Your doctor will go over your medical history and health objectives during your initial visit.
Meet with your doctor on your computer or smartphone to. The physician will send an order to your preferred lab if lab work is necessary, which is the case for most patients. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them with you and detail your treatment options.
Wegovy prescriptions are dispensed based on eligibility and safety. In addition to helping you set diet and exercise goals and tracking your weight loss progress, your doctors will administer and maintain your Wegovy prescription as long as you're eligible for one.
Month | GLP-1 Benefits |
---|---|
ONE | During the adjustment period, you may experience side effects like nausea while noticing a reduced appetite and modest weight loss (around 2-4 pounds). |
TWO | Weight loss becomes more noticeable (1-2 pounds per week), side effects diminish, and portion control improves as appetite suppression continues. |
THREE | Steady weight loss (cumulative 8-12 pounds), improved energy levels, and enhanced metabolic benefits like better blood sugar regulation become apparent. |
FOUR | Weight loss may slow or plateau, but healthier eating habits and increased physical activity are more ingrained by this stage. |
FIVE | Weight loss continues (potentially 15-20 pounds or more), along with noticeable health improvements like better blood pressure and cholesterol, and fewer food cravings. |
SIX | By this time, sustained weight loss (10-20% of starting weight) is achieved, with long-term lifestyle changes solidified and improved confidence due to progress. |
Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of developing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Even modest weight loss can significantly improve your quality of life. In this regard, GLP-1 injections can enhance and potentially prolong the lives of individuals dealing with obesity.
Healthspan/Longevity
Supports healthier aging by improving metabolism and reducing disease risk.
Lower Cholesterol
Lowers cholesterol by improving lipid metabolism.
Lower Blood Pressure
Reduces blood pressure by enhancing blood vessel function.
More Energy
Boosts energy by improving glucose use and supporting weight loss.
Less Heart Disease
Lowers heart disease risk by reducing inflammation and cholesterol.
Reduce Diabetes
Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Losing weight can be difficult and frustrating! Achieving and maintaining weight loss with GLP-1 goes beyond just taking medication. It also involves making lifestyle changes, including adjustments to eating habits and exercise.
With the support of our care team and guidance from our doctors, patients can reach their weight loss goals and maintain them long-term.
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute works with expert medical wellness physicians to offer compassionate, informative, and effective care, delivering an outstanding teleWellness patient experience.
Among our expert physician staff we have medical marijuana specialists, medical weight loss experts, a book author, and an international speaker.
It was a great and fast appointment and Dr. Horsham ensured to answer all my questions and concerns.
Craig S.
I have had a great experience with Dr. Granados and would highly recommend! I especially love the convenience of teledoc for follow-up appointments.
Dora K.
Place is wonderful! Jenni at the front desk is absolutely awesome! Very informative and well educated… Dr. Granados has helped me greatly! She’s the lady to see!!!️
Rich R.
Wegovy received FDA approval to treat obesity in 2021. Most adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 can use the medication with a doctor's prescription.
The medication is safe for non-diabetics because it does not contain insulin. It simply simulates digestive substances. The body creates and secretes hormones that spur certain cells to action. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally produced substance that the digestive tract releases to control appetite and digestion.
Naturally produced GLP-1 has a short lifespan. Wegovy is molecularly similar to the substance yet longer lasting. It binds to the cells, telling the body the stomach is full. The medication also interacts with the central nervous system, triggering the hypothalamus to suppress appetite. This action leads to smaller portions and less eating between meals. Wegovy also slows digestion, leaving the stomach fuller for longer to prolong the sense of satiety.
As a result, patients consume fewer calories. Reducing caloric intake is essential for weight loss because your body burns fat when it needs more energy than it consumes.
The amount of weight loss you achieve will depend on your starting weight and dose of Wegovy. One high-quality trial found that patients taking a 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks.
The caloric deficit you experience will dictate the rate and extent of your weight loss. Wegovy helps lower food consumption, while exercise increases your total number of calories burned. The medication, in conjunction with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity, will enable you to maximize your weight loss.
Telehealth services are a well-established and effective tool for diagnosing and treating patients. Experienced weight loss doctors can conduct an online consultation with you to assess your needs and eligibility for prescription medications. You can easily book a convenient appointment regardless of your location.
The consultation will entail an analysis of your medical history and assessment of your BMI. It will also cover what to expect from a medically managed weight loss program. The doctor will ask about your weight loss goals and explain how Wegovy works. Being forthcoming with them will ensure they rule out possible complications that could make Wegovy ineffective or unsafe for you.
Once the doctor determines you are free of contraindications and that Wegovy can help you lose excess weight, they will prescribe the medication. You can then pick it up at your local pharmacy and begin your treatment. Your healthcare provider will conduct routine follow-ups to assess your progress and response to the treatment.
These appointments allow the provider to advise you about diet and exercise, ensure your weight loss is occurring at a healthy rate, and assess possible side effects. This collaborative approach to weight loss leverages the effectiveness of the medication with lifestyle modifications that can maximize its benefits while boosting your overall health.
Wegovy is a weekly self-administered injectable that you can inject into your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. The device uses a small needle, and the medication is pre-dosed, making self-administration safe and easy. Your doctor will advise you on sterilization and technique to ensure your safety.
Medications work by accumulating in your system until you reach a medicated dose of the compound they contain. Adhering to your prescribed injection schedule will maximize your weight loss and reduce your risk of side effects.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Wegovy and gradually build it up to allow your body to adjust to the medication. All medications carry some risk of side effects, though. Their extent and severity will vary from person to person. The most common side effects of Wegovy are:
While several weight loss pills are currently on the market, few, if any, function as effectively as Wegovy. Novo Nordisk, who manufactures Wegovy, offers a semaglutide tablet to treat type-2 diabetes. A similar drug is pending approval as an obesity treatment and may be on the market by early 2024.
The out-of-pocket cost without insurance can be over $1,000. You may qualify for the financial assistance program offered by the manufacturer. Prices are high due to limited availability of the medication and high demand from patients.
Wegovy is one of the few weight loss medications covered by insurance because the treatment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The cost is subject to your insurance plan's prescription drug benefit, though. Doctors prescribe most alternative drugs off-label, disqualifying them from insurance coverage.
Meeting with a doctor to ensure you qualify for Wegovy and contacting your health insurance provider to review your coverage will help you estimate the cost of your prescription.
Yes. Wegovy is FDA-approved to treat obesity. This designation means the medication has proven safe and effective in rigorous clinical trials. Wegovy is recommended for adults with BMIs over 30 and adults who have BMIs over 27 as well as a weight-related medical problem like hypertension.
High-sugar and high-fat foods may cause gastric distress while you take Wegovy. Modifying your diet can help you minimize side effects. It is also best to reduce alcohol consumption while taking Wegovy because it can spike your blood sugar.
Most adults begin with a 0.25 mg dose of Wegovy for four weeks. Doctors then incrementally raise the level to 2.4 mg over the next 13 weeks. This gradual escalation allows the body to adjust to the medication, minimizing gastrointestinal side effects. Weight loss is often rapid once you reach your optimal dose.
No—Wegovy is an FDA-regulated substance and is only available with a prescription from a licensed physician. Non-medical weight loss clinics or vendors marketing Wegovy over-the-counter are selling a different product or have obtained the medication without following regulatory and safety standards.
The only safe way to treat obesity using Wegovy is by using medication ordered by a doctor and supplied by a pharmacy.
Ozempic and Wegovy are both forms of semaglutide, but only Wegovy is an FDA-approved weight loss treatment. Wegovy is available in higher doses than Ozempic, and many insurance companies cover it for obese patients. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss because it is only FDA-approved to treat diabetes.