Wegovy is a New Option for Weight Loss in 2026

1 big thing: Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly prescription shot now available in the United States for chronic weight management, and it’s also FDA-approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in certain higher-risk adults. FDA Access Data+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2

Why it matters: For people with obesity, Wegovy can deliver meaningful weight loss and additional heart protection when used with healthy eating and activity. Insurance coverage is expanding as the cardiovascular indication rolls out. Reuters

Between the lines: It’s effective, but not magic. You still need lifestyle changes, monitoring for side effects, and a clinician to confirm it’s safe for you. FDA Access Data

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How Wegovy works

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a natural gut hormone that helps control appetite in the brain, slows stomach emptying so you feel fuller longer, improves insulin response, and reduces glucagon. Translation: you get hungrier less often and feel satisfied with smaller portions. American Journal of Medicine+1

Who it’s for

Per the FDA label, Wegovy is used with reduced-calorie nutrition and increased physical activity:

• To lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease who also have obesity or overweight.
• For chronic weight management in adults and in teens 12+ with obesity, and in adults with overweight plus at least one weight-related condition. FDA Access Data

Who should not take it

Wegovy carries a boxed warning: in rodents, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It’s contraindicated if you or a family member has medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. Do not use it if you’ve had a serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide. Your clinician will screen you for risks like pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy changes, kidney issues, and mood changes. FDA Access Data

Dosing at a glance

Wegovy is injected once weekly, the same day each week. You start low and ramp up every 4 weeks to reduce stomach side effects. Typical schedule: 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg (the recommended maintenance dose for many adults). Some patients remain at 1.7 mg based on tolerance and goals. Wegovy+1‍

Common side effects

The most common are stomach-related: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. They’re usually mild to moderate and improve as your dose increases gradually. Call your clinician urgently for severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis) or signs of gallbladder trouble. Drugs.com+1

Results and heart benefits

Large trials show substantial weight loss for many users when Wegovy is combined with nutrition and activity programs. In 2024, the FDA added a cardiovascular indication after a major outcomes study showed fewer serious heart problems in higher-risk patients with overweight or obesity. That shift may help more people qualify for coverage. AP News+1

How to get a Wegovy prescription through Well Revolution

1. Start a Private chat and complete intake. Share your medical history, current medications, and prior weight-loss efforts.
2. Clinician visit. A licensed provider reviews your health status, eligibility, and the boxed-warning exclusions. They’ll discuss benefits, side effects, and what to expect during dose escalation.
3. Personal plan. If appropriate, you’ll get a Wegovy prescription with a nutrition and activity plan.
4. Pharmacy fulfillment. Your prescription is e-sent to a local or mail pharmacy. Availability can vary; your clinician can discuss alternatives if supply is tight. Reuters
5. Follow-ups. Check in to monitor progress, side effects, and lab markers as needed. Dose changes or supportive meds for nausea may be added.

Tips for a smoother start

• Eat slowly, smaller portions; avoid heavy, greasy meals during titration.
• Stay hydrated and prioritize protein and fiber.
• If you have diabetes and take insulin or a sulfonylurea, ask about adjusting doses to reduce hypoglycemia risk. FDA Access Data

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