Wegovy
A popular GLP-1 weight loss drug variant used by patients including the podcast hosts.
First Mentioned
2/21/2026, 5:33:51 AM
Last Updated
2/21/2026, 5:35:29 AM
Research Retrieved
2/21/2026, 5:35:29 AM
Summary
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk for chronic weight management and the reduction of major cardiovascular risks such as heart attack and stroke. Functioning as an incretin mimetic, it regulates appetite and slows digestion by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. Beyond its clinical applications, Wegovy has triggered a massive financial and cultural hype cycle, frequently compared to the rise of artificial intelligence. This surge in popularity led to over 25 million prescriptions in the United States in 2023, ranking it as the 19th most prescribed medication. While recognized on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the drug is associated with gastrointestinal side effects and emerging concerns regarding muscle loss.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Drug Class
GLP-1 receptor agonist (Incretin mimetic)
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Active Ingredient
Semaglutide
Common Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, and fatigue
Primary Indications
Obesity, overweight with weight-related medical problems, cardiovascular risk reduction, and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)
Administration Methods
Subcutaneous injection (weekly) or oral tablets (daily)
Regulatory Recognition
World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines
US Prescription Volume (2023)
Over 25 million prescriptions
Timeline
- Semaglutide was approved for medical use in the United States. (Source: Wikipedia)
2017-12-05
- Semaglutide became the nineteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States with over 25 million prescriptions. (Source: Wikipedia)
2023-01-01
- The All-In Podcast discussed the massive hype cycle surrounding Wegovy and other GLP-1 agonists, comparing their market impact to AI. (Source: Document 0d1b8bf2-4839-4e94-af1e-1c882a1d8877)
2023-10-20
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaSemaglutide
Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. It is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain. It can be administered by subcutaneous injection or taken orally. It is sold by Novo Nordisk under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes, and under the brand name Wegovy for weight management, weight loss, and the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Semaglutide is an incretin mimetic. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. It was approved for medical use in the US in 2017. In 2023, it was the nineteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Web Search Results
- Get Wegovy for Weight Loss – Online Prescription - Walgreens
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, which is a type of medication known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (or GLP-1 agonist medication). This medicine is given either as daily pills or as weekly injections and is prescribed to be used alongside a lower calorie diet and increased physical activity. Wegovy can help those who are obese or overweight, regardless of other health issues, in losing extra body weight and maintaining that weight loss. Additionally, it helps lower the chances of serious heart-related issues like heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death in adults who already have heart disease and are either obese or overweight. Wegovy is also prescribed to treat a liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). [...] Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication taken orally daily or injected weekly for managing your weight. The dosage is gradually increased to help minimize side effects while reaching your weight loss goal. Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which imitates the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to help control appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. How Wegovy works: These benefits can lead to lower calorie consumption and can support significant, lasting weight loss when paired with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise. [...] Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss and maintenance in children 12 years and older who are obese as well as some adults who are overweight and have weight-related health issues. Adults aged 18 years and older with certain body mass indexes (BMI) may be eligible for a GLP-1 agonist medication through a Walgreens Weight Management visit — typically a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above who also have other weight-related health conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea or PCOS.
- Weight Management for Adults with Obesity | Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Narrator: Wegovy® is a prescription medicine used with reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related medical problems, lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 medicines, or in children under 12 years of age. Do not take Wegovy® if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or if you are allergic to Wegovy®. [...] Narrator: Wegovy® is a prescription medicine used with reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical problems, lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 medicines, or in children under 12 years of age. Do not take Wegovy® if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type two, or if you are allergic to Wegovy®. Terry: I started taking Wegovy® a little over two years ago to help me lose weight and keep it off. [...] Wegovy® contains semaglutide and should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Wegovy® injection is safe and effective: to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (death, heart attack, or stroke) in people under 18 years to help children under 12 years of age lose weight and keep the weight off It is not known if Wegovy® tablets are safe and effective for use in people under 18 years of age. Scroll to Indication ## Important Safety Information ### What is the most important information I should know about Wegovy®? Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:
- Wegovy (semaglutide) - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
9 mins read Overview: Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist. It is used for weight loss in people with obesity or who are overweight and have certain other health conditions, to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in people with either obesity or overweight, and to treat a liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, bloating, and upset stomach are among the most common side effects. ## Uses ### What is Wegovy used for? Wegovy (semaglutide) is commonly used for the following conditions. [...] Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Wegovy can cause low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. Your dose of insulin or other diabetes medicine may need to be lowered to decrease your risk of low blood sugar. Do not use Wegovy and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia. Headache Crankiness or anxiety Hunger Dizziness or confusion Blurry vision Slurred speech Sweating Feeling jittery or shakiness Fast heartbeat Seizures [...] ### How does Wegovy work (mechanism of action)? Wegovy works for weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body. Weight loss from Wegovy can lead to improved cardiovascular risk factors, such as decreased blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and better control of blood sugar. In people with MASH, fat builds up in the liver causing inflammation. Weight loss helps reduce fat in the liver, potentially reducing inflammation and scarring. ### How is Wegovy supplied (dosage forms)? Wegovy is available as 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg oral tablets that are swallowed and in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- Wegovy® (semaglutide) tablet 25 mg, injection 2.4 mg ... - NovoCare
## What is Wegovy®? Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg and Wegovy® (semaglutide) tablets 25 mg are prescription medicines used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to: reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight. help adults with obesity, or some adults with excess weight (overweight) who also have weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep the weight off. Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help children 12 years and older with obesity to lose weight and keep the weight off [...] Wegovy® is a prescription medication. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. You are being redirected to an another page. Do you wish to continue ? Yes No) Loading.... [...] The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat. Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Wegovy®. Wegovy® is a prescription medication. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Wegovy®. Wegovy® is a prescription medication.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): How It Works & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic
Gray gradient Gray gradient Gray gradient Gray gradient Cleveland Clinic logo Search Search # Semaglutide Injection (Weight Management) Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weekly injection you take to lose weight. It’s for adults with obesity or overweight. Common side effects include nausea and digestive issues. Visit your provider for regular checkups when you take this medication. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy ## Overview ### What is this medication? [...] Advertisement ### How does Wegovy work? Wegovy works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger. It reduces your appetite, slows digestion and helps you feel full longer. ### What is Wegovy used for? Wegovy is a prescription treatment for obesity. It helps you lose weight, which can lower your risk of conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. ### How do I inject Wegovy? You inject it once every seven days (on the same day each week). It comes in a prefilled pen that you inject just under the skin of your stomach, thigh or upper arm. To inject, place the pen flat against your skin, unlock it and press the button. You may feel a tiny pinch. ### How long does Wegovy stay in your system?