Wegovy Medication: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Thinking about trying Wegovy for weight loss? You’re not alone – the drug has made headlines worldwide. But before you sign up, it helps to know how it works, what side effects can pop up, and whether it’s safe for people living in India.

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1) analogue. It mimics a hormone that tells your brain you’re full, slows down stomach emptying, and boosts insulin when blood sugar rises. The result? You eat less and lose weight without feeling hungry all the time.

How Wegovy Works in Simple Terms

When you inject Wegovy once a week, the medicine travels through your bloodstream and binds to GLP‑1 receptors in the brain and gut. This does three things: it reduces appetite, slows food movement through the stomach, and improves blood‑sugar control. Because the drug stays in the body for about a week, you don’t need daily shots – just one weekly pinch.

Clinical trials showed an average loss of 15%‑20% of body weight after a year of treatment. That’s a lot compared to most diet pills. However, the trials were mostly done in the US and Europe, so Indian users should consider local health factors, diet habits, and the availability of medical supervision.

Common Side Effects and Risks in India

Like any medicine, Wegovy can cause unwanted reactions. The most frequent ones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These usually settle after a few weeks as your body gets used to the drug. If you’re prone to gastrointestinal issues, start with a lower dose and increase slowly under a doctor’s guidance.

More serious concerns include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder disease, and possible thyroid tumors. While these events are rare, they matter because Indian labs sometimes have variable quality control. Always ask your doctor for a baseline ultrasound of the gallbladder and a blood test for pancreatic enzymes before starting.

Another tricky point is drug interactions. Wegovy can slow gastric emptying, which may affect how other oral medicines are absorbed – for example, birth control pills or certain antidiabetic drugs. If you’re on multiple prescriptions, a pharmacist should review them to avoid reduced effectiveness.

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 should avoid Wegovy altogether. The drug’s label warns against its use in these cases because it may increase tumor growth risk.

Cost is also a factor in India. Wegovy is imported and can be pricey, pushing some users to buy from unverified online sellers. Counterfeit versions may contain harmful impurities, so always purchase through a registered pharmacy with a valid prescription.

Finally, remember that Wegovy isn’t a magic fix. Sustainable weight loss still needs a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep. Using the drug without lifestyle changes often leads to weight regain once the injection stops.

Bottom line: Wegovy can be a powerful tool if you’re overweight and have struggled with other methods. The key is close medical supervision, awareness of side effects, and a realistic plan for long‑term health. Talk to an endocrinologist or a qualified physician, get the necessary tests, and make sure you’re comfortable with the dosage schedule before you start.