A Happy Accident!

Interestingly enough, the medication used during the treatment was not developed as a weight loss medication. It was first developed by Novo Nordisk as a treatment for diabetes. Researchers recognized it had several other positive impacts. It helped patients produce higher insulin levels which increased the ability to offer greater glucose control. This is vital to patients with diabetes. The medication also helped the liver to stop creating excessive amounts of glucose, which impacted the functionality of incretin, a powerful hormone found naturally in the body.

Wegovy® garnered approval from the FDA in 2017 as a diabetes medication. What doctors, patients, and researchers discovered, after the medication was prescribed to hundreds of thousands of patients, was a surprising and welcome side effect. What was this side effect? Weight loss. Not drastic or unhealthy weight loss either, but rather a steady and healthy shedding of pounds. Once this side effect was discovered, Novo Nordisk sought FDA approval so it could be used as a weight loss medication. Through numerous clinical trials, the FDA granted approval to be used in weight loss management by medical clinics like ourselves in June of 2021.

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Possible Side Effects

As with every treatment protocol and medication, there are always going to be side effects associated with its use. The most common side effects include mild to moderate nausea and constipation. Our service providers are well aware of this and stress the importance of drinking more water than usual to clients. This helps to combat constipation. It is also recommended clients start a regiment of magnesium each night, which not only helps with the constipation, but can also aid in promoting restful sleep patterns. In rare cases, clients might also need to take a laxative in order to promote proper bowel function. However, it is important clients don’t self-medicate and allow their provider to make recommendations regarding supplemental medication.

Clients should be aware of the fact nausea typically is at its worst during the first week of treatment. Research has suggested the nausea may be a result of changes in how the stomach metabolizes food. With the medication in a client’s system, the stomach’s rate of emptying is stymied. While nausea is to be expected for most clients, it should be made clear by our providers how much nausea is acceptable for the client and whether or not a temporary medication should be introduced to help with the symptoms.

There are other less severe but still common side effects which include:

• Pain localized to the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Excessive belching
• Persistent headaches
• Malaise and fatigue
• Severe heartburn

The less common side effects are listed below:

• Low blood sugar
• Vision problems
• Serious allergic reaction
• Pancreas inflammation
• Gallbladder irritation
• Heart racing

The symptoms above are an indication that the treatment regiment be stopped immediately. Our providers can help address any issues clients may have with this weight loss treatment medication.