight-loss drugs will offer more treatment options for overweight people in the future.
More effective weight loss drugs in development
VK2735 is five times more effective than Wegovy and Ozempic. In one study, participants taking 15 milligrams of VK2735 lost an average of 14.7% of their body weight. That’s about 14.6 kilograms.
The lowest dose of 2.5 milligrams of VK2735 resulted in 9.1% weight loss, about 9.2 kilograms. Placebo groups lost only 1.7%, or 1.8 kilograms. VK2735 patients therefore lost weight five times faster than with Wegovy and Ozempic.
VK2735 is a hormone antagonist that affects GLP-1 and GIP in the intestine. Further studies are needed to bring it to market approval.
“This new research could offer further treatment options for people with obesity in the future.”
Long-term effects and side effects of wegovy alternatives like VK2735 need to be researched so that they can be safely released for widespread use.
Conclusion
Wegovy is a drug for overweight and obesity. It is available in Australia. The active ingredient semaglutide helps to reduce appetite and lose weight.
However, there are risks and side effects that have not yet been fully researched. The cost of Wegovy in Australia is self-funded. There are also counterfeit products on the internet that should alert consumers.
Wegovy offers an effective treatment but is controversial. Patients must carefully weigh the risks and costs. A holistic approach that includes diet and exercise is important for long-term success.
