Wegovy: how it helps with long-term weight loss

How effective is Wegovy for long-term weight loss?

Numerous clinical trials have investigated the long-term effectiveness of Wegovy.

One study in particular called the STEP 5 trial Trusted source Nature Peer-reviewed Journals Multidisciplinary Research Go to source looked at the effects after 2 years of treatment. They found that on average participants lost 15.2% of their original body weight compared to those who took a placebo (an inactive drug).

People lose 15% of their body weight within 2 years on Wegovy.

Considering the average weight of participants was around 100kg (220lbs), they lost on average around 16kg (35lbs).

The study also saw participants’ waist circumference reduce on average by 5cm. They also saw general improvements in blood pressure, insulin, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Is Wegovy safe to use long-term?

The same study looked at side effects and potential complications of using Wegovy long-term.

Out of 152 participants who took Wegovy, only 9 discontinued treatment. This is compared to 7 who discontinued treatment using the placebo.

82.2% of participants experience mild to moderate side effects on Wegovy such as nausea, diarrhoea and constipation. These typically occur when the dose is increased. Only 7.9% of participants experienced serious side effects like gallbladder problems.

They concluded that it is generally safe to take for up to 2 years and these findings were consistent with other trials on Wegovy. More research is needed to understand the effects beyond 2 years on treatment.

However, the medication isn’t safe for everyone and you should not take it if you are at risk of side effects or complications.

Learn more about who can and cannot use Wegovy

Wegovy vs other weight loss treatments

With a selection of weight loss medications now available, it can be difficult to pick between them. They all work differently and are suited for different people. But, the simplest way to compare them is with long-term results.

One meta-analysis Trusted source National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Government Source Biomedical Research and Literature Go to source compared the results of several weight loss medications available in the UK. The result below how much weight was lost on average after a year of treatment.

Wegovy vs. Saxenda

The most interesting comparison the study made was between Liraglutide and Semaglutide. They belong to the same family of medicines and work similarly. However, studies show participants have better odds of losing weight on Semaglutide than Liraglutide.

One study Trusted source National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Government Source Biomedical Research and Literature Go to source found that 70% of participants on Semaglutide managed to lose at least 10% of their original body weight compared to 25% on Liraglutide after 68 weeks of treatment.

Why is Wegovy effective for long-term weight loss?

One of the main benefits of Wegovy is that it forces you to change your lifestyle habits. It is arguably more effective when used for longer periods.

Wegovy works by slowing down your digestion, specifically stomach emptying. This means you feel fuller for longer and therefore consume fewer calories. However, to increase your weight loss on Wegovy, you need to change your lifestyle.

The medicine will reduce your appetite but you will still need to choose healthy foods and eat smaller portions. Over time, these habits will stick and you’ll continue to make healthier choices after you finish treatment.

Wegovy also results in gradual weight loss. While slow results may seem discouraging, studies Trusted source National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Government Source Biomedical Research and Literature Go to source show that slow weight loss is better and more sustainable in the long run.

When do I stop taking Wegovy?

You should stop taking Wegovy once you reach a healthy body mass index (BMI). A healthy BMI is between 18 and 25. So, once you reach a BMI of 23 you can stop taking Wegovy.

However, it is generally not recommended you take it for longer than 2 years as the effects still need to be studied beyond this time.

How do avoid regaining weight after stopping Wegovy?

One fear of stopping Wegovy is that you will regain weight. Once you stop taking it, it’s natural for your appetite to increase and potentially trigger old habits. However, if you have made healthy lifestyle changes throughout treatment you should be equipped with the skills to maintain a healthy weight.

You should continue to eat a healthy diet. This is because after treatment your hunger will not be suppressed. If you have only limited your portions and not made particularly healthy choices, you may be more partial to cravings. Increasing physical activity will also help prevent weight regain.

It’s also important to be kind to yourself even if your weight plateaus or you regain. Weight loss is a journey and it’s natural for your weight to fluctuate occasionally. If you’re still concerned, seek support from a healthcare professional.

At HealthExpress, we also provide advice and meal plans to help you improve your overall nutrition during and after treatment. You can book one-to-one online consultations with our in-house nutritionist for tailored nutrition advice through our weight loss program.

Learn more about our weight loss program

Main takeaways

Wegovy is a weight loss treatment meant for consistent and long-term use. This is because you lose gradually and helps you build lifelong healthy habits. Using the medication short-term is less likely to result in successful weight loss.

Studies have shown that the medicine is effective for long-term weight loss with a minimal risk of side effects. But, more research is needed to investigate the effects after 2 years of use.