Wegovy for Binge Eating: Evidence, Eligibility, Coverage
Wegovy is not FDA approved for binge eating. It is approved for weight loss, heart risk and MASH liver disease. Some doctors prescribe it when one of those uses also applies. In STEP 1, people on Wegovy lost 14.9% of body weight on average, vs 2.4% on placebo.
- Active ingredient
- semaglutide
- How it is taken
- weekly injection or daily tablet
- Approved for
- Weight loss, heart risk and MASH liver disease
- Best result (STEP 1)
- 14.9% weight loss
Quick facts on Wegovy
Its half-life is about 1 week. After 7 d, half is gone, and about 3% remains after five half-lives (35 d).
In STEP 1, results after 68 weeks were 14.9% of body weight, compared with 2.4% on placebo.
In US dollars, monthly prices include the list price and self-pay offers. Each comes from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Who qualifies?
| Who sets the rule | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| FDA label | It lowers the chance of a heart attack, a stroke, or death related to the heart for adults who have heart disease and obesity or overweight (both injection and tablet forms). |
| FDA label | It helps adults and children 12 and older with obesity lose weight over the long term and keep it off, alongside diet and activity. Adults with overweight who have a weight-related condition can use it too. |
| FDA label | In adults, injections treat MASH liver disease with moderate to advanced scarring and no cirrhosis. |
| FDA label | For adults, the tablets are approved for weight loss and heart risk. |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | BMI 35 or higher, no condition needed |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | You need a BMI of 30 or above, along with heart failure, uncontrolled blood pressure, or CKD 3a+ |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | If you have prediabetes, a past heart attack or stroke, or PAD, a BMI of 27 or above is also required |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | BMI 30 or higher |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | BMI 27 or higher with a weight-related condition |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | you must first follow a diet and activity program for 6 months |
Reference list: FDA label (DailyMed), medicare.gov 1 2, aetna.com.
Trial results for binge eating
Binge eating alone was not the condition studied. The participants were adults with obesity or overweight, and they did not have diabetes.
| Trial | Medicine | Who took part | Length | People | Main result | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Wegovy | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes | 68 weeks | 1,961 | 14.9% weight loss | 2.4% on placebo |
| OASIS 4 | Wegovy | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes | 64 weeks | 307 | 13.6% weight loss | 2.4% on placebo |
The source is STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)).
For binge eating, what changes?
| What changes | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions | Side effects in the stomach and gut often occur and may be severe. Not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis. |
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
These warnings come from the FDA label (DailyMed) source.
Coverage for binge eating
Medicare Part D does not cover a GLP-1 used only for weight loss.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge lists Wegovy at $50 a month if you meet its rules.
When Medicaid covers weight-loss GLP-1s, prior authorization is the usual rule.
Sources: humana.com, CMS, KFF.
- Wegovy Coupon and Savings Card
- Wegovy Cost
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- Cheapest Way to Get Wegovy
- Wegovy Patient Assistance
- Is Wegovy Covered by Insurance? Criteria, Copay, Appeal
- Does Medicare Cover Wegovy? Criteria, Copay, How to Appeal
- Does BCBS Cover Wegovy? Coverage by State Plan, PA Rules, Appeals
More options for binge eating
| Medicine | For binge eating | How it is taken | Trial result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Not a listed use | weekly injection or daily tablet | 14.9% weight loss |
 Ozempic | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Rybelsus | Not a listed use | daily tablet | Not listed |
 Mounjaro | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Zepbound | Not a listed use | weekly injection | 20.9% weight loss |
 Foundayo | Not a listed use | daily tablet | 11.1% weight loss |
 Trulicity | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Saxenda | Not a listed use | daily injection | 7.4% weight loss |
 Victoza | Not a listed use | daily injection | Not listed |
| Byetta | Not a listed use | twice-daily injection | Not listed |
Source: FDA label (DailyMed) details.
Questions to ask your prescriber
- Should I treat the eating disorder first?
- Who else should be part of my care?
Read the full Wegovy prescribing information on DailyMed.