The mechanism of action of Wegovy (how it works) may vary depending on the indication(s) for which it is prescribed.
Here is what experts know about Wegovy’s mechanism of action for its approved uses.
A naturally occurring hormone in the body, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), helps regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) activates GLP-1 receptors of this hormone in parts of the brain that regulate appetite.
By activating GLP-1 receptors, Wegovy makes you feel less hungry in general. It also helps you feel satisfied quicker, even when you eat less.
Wegovy helps you feel full longer after eating because it slows down the movement of food from your stomach to your intestines. This prolongs the feeling of fullness, leading to less hunger and lower caloric intake.
This is how Wegovy can help with weight loss and long-term weight management.
While it’s not known for certain how Wegovy lowers cardiovascular risk, experts suspect several factors are involved.
Wegovy lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes after you eat. It also decreases the amount of glucagon, a hormone your body produces that typically signals the liver to make more sugar.
If your weight and blood sugar levels are high, weight loss and blood sugar management with Wegovy can help lower your risk of serious cardiovascular problems.
The precise mechanism of action of Wegovy for the treatment of MASH is not fully understood. It may involve multiple pathways influenced by weight loss and other factors.
In animal studies of diet-induced MASH, treatment with semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) reduced fat accumulation, inflammation, and liver scarring. These changes were associated with intermittent periods of reduced food intake and weight loss during treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist can answer any other specific questions about how Wegovy works in your body for your condition.
While Wegovy starts to work right after you inject a dose, it may take several weeks before you notice a decrease in your appetite and weight.
Wegovy stays in your system for approximately 5 to 7 weeks after a single dose.
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