Background on obesity in the US
In the United States, obesity is a major public health issue that has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity among adults in the U.S. was 42.4% in 2017-2018. This is a significant increase from 30.5% in 1999-2000.
Obesity rates are particularly high among certain demographic groups, including non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults, as well as individuals with lower levels of education and income. Factors contributing to the obesity epidemic in America include the prevalence of unhealthy food options, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors that make it difficult for individuals to make healthy choices.
Obesity in America is associated with a range of health issues, including an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It also places a significant economic burden on the healthcare system, with obesity-related medical costs estimated to be over $147 billion annually.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that doctors prescribe for obesity or overweight and a related condition. It helps regulate appetite. Approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).
It is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Wegovy is the brand name for the drug semaglutide, which is also used at different doses to treat type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy vs Ozempic
Wegovy is specifically indicated for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight, while Ozempic is primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they have different approved indications and dosing regimens. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on individual needs and medical history.
Makers of Wegovy
Wegovy is a brand name for the medication semaglutide available in strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg per dose, which is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company headquartered in Denmark that specializes in the development and production of pharmaceutical products, including medications for diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
They are a leading manufacturer of insulin products and other innovative therapies for metabolic disorders. Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
How Wegovy Works:
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. The medication slows down digestion, which helps people feel full longer after eating and reduces hunger, leading to a reduction in calorie intake.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
• Administer WEGOVY once weekly as an adjunct to diet and increased physical activity, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals.
• Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• In patients with type 2 diabetes, monitor blood glucose prior to starting and during WEGOVY treatment
• Initiate at 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. Then follow the dosage escalation schedule, titrating every 4 weeks to achieve the maintenance dosage
• The maintenance dosage of WEGOVY in adults is either 2.4 mg (recommended) or 1.7 mg once weekly
• The maintenance dosage of WEGOVY in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older is 2.4 mg once weekly
Important Monitoring and Administration Instructions
• In patients with type 2 diabetes, monitor blood glucose prior to starting WEGOVY and during WEGOVY treatment
• Prior to initiation of WEGOVY, patients should be trained in proper injection technique.
Clinical Trials and Effectiveness:
In clinical trials, Wegovy has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight. Participants taking Wegovy lost significantly more weight than those on placebo, with many losing 10% or more of their initial body weight. These results have made Wegovy a promising option for those who have had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone.
Potential Side Effects:
Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and often decrease over time. It is important for individuals to discuss the potential risks and benefits of Wegovy with their healthcare provider.
Indications and Usage
Wegovy (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:
to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight
to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity and adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity
Limitations of Use: Wegovy contains semaglutide. Coadministration with other semaglutide-containing products or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended
Conclusion:
The introduction of Wegovy from Canada marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against obesity. It offers a new hope for effective weight management for many who struggle with obesity and its related health complications.
As with any medication, it is important to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider to determine if Wegovy is the right choice for an individual’s health needs. With its proven effectiveness and the potential for improved quality of life, Wegovy could be the turning point for many in achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.
For inquiries about prescription medications, contact our team at Jason’s CanadaDrugstore.com by calling 1-800-226 3784 (CAN-DRUG) for assistance from our patient representatives or a licensed Canadian pharmacist.
This article provides medical information to help understand a condition or treatment plan but is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Contact your doctor if you have concerns or symptoms. In case of emergency, call 911.
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