Who Gets Wegovy? (Hint: Not Always Those Need it Most)
Wegovy is a brand-name prescription drug that is used for the treatment of obesity in adults. It is administered once a week through an injection under the skin. Wegovy works by increasing the levels of a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps to control hunger and fullness.
Wegovy is approved for use by adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea.
Who Qualifies for Wegovy?
To qualify for Wegovy, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity
- Be willing to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
Who Gets Wegovy? (Hint: Not Always Those Need it Most)
While Wegovy is effective for weight loss, it is important to note that it is not a cure for obesity. It must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan to achieve long-term weight loss.
Additionally, Wegovy is not without side effects. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and headaches. In rare cases, Wegovy can cause serious side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems.
Wegovy is Typically Used in Combination with Other Weight Loss Treatments
In real-world practice, Wegovy is frequently prescribed without careful patient selection or lifestyle counseling. This means that patients who may be good candidates for alternative treatments, such as diet and exercise or other medications that assist in weight loss, are prescribed Wegovy instead.
The drug is also expensive. A single injection of Wegovy may cost hundreds of dollars, representing a substantial financial burden for patients.
Consequently, critics argue that Wegovy is often overused and that patients who may be better served by alternative treatments or lifestyle changes are being prescribed the medication unnecessarily, creating inequities and potentially compromising their well-being.