Wegovy is one of several weight loss drugs on the market designed to help control glucose levels and help users shed extra pounds. This is essential for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, as well as anyone looking to step beyond the other health risks associated with obesity. But if you’re getting ready to start Wegovy treatment, you might be wondering: how can I make sure this goes as smoothly as possible?
In this article, we’re breaking down some Wegovy tips and tricks that will help you maximize the benefits of taking Wegovy while cutting back on unpleasant side effects. Like with any medication, Wegovy will affect every person differently – so these are only suggestions. Finding out what works for you will take some time, but these should get you started with some ideas. And as always, don’t forget to check with your healthcare provider regarding your Wegovy strategy and any side effects you experience – they will know better than anybody if something needs to be adjusted!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at some of the helpful tips and tricks you’ll encounter in this article:
- Crash course in how Wegovy works
- Best practices for taking Wegovy
- Common Wegovy side effects and what to do about them
And much more. So let’s jump on in!
Get to Know Wegovy: The Glucose and Weight Loss Game Changer
Before we can talk about how to get the most out of Wegovy, let’s take a minute to discuss how Wegovy actually works within the body. Wegovy is one brand name for the drug semaglutide. If that name sounds familiar, it might be because another popular weight loss drug, Ozempic, shares the same generic drug name.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor antagonists, which mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Activating the GLP-1 receptors in the brain offers a variety of benefits to people trying to lose weight:
- Helps regulate appetite
- Increases feelings of fullness
- Slows down emptying of the stomach
- All of which help users reduce calorie intake
- Improved blood sugar control
The end result? Losing weight, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Tips and Tricks for Taking Wegovy
Like any medication, people taking Wegovy may experience some side effects related to the drug. Whether you want to be prepared for your first dose of Wegovy or you’re already in treatment and looking for ways to get the most out of your prescription, here are some essential Wegovy tips and tricks for dealing with side effects and maximizing effectiveness.
Tip 1: Start Low, Go Slow
There are several common side effects associated with Wegovy, and most of them are related to the digestive system. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which while usually not serious can be seriously uncomfortable.
One of the best ways to minimize side effects of Wegovy is to stop them before they can happen. By that, we mean starting off with a low dose of the medication to give your body time to adjust to it. Your doctor will likely start you on a dose of .25 mg per week and gradually increase your dose to 2.5 mg over several months.
That being said, every body is different, which means yours might require a different plan! If you are dealing with unpleasant side effects, your doctor may lower your dose or step your dose up more gradually. This can help ease the transition and reduce the likelihood of experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.Your healthcare provider can provide more guidance on the appropriate dosage and adjustment schedule based on your specific needs and tolerance.
Tip 2: Take Wegovy with Food
If a medication makes your stomach hurt or causes nausea, food is probably the last thing on your mind. But taking Wegovy with a meal can help cut down on unwanted side effects – gastrointestinal and otherwise.
Wegovy impacts your stomach – which means the potential for stomach irritation is also there as the medication does its job. Eating food before administering your dose of Wegovy can provide a buffer between the medication and your stomach lining, cutting back on nausea and discomfort. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep nausea at bay and ensure optimal absorption of the medication.
But what should you put on your plate? It matters more than you might think. Consuming a balanced meal made up of lean proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables provides sustainable energy and helps regulate blood sugar levels. On the other hand, some foods may actively make the problem worse. Rich high-fat or high-calorie foods can cause gastric distress and make Wegovy harder to tolerate, so enjoy a helpful healthy meal instead!
Tip 3: Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can exacerbate nausea and other side effects associated with Wegovy, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Doctors recommend at least eight glasses a day for proper hydration, and it’s especially important for those taking Wegovy.
Limit caffeine and alcohol as well. Both are known for dehydrating the body, which will just negate your efforts to drink some high quality H2O! Staying hydrated is a simple step you can take to make your journey with Wegovy easier.
Not to mention, water is an essential part of a variety of bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Drinking water before meals can also help promote feelings of fullness and prevent overeating, which may also help with your weight loss efforts.
Tip 4: Listen to Your Body
In other words, pay attention to how your body responds to Wegovy and adjust your lifestyle and dietary habits accordingly. If certain foods or activities seem to trigger nausea or other side effects, take note and make changes as needed to cut down on discomfort. Remember that everyone's body is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. An easy way to keep track of everything is to jot it down in a notebook or start a note in the notes app on your phone.
Practicing mindful eating can also help you tune into your body's hunger and fullness cues and develop a healthier relationship with food. Eating slowly, savoring each bite, and paying attention to how different foods make you feel can help you make more informed choices and better manage side effects associated with Wegovy.
Wellness supplements, like this collagen + gut health supplement from Dr. Emil, can help support your body through your weight loss journey. Image courtesy of Dr. Emil Nutrition.
Tip 5: Consider Wellness Supplements
In addition to making lifestyle changes and adjustments to manage side effects, incorporating wellness supplements into your routine can provide additional support during your Wegovy journey. Look for supplements formulated with ingredients known to support gastrointestinal health and alleviate nausea, such as ginger, peppermint, or probiotics. These natural remedies can help ease symptoms and promote overall well-being as you work towards your weight loss goals.
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and digestive issues, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties. Peppermint oil can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome and improve digestion and immune function.
✅ Dr. Emil’s Total Gut Complex: Comes complete with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to keep your gut in tip top shape. The better your gut health and habits, the better you’ll stand up to Wegovy side effects.
Check out Dr. Emil Total Gut Complex capsules>>
✅ Dr. Emil’s Collagen Peptides + Gut Health: Has gut supporting ingredients to cut down on nausea and stomach upset, plus collagen to keep your hair strong during weight loss.
Learn more about Dr. Emil’s Collagen Peptides + Gut Health mix >>
✅ Dr. Emil’s Multi Collagen Plus Biotin and Vitamin D: Losing weight, particularly quickly, is notorious for causing hair to temporarily thin or even fall out. Keep your hair safe and strong by reducing harsh styling treatments and taking collagen supplements to give it a boost.
Grab some Dr. Emil Multi Collagen Plus Biotin and Vitamin D capsules >>
Supplements like these can help support your body during Wegovy treatment.
Many side effects of the Wegovy injection are mild and not very serious. However, it’s important to know the signs of more serious side effects so that you can act if needed. Image courtesy of Wegovy.
When Side Effects Are Serious
The Wegovy side effects we’ve talked about so far have been pretty mild – an upset stomach might not feel great, but you’ll get through it! However not all Wegovy side effects are so benign. One of our most important tips when taking Wegovy is to know the serious side effects so that you can recognize when it’s time to get in touch with your provider asap.
Some side effects that indicate you should call your doctor right away include but are not limited to:
- Swelling or a lump in the throat combined with husky voice or difficulty swallowing (could be thyroid tumor)
- Shaking, sweating, dizziness, and fast heart rate combined with low blood sugar (could be hypoglycemia)
- Pain in the upper abdomen combined with fever, nausea, vomiting (could be pancreatitis)
- Severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen combined with pain between the shoulder blades, nausea, vomiting (could be gallstones or swelling in the gallbladder)
- Consistent or excessive high heart rate (tachycardia)
When it comes to these symptoms (or any symptoms you’re concerned about) it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Additional Resources
We’ve done our best to gather key tips and tricks about taking Wegovy into one easy to read location. But for more information about Wegovy side effects, be sure to check out:
- Wegovy’s own tips and resources for weight loss
- Mayo Clinic’s website and blogs about Wegovy and weight loss
- Harvard Health Publishing from Harvard Medical School on Wegovy
- Ro.co’s medication facts on Wegovy
- Subreddits r/semaglutide and r/WegovyWeightLoss for personal (not professional) stories and support
We hope these Wegovy tips and tricks get you well on your way to a comfortable journey with the popular GLP-1.
When it comes to optimizing your Wegovy journey for success, implementing these tips and tricks can make all the difference. By starting slow, taking Wegovy with food, staying hydrated, listening to your body, and considering wellness supplements, you can minimize side effects, maximize results, and achieve sustainable weight loss with confidence.
Remember, your Wegovy journey is unique to you, so don't be afraid to experiment, make adjustments, and find what works best for your body. With perseverance, patience, and a little help from these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to reaching your weight loss goals and living your healthiest, happiest life. Good luck, you’ve got this!
