Obesity is a major health concern around the world, with around 41.9% of adults and 19.7% of children classified as obese in the US alone. It can lead to several other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Fortunately, there are several medications available to help manage obesity. One such medication is Wegovy, a prescription medication designed to help adults who are overweight or obese lose weight.
If you’re considering starting Wegovy, discussing it with your doctor is essential. Your doctor will likely raise several points you should consider before starting Wegovy.
Let’s talk about what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before starting Wegovy.
Your Medical History
Before your doctor prescribes any medication, your doctor will want to know if you have any health conditions, medications you are taking (including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and allergies.
This is important because some conditions or medications can negatively affect Wegovy. For example, if you have or have had pancreatitis, kidney problems, type 2 diabetes, a history of diabetic retinopathy, thyroid cancer, any other thyroid disease, or mental health problems like depression, your doctor may not prescribe Wegovy to you. You must also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Similarly, other GLP-1 receptor agonists may interact with Wegovy in negative ways, so inform your doctor if you are taking any other GLP-1 receptor drug.
Wegovy can also reduce the rate at which the stomach empties and can interfere with the rapid absorption of certain medications.
Your Weight Loss Goals
Be honest with your healthcare provider about your weight-loss goals and tell them why you want to lose weight. This will help them decide if Wegovy is the right medication for you.
Because Wegovy is intended to be used in combination with a calorie-restricted diet and increased exercise, it may not be right for you if you want to lose a significant amount of weight without making significant lifestyle changes.
However, if you are looking to lose weight and are willing to make lifestyle changes, Wegovy may be the right treatment for you.
Potential Side Effects of Wegovy
As with any medication, side effects with Wegovy are possible. So, talk to your doctor about the side effects of Wegovy before starting treatment. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, flatulence, and gastroenteritis. These are generally well-tolerated and improve over time.
Follow-up Plan
It’s important to discuss your follow-up plan with the provider before starting Wegovy. Your doctor will want to keep track of your progress and side effects. Your doctor may also need to adjust your dosage or injection schedule.
Talk to your doctor about how often you’ll need to visit them, as well as any concerns you may have about your medication.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Numerous insurances cover Wegovy. However, like many medications, the cost can be high, especially if you do not have insurance. Before starting Wegovy, discuss the cost with your healthcare provider and insurance coverage.
Wegovy Before and After in Dallas, Texas
If you’re overweight or obese, Wegovy could be a great way to help you lose weight. It’s safe and effective, but it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure it’s right for you.
At North Dallas Wellness Center, our health and wellness specialist, Dr. David Fein, specializes in medical weight loss and performs a comprehensive assessment of your overall health, goals, and preferences to determine if Wegovy is right for you. Dr. Fein offers Wegovy, along with in-depth dietary guidance and support, to help his patients lose their excess weight once and for all.
To schedule your one-on-one consultation with our health and wellness doctor, call us today at (214) 696-3885 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
