How does the Wevogy (semaglutide) pill work?
How does the Wevogy (semaglutide) pill work for weight loss?
Quick answer: Wevogy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide mimics the body’s own gut hormone, GLP-1. This increases the feeling of fullness, reduces cravings and hunger, and slightly slows down gastric emptying. As a result, you eat less, which can contribute to weight loss. Wevogy is a tablet and therefore an alternative to injections.
In brief
- Active ingredient: semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Form: tablet (oral), once daily — no injection.
- How it works: increased feeling of fullness, reduced hunger, delayed gastric emptying.
- Clinical trial results: an average weight loss of 14% after 64 weeks at a dose of 25 mg.
- Availability: available on prescription only, following an initial consultation and assessment by a doctor.
What is Wevogy?
Wevogy is a prescription-only weight-loss medicine containing the active ingredient semaglutide in tablet form. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist: a substance that mimics the action of the gut hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a role in appetite, digestion and blood sugar regulation. [1]
Semaglutide is also known from the Wegovy injection. The difference between this and Wevogy lies in the route of administration: Wevogy is a tablet taken daily, whilst the injectable versions (such as the Wegovy injection and Mounjaro) are administered weekly. For people who are apprehensive about needles, the tablet form can help overcome this barrier.
Important: Wevogy is available on prescription only. At Goodweigh, you first complete an online assessment; a registered doctor will assess whether the treatment is suitable for you and medically justified.
How does the Wevogy tablet work? (mechanism of action)
Semaglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptor and activates it. As the substance is protected against rapid breakdown by enzymes, semaglutide remains active in the body for a long time. It works via two main pathways: [1]
- In the brain — semaglutide affects the areas that regulate hunger and satiety. This increases the feeling of fullness and reduces cravings and hunger. It also reduces the preference for high-fat foods.
- In the stomach and pancreas — semaglutide slightly slows down gastric emptying shortly after a meal, making you feel fuller for longer. It also stimulates the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated.
Effect on appetite and blood sugar
Reduced hunger, feeling full more quickly and slower gastric emptying. This is the combined effect, which ensures that most users naturally eat smaller portions and feel less need to snack. This is the mechanism by which semaglutide can support weight loss.
How quickly does the Wevogy tablet work?
The appetite-suppressing effect may be noticeable as early as the first few weeks. However, the effect on body weight develops gradually, over several months, as the dose is increased step by step. In clinical trials, the average weight loss was measured after 64 weeks of treatment. [3]
How do you use the Wevogy tablet? (dose escalation)
The dose of oral semaglutide is increased gradually to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The schedule below shows the usual escalation; your doctor will determine the final dose and the rate of increase. [3]
Directions for use: Take the tablet once a day in the morning on an empty stomach, with no more than half a glass of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other medicines. Always refer to the official patient information leaflet and your doctor’s instructions.
“A gradual, step-by-step increase in dosage helps to minimise side effects such as nausea.” — Dr [Name], doctor at Goodweigh (BIG: [number])
How much weight can you lose with the Wevogy pill?
In a clinical trial involving 307 adults with obesity (or overweight with a weight-related condition), participants taking 25 mg of oral semaglutide lost an average of 14% of their body weight after 64 weeks, in combination with lifestyle advice. The placebo group lost an average of 2.4%. Of the participants, 28% achieved a weight loss of 20% or more, compared with 3% in the placebo group. [3]
Calculation example: with a starting weight of 100 kg, 14% amounts to approximately 14 kg. Individual results may vary significantly.
Who is the Wevogy pill suitable for — and who is it not suitable for?
Wevogy is generally considered for adults with: [2]
- a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or
- a BMI of 27 or higher in combination with a weight-related condition (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol).
Wevogy is not suitable (or only after medical consultation) for, amongst others:
- a healthy weight — Wevogy is not intended for cosmetic weight loss;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or a desire to conceive;
- a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2;
- a previous episode of pancreatitis;
- people under the age of 18.
Safety and side effects
Most side effects are mild and temporary and occur mainly whilst the dose is being increased. [2]
Common: nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating, headache and tiredness.
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience: persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration, severe radiating abdominal pain (possibly pancreatitis), or signs of an allergic reaction. Always discuss your full medication history and medical history during the initial consultation.
How much does the Wevogy pill cost?
The price includes the online consultation, doctor’s assessment and discreet home delivery. You pay per monthly pack; the price may increase as the dosage rises.
No subscription or commitments – you order on a per-treatment basis. Semaglutide is not usually covered by health insurance for weight loss.
The Wevogy pill compared with other weight-loss medicines
The percentages reflect the average weight loss from clinical trials (depending on dosage and duration of the study), with the source cited.
The percentages refer to the average weight loss observed in clinical trials and vary depending on the dose and duration of the study. Discuss with your doctor which treatment is suitable for your situation.
Is the weight loss sustained?
Semaglutide supports weight loss as long as it is used in combination with lifestyle changes. Research shows that some of the weight lost may be regained after treatment is stopped. Sustained results therefore require attention to diet, exercise and behaviour, even in the longer term.
The Wevogy pill is not yet available
The Wevogy pill is not currently available at Goodweigh. Would you like to be the first to know when the treatment becomes available? Sign up for the waiting list
Are you wondering whether you’re already eligible for another weight-loss treatment at Goodweigh? View the treatments and complete the intake form
Referenties
- Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas — Semaglutide: https://www.farmacotherapeutischkompas.nl/bladeren/preparaatteksten/s/semaglutide
- Apotheek.nl — Semaglutide: https://www.apotheek.nl/medicijnen/semaglutide
- Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) — Wegovy pill results: https://www.wegovy.com/obesity/is-wegovy-right-for-me/wegovy-pill-results.html
- EMA — Wegovy (semaglutide) productinformatie (EPAR): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- NovoMedLink — Wegovy: chronic weight management, efficacy & safety: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/efficacy-safety/chronic-weight-management.html
- Jastreboff AM et al. — Tirzepatide Once Weekly (SURMOUNT-1), NEJM 2022: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- Eli Lilly — ATTAIN-1: orforglipron oral GLP-1: https://lilly.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-oral-glp-1-orforglipron-demonstrated-meaningful-weight
- Pi-Sunyer X et al. — Liraglutide 3.0 mg in Weight Management, NEJM 2015: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
Let op: dit is algemene voorlichting en geen medisch advies. Wevogy is uitsluitend op recept verkrijgbaar, na online intake en beoordeling door een geregistreerde arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It increases feelings of fullness, reduces hunger, and slows gastric emptying, which helps you eat less.
The appetite-suppressing effect may be noticeable within the first few weeks, while the full impact on weight develops gradually over several months.
In clinical trials, users of 25 mg oral semaglutide lost an average of 14% of their body weight after 64 weeks, combined with lifestyle counseling.
Take once daily in the morning on an empty stomach with a small sip of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. These are usually mild and temporary.
Both the daily oral tablet and the weekly Wegovy injection contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide). Mounjaro uses a different active ingredient (tirzepatide) and targets two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) via a weekly injection. Clinical studies indicate that Mounjaro results in a higher average weight loss. The most suitable treatment option varies from person to person.
The price depends on the dosage. View the current rates on the Wevogy product page.
Some weight may return after you stop. Lasting results require adjustments to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.