Wegovy for Weight Loss: Results by Week, Eligibility, Cost
Yes. Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss: this medicine helps with weight loss and keeping the weight off over the long term, together with diet and activity. It is for adults and children 12 and older who have obesity, and for adults who have overweight and a weight-related condition. In STEP 1, people on Wegovy lost 14.9% of body weight on average, vs 2.4% on placebo.
- For weight loss
- FDA approved
- Active ingredient
- semaglutide
- How it is taken
- weekly injection or daily tablet
- Best result (STEP 1)
- 14.9% weight loss
Wegovy overview
Its half-life is about 1 week. At 7 d, half has left the body. After five half-lives, about 3% remains at 35 d.
After 68 weeks, STEP 1 reported a body weight change of 14.9%, compared with 2.4% on placebo.
Monthly prices in US dollars include the list price and self-pay offers. Each price 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 | For adults with heart disease plus obesity or overweight, injections and tablets reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death. |
| FDA label | This medicine helps with weight loss and keeping the weight off over the long term, together with diet and activity. It is for adults and children 12 and older who have obesity, and for adults who have overweight and a weight-related condition. |
| FDA label | For adults with MASH liver disease that has moderate to advanced scarring (no cirrhosis), an injection provides treatment. |
| FDA label | Tablets are approved for adult use 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 higher, plus CKD 3a+, uncontrolled blood pressure, or heart failure |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | You must have Prediabetes, PAD, or a prior heart attack or stroke, along with BMI 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) | the first step is a diet and activity program lasting 6 months |
The sources for this information are FDA label (DailyMed), medicare.gov 1 2, and aetna.com.
Results from weight loss trials
| 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 for this trial is STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)).
Which changes apply to weight loss?
| What changes | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Acute Pancreatitis | Can cause inflammation of the pancreas. If severe stomach pain does not go away and sometimes spreads to your back, stop taking it and get care. |
| Acute Gallbladder Disease | Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation can happen. Report any pain in your upper right belly, a fever, or yellow skin or eyes. |
This information comes from the FDA label (DailyMed).
These warnings appear in the FDA label (DailyMed).
Coverage for weight loss
Medicare Part D does not cover a GLP-1 used only for weight loss.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge lists Wegovy at $50 monthly for eligible people who meet the rules.
When Medicaid covers weight-loss GLP-1s, prior authorization is the standard.
Sources: humana.com, CMS, KFF.
- Wegovy Coupon and Savings Card
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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
When it is used for weight loss
| Medicine | For weight loss | How it is taken | Trial result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | FDA approved | weekly injection or daily tablet | 14.9% weight loss |
 Zepbound | FDA approved | weekly injection | 20.9% weight loss |
 Foundayo | FDA approved | daily tablet | 11.1% weight loss |
 Saxenda | FDA approved | daily injection | 7.4% weight loss |
 Ozempic | Not an approved use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Rybelsus | Not an approved use | daily tablet | Not listed |
 Mounjaro | Not an approved use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Trulicity | Not an approved use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Victoza | Not an approved use | daily injection | Not listed |
| Byetta | Not an approved use | twice-daily injection | Not listed |
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Questions to ask your prescriber
- Does my plan apply a weight rule of its own, and do I qualify under the rule in the label?
- In my record, which weight-related conditions are included?
- By the end of the first year, how much weight should I expect to lose?
- What will happen if I stop taking it?
Read the full Wegovy prescribing information on DailyMed.