Why Do We Need Wegovy: The Dilemma Of Obesity
According to the CDC, approximately 70% of the adult American population is classified as overweight or obese. Many of these individuals suffer from illnesses that are directly related to their weight such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and more.
The epidemic of obesity has driven the costs of healthcare up significantly across the board and those costs are passed on to the insured. The good news is that there has been a noticeable shift in health consciousness over the last few years and many people are beginning to examine their lifestyles, eat healthier and incorporate exercise into their lives.
A report by Harvard Medical School indicated that the 44,000 respondents participating in their study indicated that they were making a point to consume more whole grains, plant protein, and unsaturated fats, and reduce their intake of sugar.
Help Is On The Horizon – A New Weight Loss Drug
Most of us understand that losing weight is not easy, especially once the point of obesity is reached If you are taking active steps to improve your health through lifestyle changes that include a low-calorie diet and exercise, I have good news for you! The FDA approved a weight loss drug in June 2021 called Wegovy that can help you with your quest to lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy has been referred to as a “game-changer” in the arena of weight loss products.
Wegovy Semaglutide For Weight Loss
Wegovy is a prescription medication called Semaglutide and is the first new weight loss medication to be available on the market since 2014. Semaglutide is not a new drug and has been around for years helping individuals who have type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the same as Ozempic with only a few administrative differences; Ozempic is not approved by the FDA to treat obesity and the dose of Ozempic in treating type 2 diabetes is much lower than that of Wegovy for weight loss patients.
Wegovy comes in a convenient injectable pen that is prefilled for a single use. Each week at the same time, the patient injects the medication into their stomach, arm, or thigh and continues their normal routine. Every month for five months, the dose of the medication is increased from .025mg until it reaches the maximum of 2.4mg where it remains for maintenance. Individuals have lost up to 30% of their body weight in only 12 months with the help of Wegovy.
When used along with a healthy low-calorie diet, Wegovy helps curb appetite and boosts metabolism allowing patients to lose more weight than they could on their own.
How Can I Get Wegovy?
Patients can only obtain and use Wegovy under the care of a qualified doctor. Patients who are interested in starting a medical weight loss program using Wegovy should contact their doctor or weight loss center and set up a consultation.
Usually, after thoroughly examining you and your medical history, etc, the doctor will provide you with a prescription for Wegovy with the intention that it be used in conjunction with the recommended diet and exercise program. Patients remain under medical supervision while taking Wegovy and attend regular follow-up appointments.
Where Can I Get Wegovy?
Prescriptions for Wegovy can be filled at several pharmacies throughout the United States. There is currently a shortage of Wegovy and many pharmacies are experiencing issues with Wegovy stock. Check with the pharmacy to confirm the availability of your dose.
When Can I Get Wegovy?
If you are wondering where you can get Wegovy, you are not alone. The unfortunate truth is that right now the company is experiencing a shortage of Wegovy and it is difficult to find. The demand for a Wegovy prescription is unprecedented and the manufacturer is also experiencing issues with their suppliers.
Currently, the makers of Wegovy have a supply shortage statement published on their website and predict the shortage may last well into 2023.
The statement indicates that they are doing all they can to keep up with the demand for patients who are already using the medication but they are unable to accommodate new patients at this time. This means that Wegovy 0.25 mg and Wegovy 0.5 mg are not currently in production and Wegovy 1.0 mg is in scarce supply. Limited amounts of Wegovy 1.7 mg and Wegovy 2.4 mg dose strengths are being manufactured to accommodate patients whose medical weight loss programs are already in progress and started prior to the shortages.
What Is Equivalent To Wegovy?
IBI Healthcare Institute has a proprietary medical weight loss medication they offer called SlimMed that is almost identical to Wegovy but is readily available and offered at a lower cost.
SlimMed is comprised of Semaglutide and Levocarnitine which work together to curb hunger, help patients feel full longer, and boost their metabolism. Patients taking SlimMed and living healthy lifestyles can expect to lose a significant amount of weight.
Like Wegovy, SlimMed is a weekly injection that begins at a lower dose and works up to a higher dose over a 5-month timeline. If you are interested in learning more about SlimMed, set up a consultation with IBI Healthcare today!
Another alternative, Saxenda is manufactured by the makers of Wegovy and has been FDA approved for weight loss since December of 2014. Saxenda is the prescription medication liraglutide and works similarly to Wegovy. Saxenda is administered through an injection that is given once every day and works best if administered each day at the same time.
Saxenda has not had the clinical weight loss success of Wegovy but it may be a good alternative if you are ready to begin a medical weight loss program right away.
To learn more about Wegovy, SlimMed, or other medical weight loss medications, contact IBI Healthcare Institute to set up a consultation. The professionals at IBI Healthcare Institute are ready to help you reach your weight loss goals!
