Wegovy has made a massive impact on the weight loss industry, with thousands of patients using it as a support system toward reaching a healthier weight. What many don’t realise is that Wegovy and Ozempic are essentially the same thing (both borne from parent brand Novo Nordisk), with both using the active ingredient Semaglutide. The primary difference is that Wegovy is generally prescribed for weight loss (at a slightly higher dose) while Ozempic is used to treat type-2 diabetes. But what are the Wegovy side effects beyond weight loss?
This blog will explore the common and less common side effects of Wegovy, so you can better understand the potential risks of treatment and feel confident that you won’t be blindsided if you choose to take the medicinal path.
What is the most common side effect of Wegovy?
Sure, we know Wegovy will make us feel fuller for longer, but what other side effects can we expect to experience? More than 1 in 10 Wegovy patients will experience side effects like:
- Headaches
- Tiredness/perceived weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches
These should be prepared for, as they’re generally seen as par for the course with Wegovy treatment.
Still, but less common, Wegovy side effects
Beyond the typical gut aches, poo problems and fatigue, there are other common side effects of Wegovy, which generally hit between 1 and 10 in 100 people who report any side effects. These include:
- More severe digestion problems
- Burping/farting
- Stomach inflammation
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Hair loss
- Injection spot skin reactions
- Gallstone development
- Lower blood sugars (type-2 diabetics)
- Runny noses
- Sore throats
These aren’t necessarily coming your way, but it’s essential to be aware of these symptoms and consult a doctor if they persist for more than a few weeks.
Uncommon but serious Wegovy side effects
These effects might only hit around 1 and 10 in all 1,000 people affected, but they need to be addressed very quickly if they come up.
- Increased heart rate
- Pancreatic enzyme increase in the blood
- Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
These can extend to super rare reactions like swelling in allergic patients.
What are the long-term side effects of taking Wegovy?
It’s important to note that there’s not much research into the long-term effects of Wegovy or similar drugs as they’ve not been around for very long. However, there have been studies with rodents that show Wegovy and other semaglutide drugs can cause thyroid cancer – specifically medullary thyroid carcinoma. This would indicate you should avoid the drug if your family has a history of this affliction.
Whenever rarer Wegovy side effects are noticed, make sure to get in touch with a doctor.
Is Wegovy right for me?
If you’re curious about Wegovy, you should take one of our dedicated assessments. We’ll guide you through a series of questions, prior to an in-person consultation, so you can figure out what the best next steps are for you, medication or otherwise. Remember, Wegovy side effects vary and can be managed with ease – going in informed is the best choice for treatment like this.
