How much weight can you lose with Wegovy?

Written by: Clara Hanson-Smith

Reviewed by: Sunny Dhain MPharmRS PgDip IndP

Date reviewed: 22/02/24

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication primarily used for weight management. Classified under a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, it was initially developed and approved for treating type 2 diabetes. The recognition of its weight loss benefits has led to its broader use in weight management for individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues. 

The Efficacy of Wegovy 

Numerous clinical trials have proved the effectiveness of Wegovy in weight loss. Key findings include: 

• Significant weight reduction: Patients have shown considerable weight loss compared to those on a placebo. 
• Long-term weight management: Studies show sustained weight loss over extended periods. 

Wegovy was evaluated for safety and efficacy in combination with a reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity in adults in 5 double blinded randomised placebo controlled trials. The summaries were as follows: 

The STEP 1 trial

(Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) is a key study in understanding the effectiveness of Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss. This trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational clinical trial conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2.4 mg of semaglutide once a week in adults with obesity or overweight. 

Here’s a summary of the key findings from the STEP 1 trial: 

• Participant profile: The study included adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obese), or 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Participants were not diagnosed with diabetes. 
• Study duration and design: The trial spanned 68 weeks, involving a total of 1,961 participants. They were randomly assigned to either the semaglutide group or a placebo group. Both groups received lifestyle intervention counseling. 
• Weight loss results: The average weight loss in the semaglutide group was significantly greater than in the placebo group. Participants receiving semaglutide lost, on average, 14.9% of their body weight compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. 

The STEP 2 trial

This trial was specifically designed for participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were either overweight or obese, revealed significant weight loss outcomes. Over 68 weeks, participants receiving 2.4 mg of semaglutide experienced an average weight reduction of 9.64%, with 68.8% achieving at least a 5% reduction, 45.6% at least a 10% reduction, and 25.8% at least a 15% reduction. This was compared to those receiving 1.0 mg of semaglutide or a placebo, who had lower percentages of weight loss. The results indicate that a higher dose of semaglutide can lead to more significant weight loss in this demographic, although most of the weight loss occurred within the first 36 weeks. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Wegovy in aiding weight loss, especially when complemented with lifestyle modifications and counseling 

The STEP 3 trial

The trial was designed to assess the impact of semaglutide, a medication administered once weekly, on weight loss. This study is particularly important as weight reduction is known to improve cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with overweight or obesity. 

Conducted across 41 sites in the United States, this randomized, double-blind study involved adults without diabetes, who were either overweight or obese. The participants were divided into two groups: one received semaglutide (407 participants), and the other a placebo (204 participants). Both groups followed a low-calorie diet for the first eight weeks and underwent intensive behavioral therapy for 68 weeks. 

By the end of the 68-week period: 

• The semaglutide group experienced an average weight reduction of 16%, compared to 5.7% in the placebo group. 

• A significant 86.6% of participants in the semaglutide group lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight, compared to 47.6% in the placebo group. 
• More participants in the semaglutide group achieved weight losses of at least 10% or 15% (75.3% and 55.8%, respectively) compared to the placebo group (27.0% and 13.2%, respectively). 
• Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the semaglutide group (82.8%) than in the placebo group (63.2%). A small percentage (3.4%) of the semaglutide group discontinued treatment due to these adverse events. 

The STEP 4 trial

This step provides important insights into the effectiveness of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, for weight loss maintenance in individuals with overweight or obesity. The study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind trial over 68 weeks at 73 sites across 10 countries. It involved adults with a body mass index of at least 30 (or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity) but without diabetes. 

Key findings from the trial include: 

• Weight loss maintenance: Participants who continued on semaglutide experienced an average weight change of -7.9% from week 20 to week 68. In contrast, those who switched to the placebo saw an average weight change of +6.9%. This marked a significant difference of -14.8 percentage points between the two groups. 
• Improvements in health metrics: There were notable improvements in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and physical functioning scores for the group that continued with semaglutide compared to the placebo group. Specifically, waist circumference reduced by an average of 9.7 cm, systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.9 mm Hg, and the physical functioning score improved by 2.5 points. 
• Adverse effects: Gastrointestinal events were more common in the semaglutide group (49.1%) compared to the placebo group (26.1%). However, the proportion of participants discontinuing treatment due to adverse events was similar in both groups (2.4% for semaglutide and 2.2% for placebo). 

The STEP 5 trial

This trial was designed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a once-weekly injection of semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg. This trial included adults who were either obese or overweight with at least one weight-related health issue, excluding those with diabetes. The primary focus was on the change in body weight percentage and the proportion of participants achieving at least 5% weight loss over a period of 104 weeks. 

Results: The results were quite remarkable. By the end of the trial, the group treated with semaglutide showed an average weight reduction of 15.2%, while the placebo group experienced a much smaller average weight loss of 2.6%. This translates to a significant estimated difference in weight loss of 12.6 percentage points between the two groups. Moreover, a notably higher percentage of participants in the semaglutide group achieved more than 5% weight loss compared to the placebo group (77.1% vs. 34.4%). 

The comprehensive evaluation of the STEP 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trials underscores the effectiveness of semaglutide, particularly in the form of Wegovy, for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. Across these trials, semaglutide consistently demonstrated significant reductions in body weight, with notable improvements in various health metrics such as waist circumference, blood pressure, and physical functioning scores. Additionally, these studies highlight the importance of combining medication with lifestyle interventions for optimal outcomes. While gastrointestinal side effects were common, they were mostly manageable and did not lead to a high rate of discontinuation. The long-term data from STEP 5, showing sustained weight loss over 104 weeks, is particularly encouraging. These findings collectively reinforce the potential of semaglutide as a valuable tool in addressing the global challenge of obesity, offering hope for improved health outcomes in this population. 

How much weight will I lose? 

The weight you can lose depends on several factors, including individual metabolism, lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits. Typically, a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. By creating a consistent caloric deficit through diet and regular physical activity, this target is achievable for most individuals. However, the exact amount varies from person to person, with some experiencing quicker or more significant weight loss initially, especially if coupled with a structured weight management program or medication like Wegovy. 

While individual results vary, on average, patients using Wegovy in conjunction with lifestyle modifications have experienced: 

• A reduction of approximately 10-15% of their initial body weight. 
• Some individuals have higher percentages of weight loss, depending on numerous factors such as starting weight, diet, and exercise regimen. 

Factors Influencing Weight Loss on Wegovy 

Individual variability 

Weight loss with Wegovy is not uniform and can be influenced by: 

• Initial body weight: Heavier individuals may see more significant numerical weight loss. 
• Lifestyle choices: Diet and exercise play crucial roles in augmenting the effects of Wegovy. 
• Adherence to medication: Consistent use as prescribed is critical to achieving the best results. 

The Role of diet and exercise 

Diet and exercise are foundational elements in effective weight loss and management. A balanced diet ensures a caloric deficit, essential for shedding pounds while supplying necessary nutrients. Exercise complements this by burning calories, boosting metabolism, and building muscle, further aiding in calorie burning even at rest. Together, they help weight loss and improve overall health and well-being, making them indispensable in any weight management strategy. 

Where can I Get Wegovy? 

Prescription: Wegovy is a prescription medication, so you can fill in a free online consultation and receive it from The Family Chemist. 

Pharmacies: Once paid and approved, Wegovy can be obtained from our licensed pharmacy. 

Online Pharmacies: Some online pharmacies also offer Wegovy, but it’s crucial to use reputable sources to ensure authenticity and safety like The Family Chemist. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, stands out as a significant advancement in weight loss treatments. Its effectiveness, demonstrated in the extensive STEP trials, shows considerable promise for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight. By mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to regulate appetite and food intake, Wegovy not only aids in significant weight reduction but also contributes to long-term weight management. The studies highlight an average weight loss of about 10-15% of initial body weight among users, which is a notable achievement in the field of weight loss medications. 

Moreover, the importance of integrating Wegovy with a balanced diet and regular exercise cannot be overstated. This combination enhances the medication’s effectiveness, leading to improved health outcomes beyond just weight loss, such as reduced waist circumference, lower blood pressure, and improved physical functioning. Although gastrointestinal side effects are relatively common, they are usually manageable and seldom lead to discontinuation of the medication. 

For those considering Wegovy, it is available through a prescription, which can be obtained after a consultation from sources like The Family Chemist. It is essential to purchase Wegovy from licensed and reputable pharmacies to ensure the authenticity and safety of the medication.