What are the long term effects of taking Wegovy?

Asked by: Francesca Walker  |  Last update: October 11, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (58 votes)

Examples of long-term side effects that may occur with this drug include:
  • gallbladder problems.
  • kidney problems.
  • diabetic eye problems.
  • depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Do you gain weight back after using Wegovy?

Most people do regain weight after stopping Wegovy. One study looked at people a year after stopping semaglutide and lifestyle intervention, which consisted of diet counselling every 4 weeks and 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The study showed they regained two-thirds of the weight they'd lost on the drug.

How bad are the side effects of Wegovy?

Common stomach side effects with Wegovy include mild to moderate nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. For most people, stomach side effects lessen or go away after a few weeks of treatment. Low blood sugar may also be common.

Is Ozempic safe for long-term use for weight loss?

Is Ozempic safe for weight loss? Ozempic isn't technically a weight loss medication. But it's considered safe and effective for Type 2 diabetes, and you may lose weight as a side effect of treatment. If you're prescribed Ozempic and you don't have diabetes, this is considered off-label use.

Can I stay on semaglutide forever?

Semaglutide can be used as a tool to reach your goals, but it may be unwise to think of it as a long-term solution. Only short- and medium-term effects of the medication are known, while the long-term or future viability of semaglutide medications is uncertain.

Is It Worth The Risk? Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Weight Loss Drugs, And Thyroid Cancer

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Has anyone kept weight off after semaglutide?

Shepherd, who lives in Florida, told "Good Morning America" she has been able to maintain her weight loss two months after stopping the medication. "I started working out, so now I work out multiple times a week," Shepherd said of how she's managed to not regain weight.

How long do people stay on semaglutide for weight loss?

Duration of Semaglutide Therapy

The recommended dosage of semaglutide medication must be increased to its effective level of 2.4 mg during the 16 to 20 weeks of the therapy to include its weight loss benefits and other advantages and to reduce the impact of common side effects like gastrointestinal disorders.

What does Ozempic do to your face?

“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.

Can you take Ozempic for life?

If you take Wegovy or Ozempic to lose weight, will you need to keep taking the drugs indefinitely? Yes. As with many chronic conditions, most people who use the drugs for diabetes or weight loss will need to keep taking them to keep benefiting from them.

Is Wegovy just an appetite suppressant?

Ozempic and Wegovy are the same drug, semaglutide, but come in different doses. They work as appetite suppressants and help control blood sugar levels by prompting the body to release insulin.

What is the average weight loss per month with Wegovy?

That's 5.5 lbs per month (1.3 lbs per week). Although impressive, many people lose more than that with diet and exercise.

Does Wegovy cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not listed as a side effect of Ozempic, but in clinical trials for Wegovy, 3% of people reported hair loss, compared to 1% of people who got a placebo. (While Ozempic and Wegovy are the same drug, Wegovy is given at a higher dose.)

Does Wegovy cause depression?

Although rare, it's possible for Wegovy to cause depression or increase your risk of suicidal thoughts. If you already have depression or a mood condition, taking Wegovy may make your condition worse.

Does semaglutide get rid of belly fat?

The answer appears to be yes. That Novo Nordisk-funded study of almost 2,000 overweight or obese adults without diabetes also found their visceral fat — the type that accumulates in the belly — was reduced from baseline with semaglutide, along with their total fat mass.

How long does it take for Wegovy to start working for weight loss?

Weight loss may begin within the first 4 weeks of treatment with Wegovy, but the full effects of treatment may not be seen for several months or longer. In studies, weight loss in adults was assessed over a 68-week period.

Does Ozempic leave saggy skin?

3 But the often quick weight loss people see on these drugs can lead to the unwanted issue of sagging skin—commonly known as “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt.” Age in particular is a big risk factor for loss of skin elasticity.

What organ does Ozempic affect?

Kidney problems

Taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, like Ozempic, may worsen renal failure or damage in people with kidney problems. Kidney injury can also occur in people who do not have underlying chronic kidney disease while taking Ozempic.

What foods should be avoided in Ozempic diet?

Here are five things to limit in your diet to lower your risk of side effects.
  • Foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in fat can worsen Ozempic side effects. ...
  • Sugary foods and drinks. ...
  • Ultra-processed carbohydrates. ...
  • Starchy vegetables. ...
  • Alcohol.

What is the dark side of semaglutide?

Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness.

What is the best injection for weight loss?

Some of the most effective prescription injectable weight loss medications available include: Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy - these are diabetes drugs originally and now used to treat obesity. Although these injectable drugs can help users lose weight there are some dangers and caveats!

What diet works best with Wegovy?

Eating fruits and vegetables is a great choice while taking Wegovy. These foods are high in fiber which promotes feelings of fullness and satiety. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for your overall health and well-being.

What foods to avoid while taking semaglutide?

Avoiding fatty foods with Ozempic®

Same goes for foods high in saturated fat—think: greasy pizza, buttery cream-based pasta sauce, high-fat dairy, and fast food.

Do you have to take semaglutide for life?

For people living with obesity, it's a lifetime consideration. Semaglutide may be just one part of a long-term health plan.