WEGOVY AT A GLANCE
- Treatment Time: About 15–30 minutes for initial visit; weekly injections at home
- Comfort Level: Minimal discomfort; quick injection with a small needle
- Downtime: None; patients can resume normal activities immediately
- Results Timeline: Gradual weight loss over several weeks to months with continued progress over time
- Cost: Approximately $500 per month
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging for many people, despite their best efforts with diet and exercise. Wegovy® (semaglutide), a newer prescription medication for weight loss, offers a promising solution for those struggling with obesity or overweight conditions. This page provides comprehensive information about Wegovy®, including how it works, candidacy, the treatment process, potential side effects, and expected weight loss results.
At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil Zemmel, and board-certified physician assistant, Sarah Ashcraft, PA-C, provide medically sound treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Through the use of GLP-1 weight loss injections, our experienced team can help you reach your weight loss goals in a safe and controlled manner.
- What Is Wegovy?
- Wegovy Candidacy
- Wegovy Treatment Process
- Wegovy Side Effects
- Wegovy Weight Loss Results
- How Long to Stay on Wegovy
- Stopping Wegovy Usage
- Wegovy Safety
- Wegovy Cost
What Is Wegovy®?
Wegovy® is a prescription medication designed to help adults with obesity or overweight conditions lose weight and maintain their weight loss. It contains semaglutide, which acts like the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. By enhancing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger, Wegovy® supports sustainable weight loss in combination with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Who Is a Candidate for Wegovy®?
During a consultation at our weight loss clinic, one of our providers will help you determine if Wegovy® is right for you, or if an alternative like Zepbound™ may be more appropriate. In general, Wegovy® is ideal for adults who meet the following criteria:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is considered obese
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher (classified as overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
It is essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine if Wegovy® is right for your weight loss journey. Your provider will consider your overall health, medical history, and any medications you are currently taking.
What Does the Wegovy® Treatment Involve?
The Wegovy® treatment process involves a series of once-weekly injections that you administer at home. Patients typically start with a lower dose, gradually increasing it over several weeks to minimize potential side effects. Our team will provide detailed instructions on how to perform them safely to ensure you feel prepared and know what to expect.
Alongside the Wegovy® injections, a comprehensive weight management plan that includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and potential behavioral therapy is recommended to maximize the benefits of Wegovy®.
What Are the Side Effects of Wegovy®?
Like all medications, Wegovy® may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, and fatigue. These side effects often diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are rare but will be discussed during your consultation. Regular monitoring by our team can help manage any potential risks associated with Wegovy®.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Wegovy®?
Clinical trials have demonstrated significant weight loss results with Wegovy®. On average, participants lost approximately 15% of their body weight, with some individuals achieving even greater reductions. The exact amount of weight loss can vary based on individual factors, including how well you follow your prescribed treatment plan, dietary changes, and physical activity levels.
When Will I Start Seeing Results from Wegovy®?
Most patients begin to notice a reduction in appetite within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy®, as the medication takes effect and dosage is gradually increased. Visible weight loss typically starts within the first month, with more substantial results developing over three to six months of consistent use.
Since Wegovy® is taken alongside dietary changes and physical activity, your results will depend on how closely you follow your personalized treatment plan. Our team will monitor your progress at regular follow-up appointments and make adjustments to your dosage as needed to help you reach your goals.
How Long Should I Stay on Wegovy®?
Wegovy® is designed for long-term weight management rather than a quick fix, and most patients stay on treatment for at least a year to reach their target weight and allow their body to respond. Your provider will help determine the right length of treatment for you based on your health goals, how you respond to the medication, and any underlying conditions. Many patients benefit from continuing at a maintenance dose after reaching their goal weight to help support their results over time.
What Happens If I Stop Taking Wegovy®?
Because Wegovy® works by helping regulate appetite and hunger signals, stopping treatment can allow those signals to return to their previous levels. This often results in increased hunger and, without continued lifestyle changes, some regain of the weight lost during treatment.
If you are thinking about stopping Wegovy®, we recommend talking with our team first so we can help you put a plan in place, whether that includes a taper of your dosage, continued nutritional and behavioral support, or a shift to a maintenance dose.
Is Wegovy® Safe for Long-Term Use?
Wegovy® has been studied in clinical trials over extended periods and has demonstrated a consistent safety profile for appropriate long-term candidates. As with any prescription medication, ongoing monitoring helps ensure the treatment remains both safe and effective for you over time. Our team will schedule regular follow-up visits throughout your treatment to check on your progress, watch for any side effects, and address any questions or concerns. This continued oversight is an important part of using Wegovy® safely as part of a long-term weight management plan.
How Much Does Wegovy® Cost?
Our team strives to make weight loss solutions like Wegovy® accessible and affordable for our patients, which is why we offer semaglutide injectables like Wegovy® at the competitive price of $500 per month. In addition, we accept most major medical insurance providers, including Anthem/BCBS and TRICARE. Our team can work with you to determine your insurance coverage and help you navigate any paperwork required to maximize your benefits.
Curious if your insurance covers Wegovy®? View our comprehensive list of employers with anti-obesity medication coverage. You can also visit the NovoCare® website to check potential coverage options.
For those not eligible for insurance coverage, we offer flexible cash pay plans to ensure you can still access this effective treatment.
Learn if Wegovy® Is Right for You
Wegovy® offers a new and effective option for those struggling with obesity or overweight conditions, helping them achieve their weight loss goals and improve overall health. If you think Wegovy® might be right for you, please contact our team at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers.