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Wegovy weight loss injection

Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) for Weight Loss: Evidence, Safety, and How to Get It in Philadelphia

Bottom line: Weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle changes produces clinically meaningful weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. It’s FDA-approved as Wegovy® for chronic weight management and continues to show durable benefits in long-term studies. PubMed+2The New England Journal of Medicine+2

What clinical trials show

  • STEP 1 (NEJM, 2021): Adults without diabetes lost ~14.9% body weight at 68 weeks on semaglutide 2.4 mg + lifestyle vs ~2.4% with placebo. Sustained, clinically relevant loss. PubMed+1
  • SELECT CV outcomes extension: Weight loss sustained over ~4 years; also showed cardiovascular benefits in people with CVD and obesity/overweight. (These results supported the FDA’s 2024 addition of a CV risk-reduction indication for Wegovy.) PubMed+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2

FDA status: Wegovy (semaglutide) was first approved for chronic weight management on June 4, 2021; labeling includes a dose-escalation schedule (0.25 → 2.4 mg). Drugs.com+1

How semaglutide works & how it’s given

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves glycemic control. It’s a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). Cleveland Clinic

Safety & side effects

Most common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation—often transient and dose-related. Less common but important risks include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and thyroid C-cell tumor warnings; dose escalation helps tolerability. Severe events are uncommon, but seek care for severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting. Always use FDA-approved products (avoid compounded versions). Ozempic+2Mayo Clinic+2

Who may be a candidate?

  • BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes). Use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity per FDA labeling. FDA Access Data

Semaglutide FAQs

Q: Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
A: Both contain semaglutide. Wegovy is the weight-management brand/dose; Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes (some patients also lose weight). Drugs.com+1

Q: How quickly will I lose weight?
A: Many see early appetite changes within weeks; the largest losses accrue over months with ongoing dose titration and lifestyle support (see STEP 1 timeline). PubMed

Q: How does it compare to other options?
A: GLP-1/GIP agents like tirzepatide (Zepbound®) can yield even greater average loss in head-to-head trials, but suitability depends on medical history, access, and coverage—discuss with your clinician. AP News+1

Q: What about oral semaglutide for weight?
A: The FDA is reviewing an oral Wegovy application for chronic weight management. Availability depends on regulatory approval. Reuters

How W8MD’s Philadelphia program helps (insurance-friendly)

At W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep (Northeast Philadelphia), obesity-medicine physicians personalize your plan and, when appropriate, prescribe semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) or alternatives:

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation (labs, meds, sleep, metabolic risks)
  • Structured nutrition (protein-forward, low-glycemic or keto-friendly; LCD/VLCD options under supervision)
  • Behavior & activity coaching to maintain momentum
  • Medication stewardship: GLP-1/GLP-1–GIP and other FDA-approved options, with dose escalation & side-effect management per label
  • Sleep integration (OSA/insomnia) to address hidden blockers
  • Insurance benefits check for physician visits (plan-dependent)

Locations — W8MD Weight Loss Doctors in Philadelphia

Philadelphia (Primary – Northeast Philadelphia)
W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep
1718 Welsh Road, 2nd Floor, Ste C
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Phone: (215) 676-2334

New York City Weight Loss
2632 East 21st Street, Ste L3
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: (718) 946-5500

References (selected)

  • Wilding JPH, et al. STEP 1: Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight/obesity. NEJM 2021. PubMed+1
  • Ryan DH, et al. Long-term weight effects of semaglutide; SELECT CVOT insights. 2024. PubMed
  • FDA. Wegovy labeling & dose escalation; 2024 CV indication. FDA Access Data+1
  • Cleveland Clinic. Semaglutide injection overview. Cleveland Clinic
  • GoodRx / Mayo Clinic. Common side effects & warnings. GoodRx+1

This article is educational and not medical advice. Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives with your healthcare professional.