At Alega Health, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based semaglutide treatment as part of our obesity medicine practice. Led by Dr. Tara Altepeter—a triple board-certified physician in Obesity Medicine, General Pediatrics, and Pediatric Gastroenterology—our practice delivers personalized care that goes beyond simply prescribing medication. With her decade of experience at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Dr. Altepeter brings unparalleled expertise in understanding how weight loss medications work, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and individually tailored treatment that addresses obesity as the chronic medical condition it truly is.
What’s a GLP-1?
You may not have heard of GLP-1 medications, but you’re probably familiar with the brand names, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. You may have friends or relatives who have used one of these medications, or read about celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Rebel Wilson, and even elite athletes like Serena Williams sharing their experiences publicly.
GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide 1.” It’s a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract that slows digestion and helps you feel full. Many people also report that it quiets their mental “food chatter” or helps them worry less about what or when they will eat next. These medications are powerful tools to aid people trying to lose weight, when used appropriately and under the care of an experienced physician.
Who may be a candidate for Wegovy injections?
Wegovy injection (semaglutide) can be used to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, for the prevention of heart attack or stroke in patients with known cardiovascular disease, and to treat metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) or “fatty liver disease.”
Adults:
For weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction, Wegovy injections may be used in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or patients with a BMI of 27.5 or more and at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
For the treatment of metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), Wegovy can be used in patients who have moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (scarring). Specific tests are needed (including blood tests, liver imaging, and sometimes a liver biopsy) to determine if Wegovy may be appropriate for this purpose.
Pediatrics:
In pediatrics we use different cut-offs to determine when a child or adolescent’s weight meets criteria for obesity or may be affecting their health. Wegovy is approved by the FDA for use in children 12 years of age or older with obesity. Your doctor can help you determine if your child may benefit from weight-loss medication.
What weight-loss results might you expect?
When used in combination with a healthy, low-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity, many people achieve excellent weight-loss results with GLP-1 medications.
In clinical studies for Wegovy (semaglutide), patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight and maintained that weight loss over a 2-year period—about 35 lbs for the average patient in the clinical studies.
In these studies, most patients were able to maintain weight loss with continued treatment. However, when the medications were stopped, most people regained the weight they had lost. This highlights the need for long-term treatment.
Wegovy also helped to improve other complications of obesity such as high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar (in patients with type 2 diabetes), and high blood pressure.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, and heartburn. These side effects are generally manageable. Your doctor can guide you on how best to manage or minimize the side effects.
About half of all people who try a GLP-1 medication stop it within 1 year, often due to side effects that could have been managed. Working closely with a physician to help you manage these side effects can maximize your chances of success. Side effects of these medications are often temporary; support and guidance during the initial period while your body gets used to the medication can allow you to continue long term.
Serious side effects are rare but could include: gallstones that require surgery, pancreatitis, loss of vision which can be permanent, severe dehydration, and others. Your doctor will go over what to look out for if you choose to start Wegovy.
Who should not take Wegovy?
GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy are intended to be a long-term treatment to help manage obesity, in combination with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity. To maintain the benefits of the medication, long-term treatment is required. These medications are not appropriate for people who want a short-term solution or are just looking to lose a few pounds for an upcoming event.
People with a personal or family history of a specific type of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or an endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2 (MEN2) should not take Wegovy or other GLP-1 medications. In addition, these medications are generally not prescribed to people with a history of pancreatitis. No prescription weight-loss medication should be used during pregnancy, or in people actively trying to become pregnant.
Consultation with a physician is essential before starting a GLP-1 medication to help ensure the medication can be used safely.