Wegovy for Men: Trial Results by Sex, Side Effects
Wegovy has no separate rule for men. It is approved for weight loss, heart risk and MASH liver disease. 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 in brief
The half-life is about 1 week: after 7 d, half has left, and about 3% remains after five half-lives (35 d).
Over 68 weeks in STEP 1, body weight dropped 14.9% versus 2.4% on placebo.
In US dollars, monthly price points cover the list price and self-pay offers, with each taken 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 | In adults with heart disease who have obesity or overweight, the injection and tablets lower the risk of a stroke, a heart attack, or heart-related death. |
| FDA label | It supports long-term weight loss among adults, plus children 12 and older, with obesity, and among adults with overweight who also have a weight-related condition; diet and activity help keep the weight off. |
| FDA label | Adults with moderate to advanced scarring and no cirrhosis can use the injection for MASH liver disease. |
| 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 | Uncontrolled blood pressure or heart failure; for CKD 3a+, the BMI of 30 or higher applies |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | BMI of 27 or higher, plus prediabetes, a prior heart attack or stroke, or PAD |
| 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) | a diet and activity program must come first for 6 months |
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), medicare.gov 1 2, aetna.com.
Trial results for men
No study in these trials was limited to men. All participants were adults who had obesity or overweight and 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 trial evidence is found in STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)).
What is different for men?
| What changes | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors | In rodents it caused thyroid C-cell tumors, but whether it causes them in people is unknown. Anyone whose own or family history includes medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or who has MEN 2, should not take it. |
| Acute Pancreatitis | Can cause inflammation of the pancreas. If severe stomach pain continues, stop taking the medicine and get medical help. |
The information comes from FDA labels: FDA label (DailyMed).
These warnings come from the FDA label on DailyMed.
Coverage for men
Medicare Part D does not cover a GLP-1 used only for weight loss.
Wegovy is listed on the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge at $50 per month for people who meet its rules.
Medicaid-covered weight-loss GLP-1s usually require prior authorization.
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 men
| Medicine | For men | How it is taken | Trial result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Approved uses apply | weekly injection or daily tablet | 14.9% weight loss |
 Ozempic | Approved uses apply | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Rybelsus | Approved uses apply | daily tablet | Not listed |
 Mounjaro | Approved uses apply | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Zepbound | Approved uses apply | weekly injection | 20.9% weight loss |
 Foundayo | Approved uses apply | daily tablet | 11.1% weight loss |
 Trulicity | Approved uses apply | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Saxenda | Approved uses apply | daily injection | 7.4% weight loss |
 Victoza | Approved uses apply | daily injection | Not listed |
| Byetta | Approved uses apply | twice-daily injection | Not listed |
Source: the DailyMed FDA label.
Questions to ask your prescriber
- Does the label's weight rule cover me?
- Which health conditions of mine could my plan count?
Read all of the prescribing information for Wegovy on DailyMed.