Wegovy for Depression Patients: Evidence, Eligibility
Wegovy is not FDA approved for depression. 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
Wegovy overview
Its half-life is about 1 week: half of it is gone by 7 d, and after five half-lives (35 d) about 3% is left.
In STEP 1 at 68 weeks, weight fell 14.9% versus 2.4% with placebo.
In US dollars, the maker's price page lists monthly amounts for the self-pay offers and the list price.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Who qualifies?
| Who sets the rule | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| FDA label | In adults who have heart disease, plus obesity or overweight, injections and tablets lower the chance of heart attack and stroke. They also lower the chance of heart-related death. |
| FDA label | With diet and activity, it helps adults and children aged 12 and older who have obesity lose weight and keep it off long term. It also helps adults who have overweight plus a weight-related condition. |
| FDA label | MASH liver disease with moderate to advanced liver scarring, but no cirrhosis, is treated by the injection in adults. |
| FDA label | The tablets are approved for weight loss and heart risk in adults. |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | BMI 35 or higher, no condition needed |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | Heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or CKD 3a+, together with a BMI of 30 or higher |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | PAD, prediabetes, or a prior heart attack or stroke, with a BMI of 27 or higher |
| 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) | : first finish a 6-month diet and activity program |
Sources: medicare.gov 1 2, FDA label (DailyMed), and aetna.com.
Depression trial findings
These trials did not enroll only people with depression. Everyone studied was an adult with obesity or overweight, and no one had 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 |
Trial source: STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)).
What is different when depression is present?
| What changes | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions | Stomach and gut side effects happen often and may be severe. Not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis. |
The FDA label (DailyMed) provides these details.
Warnings come from the FDA label (DailyMed).
Coverage for depression
Medicare Part D does not cover a GLP-1 used only for weight loss.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge shows Wegovy at $50 per month for those who meet its rules.
Where Medicaid covers weight-loss GLP-1s, prior authorization is standard.
Sources: humana.com, CMS, KFF.
- Wegovy Coupon and Savings Card
- Wegovy Cost
- Wegovy Cost Without Insurance
- Wegovy Cost With Insurance
- 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
Alternatives for depression
| Medicine | For people with depression | 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 |
See FDA label (DailyMed) for the reference.
Questions to ask your prescriber
- Could this interact with the antidepressant I take?
- Who do I contact if my mood changes?
See the full Wegovy label on DailyMed for complete details.