Obesity has become a major health concern worldwide, and Riyadh is no exception. With rising sedentary lifestyles, changes in dietary habits, and increasing stress levels, many residents in Riyadh struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Traditional methods like dieting and exercising, although effective for some, do not always produce the desired results for everyone. Thankfully, medical advancements have introduced Wegovy injection, a revolutionary weight loss medication that has gained popularity for its efficacy and safety. This blog explores everything you need to know about Wegovy Injection in Riyadh .
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. Semaglutide’s weight loss benefits were discovered in clinical trials, leading to the approval of Wegovy for chronic weight management.
Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone in the body called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake by signaling fullness and reducing hunger. By affecting the brain’s appetite control center and slowing stomach emptying, Wegovy helps users consume fewer calories and maintain a calorie deficit, essential for effective weight loss.
Wegovy acts through several physiological mechanisms:
Appetite Regulation: It decreases hunger by stimulating the brain’s receptors that control satiety, helping users feel full for longer periods.
Delayed Gastric Emptying: By slowing the movement of food through the stomach, it prolongs the feeling of fullness after meals.
Improved Blood Sugar Control: It helps stabilize blood glucose levels, particularly beneficial for people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes.
These mechanisms collectively promote reduced calorie intake, enabling sustained and healthy weight loss.
Wegovy is prescribed for adults with:
A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more (obesity).
A BMI of 27 or more if accompanied by at least one obesity-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Wegovy is not recommended for:
Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Patients with pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal diseases.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Before initiating treatment, a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to ensure safety and suitability.
The journey starts with a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider in Riyadh, where your medical history, weight, BMI, and overall health are assessed. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out any contraindications.
Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) using a prefilled pen. To minimize side effects, the dose begins low and increases over 16 to 20 weeks:
Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg weekly
Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg weekly
Weeks 9-12: 1.0 mg weekly
Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg weekly
Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose)
Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor progress, manage any side effects, and provide dietary and lifestyle guidance. These sessions help tailor the treatment plan to the individual’s needs.
Clinical studies demonstrate that individuals using Wegovy in conjunction with lifestyle modifications lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight over one year, which is substantial compared to other weight loss methods.
Beyond weight loss, Wegovy helps improve:
Blood sugar control, reducing the risk or severity of type 2 diabetes.
Blood pressure levels.
Cholesterol profile.
Overall cardiovascular health.
Wegovy’s once-weekly administration makes it an easy-to-follow regimen compared to daily medications.
Like any medication, Wegovy may cause side effects. The most common include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to decrease as the body adjusts to the medication. Serious side effects, though rare, can include:
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Severe allergic reactions
It is vital to report any severe or persistent symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
Wegovy has become increasingly accessible in Riyadh through specialized clinics and healthcare centers focusing on obesity and metabolic health. Due to its growing demand, availability can fluctuate, so scheduling consultations early is recommended.
The cost of Wegovy varies depending on dosage, treatment duration, and associated services such as medical consultations and follow-ups. On average:
Weekly doses cost between SAR 800 and SAR 1,300.
Monthly treatment packages, including consultations, may range from SAR 4,000 to SAR 6,000.
Confirm with your healthcare provider what the cost covers to avoid surprises.
Adhere strictly to the injection schedule.
Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.
Incorporate regular physical activity as advised.
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Stay hydrated and promptly report side effects.
Wegovy injection represents a significant advancement in weight management for residents of Riyadh. It offers a clinically proven, effective, and safe option for those struggling with obesity and related health issues. When combined with lifestyle changes and medical supervision, Wegovy can lead to sustainable weight loss and improved overall health.
If you are considering Wegovy, consult a qualified healthcare provider in Riyadh to evaluate your eligibility and design a personalized treatment plan.