Wegovy reviews

Reviewed and fact-checked by Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist. Read our editorial policy to see how we create informative, accurate content.

Considering Wegovy as a potential solution for your health goals? We're here to assist in your decision-making process by sharing insights from actual users who have experience with Wegovy. But first, the basics: What exactly is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a medication intended for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It contains semaglutide, that mimics an intestinal hormone to regulate appetite and calorie intake, potentially leading to weight loss. Semaglutide works by slowing down gastric emptying and affecting areas in the brain that regulate appetite, which can help reduce hunger and calorie intake.

But why consider user reviews in addition to the scientific evidence? We believe that combining real-life experiences with clinical data provides a more comprehensive picture of a medication's impact, as individual responses can vary widely. Hearing how Wegovy has affected others may provide valuable insights into its efficacy and tolerability, helping to inform your choice. Of course, our pharmacists are always ready to offer their expertise and support you in making an informed decision about enhancing your health and well-being.

So let’s jump in!

The review score

When we look at the review scores we try to always use at least 3 sources to get a good enough sample size, however, because Wegovy is fairly new on the market we have only selected two sources to show the score as other sources did not have large enough number of reviews. The sources checked were drugs.com and WebMD and in total 727 reviews were analysed.

Here is the score:

Please note that to accurately compare the score from drugs.com was divided with 2 to get a comparable 5-star scale.

The total average was 3.69/5 stars.

Key Findings

So after going through hundreds of reviews, here are our key findings:

Effective for Weight Loss: Many users experienced significant weight loss, with one reporting a loss of 28 lbs in 4 months and another losing 30 lbs in a similar timeframe.
Reduces Appetite: Users noted a substantial decrease in hunger and less desire for mindless eating, contributing to their weight loss success.
Weekly Injection: The medication is administered through a weekly injection, which some found more convenient than daily treatments.
Side Effects Vary: While some users reported no or minimal side effects, others experienced nausea, fatigue, gastric issues, and severe abdominal pain.
Doctor/Pharmacist Supervision Recommended: Regular check-ups with a doctor or a pharmacist are advised to monitor health and progress, with some users having online check-ins every 30 days.
Diet and Exercise: Users mentioned following dietary advice such as increasing protein intake and drinking lots of water, along with exercising, which helped in their weight management.
Ease of Use: Some found the medication easy to use, while a few had issues with the injection pen.

Cost Consideration: The cost of the medication was mentioned as a concern.
Mixed Satisfaction: Satisfaction levels varied widely, from very satisfied users who found it life-changing to those who experienced adverse effects and regretted using it.

Impact on Lifestyle: The medication influenced users' eating habits, leading to healthier choices and smaller portion sizes.

Mental Health Effects: Alongside reports of negative impacts on mental health, such as increased stress and anxiety, many users have shared positive experiences, noting improvements in their overall well-being and mental health. Users often mention feeling more confident and less burdened by the psychological aspects of weight management, attributing these benefits to the effective weight loss achieved with Wegovy.

Gastric Side Effects: Some users experienced gastrointestinal discomfort, including constipation, indigestion, and heartburn.

Impact on Alcohol Consumption: A user reported a reduced desire for alcohol, viewing this as a beneficial side effect.
Variable Effectiveness: While the drug was highly effective for many, a few users experienced little to no weight loss or had to discontinue due to side effects.

Medical Concerns: A few users reported severe adverse reactions leading to emergency room visits, highlighting the importance of medical supervision and caution.

Standout reviews

Here is a look at some of the positive reviews we encountered when analysing the data:

Anonymous (55-64, Female): "Taking Wegovy for 4 months. 28 lbs. down. I have had no side effects... Wegovy curbs my hunger and stops me from mindless eating. I focus less on food."

Catherine Phipps (55-64, Female): "I started at almost 11st now 6 months on I’m 8st7 iv had no side effects apart from a little nausea’s in my first week. But other than that iv been fine. I feel healthier with more energy."

Greg A (65-74, Male): "I am in month 4 and have gone from 300lb to 272lb. Very easy, minimal side affects, easiest dieting I have ever done. substantial lose of appetite."

willwar18 (25-34, Male): "In August of 2022 I started at 435 lbs and now im at 289 lbs with minimal side effects... Wegovy, was way more effective in my opinion."

Santeria (25-34, Female): "So in those two months I’ve lost 20 pounds total! 8 this first month, and 12 the second... The only side effect that I have predominately experience is nausea. But because of this I’ve quit smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol."

Negative reviews

Although customers generally are satisfied with the medication there were negative reviews as well. Here are some that caught our attention:

Anonymous (35-44, Female): ..." I took this for less than a month…still suffering 6 mths later…I have been to A&E 26 times with this pain that is killing me…there is no structural damage or reason why or what the pain is coming from"...

Darcie (35-44, Female): "I used this in April..2 injections and may woke up with the absolute WORST pain and have been deathly suffering since!!! I have had every test and there is NO answer for the pain…"

MEL 26 (55-64, Female): "Wasted over £600 on three months of this medication and only lost 3lb the side effects were awful, nausea and fatigue, I didn’t realise how bad they were until I stopped."

David Alvarez (55-64, Male): "horrible stomach, gastric issues, seeing doctors to help me, this is horrible and should be outlawed."

Anonymous (45-54, Female): "This has been the worst day of my life... I have been vomiting nonstop since about 2 hours after the injection... I was having chest pain and palpitations. I was dizzy and delirious... Please reconsider if you are thinking about taking this."

Pharmacist comments

We sat down with our superintendent pharmacist Alessandro Grenci, to share our findings. Here is what he had to say:

I think it's very important to emphasize that although Wegovy is effective, it's not suitable for everyone. Clinical trials have clearly shown that there can be side effects, which might be quite uncomfortable for some individuals. This is also evident from the analysis of reviews. It's very important to closely monitor these side effects to ensure patient safety. Moreover, it's encouraging to see that many individuals who have previously struggled with their weight have found Wegovy to be truly effective. I am not surprised by these findings, as they align well with the research conducted prior to Wegovy's launch. As a pharmacist, I consider it my duty to help determine if Wegovy is right for you and to support you throughout your treatment to make it as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

In a conversation with our superintendent pharmacist, Alessandro Grenci, we explored some of the most common questions he encounters regarding Wegovy for weight loss:

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for chronic weight management. It is indicated for adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy® works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake, helping you eat less and leading to weight loss.

How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?

In a 68-week clinical study, adults taking Wegovy® lost approximately 35 lbs (~15% of body weight), compared to those taking a placebo who lost about 6 lbs (~2.5% of body weight). The study highlighted that 83% of Wegovy® users lost 5% or more of their body weight, 66% lost 10% or more, and 48% lost 15% or more, in contrast to placebo users.

What are the common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat.

How is Wegovy administered?

Wegovy® is administered once a week via injection, using a pen. It can be taken any time of day, with or without food. It's important to use Wegovy® on the same day each week.

Can Wegovy be used with other medications?

Before using Wegovy®, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Wegovy® may affect how some medicines work and vice versa. Special caution is advised if you are taking other medicines to treat diabetes, including sulfonylureas or insulin, as Wegovy® slows stomach emptying and can affect medicines that need to pass through the stomach quickly.

Who should not use Wegovy?

Do not use Wegovy® if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Before using Wegovy®, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?

Weight loss with Wegovy® varies among individuals. In clinical studies, significant weight loss was observed within the first 68 weeks of treatment. However, individual results may vary.

Is Wegovy safe for children?

Wegovy® is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age. For children aged 12 years and older, consult a healthcare provider for specific advice.

Can Wegovy cause heart rate changes?

Yes, in clinical trials, more patients treated with Wegovy® compared to placebo experienced maximum changes in heart rate of 20 beats per minute or more. Regular monitoring of heart rate is recommended.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss a dose of Wegovy® and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the scheduled day.

Can Wegovy cause serious side effects?

Yes, Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, increased heart rate, and suicidal thoughts or actions among others. It's important to monitor for symptoms and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

How should I store Wegovy?

While in use, the pen may be kept for up to 6 weeks if at a temperature below 30°C or stored in a refrigerator. Protect it from light, with its cap placed and do not freeze.

Can I Adjust the Dose on My Wegovy Pen to Make It Last Longer?

The straightforward answer is no; the Wegovy pen is calibrated to deliver the specific dose indicated on the pen. It is not designed for dose adjustments by the user. This calibration ensures that each dose administered is accurate and safe, aligning with the medication's intended use as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Manipulating the dose not only risks the effectiveness of the treatment but could also pose safety concerns. For those looking to manage the cost or extend the use of their medication, it's essential to discuss these concerns with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and potential alternatives that maintain the integrity of your treatment plan.

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Written by Christian Jakobsson