Is Wegovy safe for weight loss? The truth about risks vs. benefits

You may be wondering “Is Wegovy safe to take for weight loss?” Wegovy (semaglutide) can be safe for many people when it’s prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. The medication has been studied in large clinical trials and shown to help with significant, sustained weight loss. 

Still, “safe” can mean different things depending on your health history and any conditions you may have. In this article we will dive into the nuances and topics you may want to bring up to your provider about Wegovy’s safety. 

Wegovy is FDA approved as a safe, effective option for weight loss treatment for people with obesity or overweight with a weight-related health condition. Clinical trials show it helps people lose significant weight when paired with lifestyle changes. The most common side effects include nausea and diarrhea; rare but more serious risks involve the pancreas, gallbladder, or kidneys. Discuss benefits and risks with your provider before starting Wegovy.

Wegovy is not safe for people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). Always consult your provider to confirm if Wegovy is appropriate for you.

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Wegovy works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. The active ingredient, semaglutide, is part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

These drugs act on receptors in the brain, stomach, and pancreas, and elsewhere to help control how much you eat and how your body handles food.

One way Wegovy helps with weight loss is by slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This can make you feel full sooner and stay full longer after meals.

It also lowers levels of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, while boosting insulin release when blood sugar is high. Together, these actions can improve blood sugar control and reduce cravings.

Wegovy (semaglutide) mimics the hormone GLP-1. It slows how quickly food leaves your stomach and acts on brain areas that control hunger and fullness, which helps reduce calorie intake.

Many people taking Wegovy report feeling less hungry and having fewer food cravings, which may make it easier to stick with healthier eating habits.

Yes, studies show that Wegovy can be highly effective for weight loss. It was specifically developed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with overweight or obesity after large clinical trials found it helped people lose significantly more weight compared to a placebo.

Here’s evidence from clinical trials: 

• The STEP trials tested once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg (the ingredient in Wegovy) in people with overweight or obesity. Across these studies, participants taking Wegovy plus lifestyle changes lost significantly more weight than those on placebo.

• Earlier SUSTAIN and PIONEER programs (lower-dose injectable and oral semaglutide for type 2 diabetes) also showed improved blood sugar control and modest weight loss. In the head-to-head STEP 8 trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly produced greater weight loss than liraglutide 3.0 mg once weekly.

Together, the results from STEP, SUSTAIN, and PIONEER show that semaglutide is more effective for weight loss than placebo and several other available treatments.

The FDA approved Wegovy in 2021 as the first GLP-1 medication specifically for chronic weight management in adults. In 2024, the FDA expanded its approval to include reducing the risk of serious heart problems in people with obesity and heart disease.

Like all prescription medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common Wegovy risks and side effects in adults and children aged 12 years and older include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Stomach pain or bloating

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Tiredness

• Belching, gas, or heartburn

• Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)

• Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes

You can check out a full list of possible Wegovy side effects and more detailed guidance on Wegovy safety. 

Not everyone experiences side effects, but if any symptom bothers you or doesn’t go away, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider. There are strategies you can take to minimize the impact of these side effects on your lifestyle including lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications once discussed with your healthcare provider.

Is Wegovy safe for long-term use?

Wegovy may be safe for long-term use when it’s prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. Research following people on the medication over a few years has shown that many people are able to tolerate the medication and keep weight off over time. That said, the data are still growing, and safety can look different depending on your individual health.

Even though serious side effects of Wegovy are rare, they are possible. These include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and thyroid concerns. Regular check-ins with a provider are important to monitor for any safety concerns, and if you are ever in doubt, seek emergency medical attention.

Overall, the benefits of sustained weight loss may outweigh these risks for many people, but Wegovy should only be continued long-term under medical supervision.

Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management when paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity. A healthcare provider may prescribe it for:

• Adults and children 12 and older with obesity

• Adults with overweight who also have a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

• Adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity, to help lower the risk of heart attack or stroke

• Adults with noncirrhotic MASH (formerly NASH) and moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis, to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This use is under accelerated approval (a confirmatory trial is ongoing) 

If you’re not sure whether you qualify or want to know if Wegovy is safe long term, your healthcare provider can review your health history, discuss the existing safety data, and guide you through the next steps.

Wegovy isn’t right for everyone, and you shouldn’t use it if:

• You or a close family member has had MTC or MEN2

• You’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy

• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Treatment should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is confirmed

If any of these Wegovy risks apply to you, talk with your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

The most common adverse effects of Wegovy were discussed above. That being said, Wegovy has additional serious warnings and precautions you should be aware of before you start taking it. Some of these potential adverse effects of Wegovy are rare but it is still important to be informed If you are ever experiencing concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.

• Thyroid tumors: In animal studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, though it’s not known if this happens in humans. Wegovy should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2. Report symptoms such as a neck lump, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing to your healthcare provider.

• Pancreatitis: Although this complication is rare, cases of serious pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with Wegovy. Seek medical care right away if you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, with or without nausea or vomiting, especially if the abdominal pain is radiating to the back.

• Gallbladder problems: Wegovy can increase the risk of gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. Seek emergency medical attention or call your provider if you develop symptoms such as upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale stools.

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This is more likely if you also take insulin or other diabetes medicines. This is why it’s important to tell your healthcare provider all the medications you are taking so doses can be adjusted accordingly prior to starting Wegovy. Symptoms may include dizziness, sweating, shakiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, or confusion. It may be helpful to eat regular meals or keep a sugar source on hand in case you are experiencing low blood sugar 

• Kidney problems: Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea can sometimes lead to kidney problems. Drink fluids regularly and contact your provider if symptoms persist.

• Serious digestive issues: Some people may experience serious digestive issues. Wegovy is not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying).

• Allergic reactions: Rare but serious reactions such as swelling of the face or throat, rash, or difficulty breathing may occur. Stop the medication and seek help immediately if this happens.

• Eye problems in people with diabetes: Wegovy may increase the risk of complications from a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams are recommended if you have diabetes.

• Increased heart rate: Wegovy may cause a rise in resting heart rate. Let your provider know if you feel your heart racing or pounding while at rest.

• Mental health changes: Depression and suicidal thoughts have been reported with weight loss medicines, including Wegovy. Tell your provider about any mood changes, new or worsening depression, or concerning thoughts.

• Surgery and anesthesia: Because Wegovy slows stomach emptying, it may increase the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during procedures requiring anesthesia or deep sedation. Always inform your medical team if you are taking Wegovy before surgery and follow their recommendations closely.

The main difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is their approved use and dosing. Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but they’re approved for different purposes.

• Ozempic was approved in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It comes in doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg and is taken once a week as an injection. Maintenance dosing of Ozempic is usually 1 mg weekly, though this may depend on individuals’ responses to treatment.

• Wegovy is a higher-dose version of the same medication. It was approved in 2021 for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related health condition, and later extended to adolescents 12 years and older with obesity. Wegovy is usually taken once weekly at a target dose of 2.4 mg.

Both drugs work the same way in the body because they have the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but Wegovy has been specifically studied and approved for weight loss. Ozempic may be prescribed off-label for weight management, but is not FDA approved for weight loss. 

Other injectable medications are indicated to treat type 2 diabetes or obesity, including liraglutide and tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is unique because it is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it combines two mechanisms to help regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss.

Before starting any new medication, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider. They can assess whether the medication is a good fit for you by reviewing your health history, current conditions, medications, and overall goals.

A provider will also explain the possible benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision about whether GLP-1 treatment is appropriate in your situation.

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Yes, Wegovy has been shown to help many people safely lose weight and improve overall health, but it isn’t for everyone and should only be taken under medical guidance.

• Wegovy is effective for weight loss: Clinical studies confirm that Wegovy leads to significant, sustained weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes in people with obesity or overweight.

• Side effects are common, but often manageable: Nausea, diarrhea, and other digestive issues are the most reported problems and can be managed with lifestyle changes, the support of a healthcare provider, and potentially over-the-counter medications.

• Not safe for everyone: People with certain conditions, like MEN2, a history of thyroid cancer, or severe digestive issues, should avoid it.

• Medical supervision is key: A healthcare provider can help determine whether Wegovy is appropriate, adjust doses safely, and monitor for side effects over time.

If you’re considering Wegovy and asking, “Is Wegovy dangerous?” or wondering if Wegovy is safe long term, it’s important to weigh its potential alongside your personal health history and goals.

For people with overweight or obesity, Wegovy may offer a safe and effective path toward better health, but the decision should always be made with professional support.