Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for weight loss in 2021. Several large clinical trials demonstrated its effectiveness in helping reduce weight. Let’s see how this affects your weight loss journey and whether Wegovy is right for you.
Clinical Trials Supporting Wegovy’s Efficacy
- The STEP Trial
- Reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2021.
- It involved 803 obese participants.
- Results: Patients taking semaglutide lost almost 15% of their body weight after 48 weeks of injections compared to those taking placebos.
- Additional Benefits: Reduced waist sizes, lower blood pressure, and improved fitness in the semaglutide group.
- Conclusion: A once-a-week injection of semaglutide was effective for weight loss.
- The PIONEER Trial
- Reported in the journal Diabetes Care in 2019.
- They included 703 randomized patients.
- Results: Significant weight loss in patients taking semaglutide compared to those given a placebo.
- The SUSTAIN Trial
- Reported in the Lancet in 2017.
- They included 387 participants.
- Results: Participants receiving 0.5 mg of semaglutide per week lost an average of 3.73 kg, and those receiving 1.0 mg per week lost an average of 4.53 kg. Both groups saw greater weight loss than the placebo group.
FDA Approval
After reviewing these trials, the FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) in June 2021 as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight loss.
How to Get a Wegovy Prescription With QuickMD
QuickMD offers a convenient way to consult with a weight-loss expert via video or phone. You can get a Wegovy prescription sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home. Make an appointment, and if the provider cannot help you, your visit is free.
