Wegovy vs. Traditional Weight Loss Methods: A Comparative Analysis

Wegovy is one of the latest medications to hit the market for weight loss, debuting in the U.S. in 2021. If you're deciding whether standard weight-loss methods are enough or if Wegovy could better assist, it's vital to understand how they compare. And at Slimmetry Medical Center in Metairie, LA, we'd like to provide some light. 

General Information About Wegovy and Traditional Weight Loss

 Wegovy, the brand name of the generic drug, semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Your body naturally produces GLP-1 to control your food intake and appetite. This drug is a once-a-week injection that works similarly in the body to lower your appetite and reduce your food intake. 

When we recommend Wegovy to our patients if and only if they're taking steps to lose weight loss as well, such as with an improved diet and exercise. When you visit our office in Metairie, LA, for Wegovy or weight loss in general, we'll make recommendations to assist in your journey. 

Traditional weight loss methods consist of regular exercise, diet, and lifestyle modification. While this has advantages for all patients, not everyone sees an immense amount of results from these alone. 

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the medication, it's still not without potential side effects, so it's a decision not to take lightly. 

Qualifying for Wegovy

 For those who aren't benefiting from diet and exercise alone, this could be the push they need to see weight loss. With that being said, only certain patients qualify for the medication, such as those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Those with a BMI of 27 or more who have a chronic health condition, like high blood pressure or cholesterol, may also benefit. 

We should note that everyone is a candidate for traditional weight loss methods, but each patient needs specific recommendations for them. 

Weight Loss Result Comparison 

 In clinical studies, 83 percent of adults who took the medication lost five percent or more of their total weight, while 31 percent saw this result when taking a placebo. 

Moreover, 66 percent of adults who took it lost 10 percent or more of their total body weight compared to only 12 percent of those who took the placebo. 

The people who saw the most weight loss, defined as 15 percent or more of their weight, was 48 percent compared to five percent who were taking a placebo. 

Slimmetry Medical Center in Metairie, LA, can help with your weight-loss journey, possibly with Wegovy, depending on your situation. If it's not right, we can tailor a traditional plan. 

Start losing weight today by calling us at 504-910-8020.