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- Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows digestion and reduces appetite by targeting brain areas controlling food intake.
- The medication causes delayed gastric emptying, which helps patients feel fuller longer and consume fewer calories.
- Common side effects include nausea (44% of patients), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%), and constipation (24%).
- Gastrointestinal side effects are usually mild and temporary, typically subsiding within a few weeks of starting treatment.
- The slowed digestion caused by Wegovy can lead to complications during anesthesia, prompting recommendations to pause the medication before certain medical procedures.
- Long-term effects of the medication are still being studied, as it is relatively new to the market.
Wegovy has been shown to slow digestion as part of its mechanism of action, raising concerns about potential gastrointestinal side effects.
This slowing of stomach emptying can lead to various complications, including an increased risk of gastroparesis and issues during anesthesia for some patients.
How Wegovy slows digestion
Wegovy slows digestion by mimicking the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a naturally occurring hormone in the body. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, while also delaying gastric emptying.
This mechanism helps patients feel fuller for longer periods, leading to reduced calorie consumption and weight loss.
The drug’s effect on slowing stomach emptying is a key factor in its efficacy for weight management, but it can also contribute to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
While this delayed gastric emptying is generally beneficial for weight loss, it may pose risks in certain situations, such as during anesthesia, where an empty stomach is crucial to prevent complications like pulmonary aspiration.
Comparing Wegovy with other GLP-1 agonists
Wegovy (semaglutide) is part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which includes other drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
While these medications share similar mechanisms of action, there are key differences in their FDA-approved uses, dosages, and effectiveness.
Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, as well as for reducing cardiovascular risk in certain patients. It offers a higher maximum dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) compared to Ozempic (2.0 mg), potentially leading to greater weight loss effects.
Studies have shown that Wegovy can result in an average weight loss of 35 lbs, compared to 14 lbs with Ozempic.
However, Wegovy users may experience more common and diverse side effects than those taking Ozempic, including non-digestive symptoms like headache and fatigue.
The choice between these medications depends on individual factors such as the patient’s specific health needs, insurance coverage, and tolerance for side effects.
Managing gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy
Wegovy’s gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, can be managed through various strategies. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty or spicy foods can help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
For diarrhea, it is recommended to stay hydrated and consume bland foods. Constipation can be addressed by increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and remaining physically active.
If side effects persist or worsen, patients should consult their healthcare provider, as adjustments to dosage or additional treatments may be necessary. It’s important to note that these side effects often diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.