Wegovy (semaglutide)
Since we are a medical practice that does not offer cosmetic treatments, we can only provide treatment with Wegovy if the excess weight has health implications, as assessed by a specialist, and the criteria listed below are met.
Anyone else seeking to lose weight is considered to have a cosmetic issue and does not belong in a doctor’s office. In such cases, you can contact Wegovy clinics, which specialize in weight loss for people in this group.
What is Wegovy, and how does it work?
Wegovy is a medication for injection, developed to treat obesity in selected patients. The drug affects the brain’s appetite center and helps to:
- Reduce hunger and food cravings
- Increase the feeling of fullness
- Reduce cravings for high-fat foods
- Increase control over food intake and energy intake
Price and Subsidies
Wegovy is not covered by public subsidies, and the cost is therefore approximately 2,000 kr. per month for each patient.
Who is the target audience?
Wegovy is never the first-line treatment, but it can be used as a supplement to lifestyle changes when weight loss is expected to improve health.
Treatment may be considered in the following cases:
- BMI ≥ 30
- A BMI of 27–30 with one or more weight-related conditions, such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.
How well does it work?
Clinical studies show significant weight loss when Wegovy is combined with:
- Calorie-restricted diet (approx. 500 kcal deficit per day)
- At least 150 minutes of exercise per week
Results vary from person to person depending on genetics, starting weight, and lifestyle.
How long does it last?
The treatment is evaluated after 3 months and continued only if at least a 5% weight loss has been achieved.
Thereafter, the effectiveness is assessed every 3–4 months.
Most people regain the weight once treatment ends—which is why lifestyle changes are crucial.
Side Effects
The most common side effects involve the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to discontinuation of treatment:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Vomiting
In addition, patients with diabetes may experience low blood sugar and a worsening of eye disease.
Who should not take Wegovy?
Wegovy is not recommended for:
- People with allergies to ingredients
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe heart failure, severe kidney or liver disease
- Seniors over the age of 75
- Patients with inflammatory bowel disease
It must also not be combined with other weight-loss medications.
Treatment at Åkirkeby Medical Center
Treatment is provided by our nurse in collaboration with a doctor. The process begins with lifestyle changes and individualized planning.
Before Starting Up
- Consultation with a nurse about diet and exercise
- Survey of Medical Conditions and Previous Weight-Loss Attempts
- 3-month lifestyle change: at least 150 minutes of exercise per week and a change in diet
- Please bring photos of all food and drinks (except water, coffee, and tea) consumed over a 2-day period
Course of Treatment
- First Consultation: Planning Lifestyle Changes
- Monthly check-up and consultation
- After 3 months: Evaluation of whether to start treatment with Wegovy, based on a medical assessment
- Continued monthly follow-up during the first year
- Outcome assessment after 3 months on Wegovy – treatment is continued only if weight loss is documented
- Starting in Year 2: Checkup and consultation every 3 months
- Treatment Discontinuation After 2 Years
Treatment will be terminated early if weight loss plateaus or if follow-up appointments are not kept.