Wegovy: Weighing the Pros & Cons

Long-Term Effects of Wegovy: Risks vs. Benefits

This article was reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA.

The short-term effects of Wegovy include appetite control and weight loss. But if you’re considering taking it for the long haul (or perhaps you’ve already started treatment), you might be wondering about the long-term effects of Wegovy.

To put your mind at ease straight away, Wegovy is considered safe for most people. Still, it’s good to be aware of any potential risks.

Wegovy long-term side effects are rare; it’s much more common to experience temporary side effects when starting treatment.

Read on to find out more about the long-term effects of Wegovy.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Wegovy?

According to a review of studies on Wegovy, the most common long-term effect of Wegovy is sustained weight loss. At the longest follow-up point in these studies, over 33 percent of participants had maintained weight loss equal to or greater than 20 percent of their starting body weight.

Many others maintained weight loss greater than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight.

The study notes that the most common Wegovy risks are gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. These GI side effects were typically temporary and mild to moderate in severity.

Wegovy is generally considered a safe drug for most people. Wegovy (semaglutide) was first FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. Type 2 diabetes is usually a lifelong condition, so it’s not uncommon for people to take it for many years.

While there is a risk of side effects with all medications, the benefits of taking Wegovy typically outweigh the risks for people with an elevated BMI.

Don’t know your BMI? Check out the BMI Calculator.

Common Side Effects of Wegovy

Common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Heartburn

These aren’t all the possible side effects of Wegovy, but they tend to happen when first starting the medication or when the dose increases. These effects typically don’t last long and go away on their own. Talk to your provider about any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

Rare Wegovy Side Effects

While more research is needed on the long-term side effects of Wegovy, a few rare but serious side effects include:

• Pancreatitis

• Kidney problems like acute kidney injury, especially associated with nausea and vomiting

• Gallbladder problems like gallstones and gallbladder disease

• Increased heart rate

• Mental health issues

• Diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition that can happen to people with diabetes)

• Thyroid cancer or thyroid tumors (based on research in rodents)

• Disturbed thoughts (To connect with the Crisis Lifeline, dial 988.)

Wegovy may not be safe or appropriate for everyone. Do not use Wegovy if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy.

• You or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer.

• You have been diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy, as weight loss offers no benefit and may pose risks to the fetus.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting Wegovy to make sure it’s safe for your specific health needs.

Is Wegovy Safe for Long-Term Use?

Yes, Wegovy is considered safe for long-term use. Like any drug, there are some potential risks, but for many people, the benefits of losing weight with Wegovy outweigh those risks.

A 2022 review of Wegovy studies states that a “significant benefit of semaglutide is that it can be used for long-term management of weight.”

While longer-term research is needed, studies spanning two years show that Wegovy is safe.

Do the Side Effects of Wegovy Go Away?

Side effects typically go away as your body gets used to the medication. If you’re symptoms don’t resolve, they will go away when you stop taking the drug.

It’s different for everyone, though. Some people might only have side effects at first, while others taking Wegovy may experience symptoms at different times, such as when their dose is increased.

How Long Can I Take Wegovy?

It’s unclear how long you can take Wegovy, but the drug is designed for long-term use. Depending on how well your body tolerates it, you might be able to take Wegovy until you reach your goal weight or beyond for long-term weight management.

Your healthcare provider can let you know how long it’s safe for you personally to take Wegovy.

We’ve covered how long you can stay on Ozempic for weight loss in more detail.

Wegovy Alternatives for Weight Loss

If you decide Wegovy isn’t for you, you still have plenty of weight loss treatments to choose from.

There are other weight loss injections like:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)

• Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide)

• Victoza and Saxenda (liraglutide)

Read our guide to Wegovy versus Ozempic to see how these Novo Nordisk medications compare.

Outside of GLP-1 drugs, you can also consider oral weight loss medications like:

• Rybelsus (semaglutide)

• Metformin

• Xenical (orlistat)

• Topamax (topiramate)

• Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion)

• Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate)

While medication is considered safe for most people, you can also look into drug-free weight loss methods that don’t come with the risk of any serious side effects.

These include:

• Eating nutritious foods. Go for fruits, vegetables, whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, and lean protein like chicken and tofu.

• Incorporating more movement into your day. All physical activity counts. That could include walking, standing, yoga, dancing, tennis, jogging — you get the idea.

• Getting enough sleep. Aim for at least seven hours a night. Taking time to wind down before bed and making your bedroom as relaxing as possible can help.

• Drinking more water. Stay hydrated, feel fuller, and promote the breakdown of fats for energy — drinking water is a win-win-win.

Weight loss is highly individual. The “best” treatment will look different for everyone and will likely include a combination of some of the above alternatives.

Using Wegovy Long-Term: Final Thoughts

Here are the key things to remember:

• There are potential side effects of Wegovy. Side effects are typically gastrointestinal and they are usually temporary, but Wegovy may have serious side effects. Do not use it if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2.

• Wegovy is recommended as a long-term weight loss drug. It’s designed to help people lose weight and keep weight off in the long run. Longer-term research is needed, but studies spanning two years show the drug is safe.

• The benefits may outweigh the risks. Wegovy can help you lose a significant amount of weight. So if you have overweight or obesity, the drug can improve your health and quality of life in many ways, outweighing potential long-term risks.

A healthcare provider can let you know if you are eligible for Wegovy and talk you through any risks you’re concerned about.

This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.