Wegovy Efficacy: How It Works, Who It Helps, and What the Data Shows

When it comes to weight loss medications, Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Also known as semaglutide, it works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that tells your brain you’re full. Unlike older weight loss pills that just suppress appetite, Wegovy changes how your brain and stomach communicate—slowing digestion, reducing cravings, and helping you eat less without constant willpower battles.

Its efficacy isn’t based on marketing claims. In the STEP 1 clinical trial, adults using Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks—nearly 35 pounds for someone starting at 230 pounds. That’s more than double what most people lose with diet and exercise alone. It works best for people with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. But it’s not a magic pill: you still need to adjust eating habits. The drug doesn’t erase hunger—it just makes it easier to say no to extra snacks, late-night meals, or oversized portions.

Wegovy is part of a newer class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, a group of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that now show powerful effects on weight loss. Other drugs in this family include Ozempic and Mounjaro, but Wegovy is the only one FDA-approved specifically for weight management. It’s not for everyone—people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid it. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are common at first but usually fade after a few weeks. Most users report feeling more in control of their eating, not deprived.

What’s missing from the hype? Long-term data. We know it works for a year or two, but what happens after five years? Does weight bounce back if you stop? Studies suggest maintenance is possible with continued use and lifestyle support. And cost remains a barrier—many insurance plans still limit coverage, even though the clinical benefits are clear. It’s not a quick fix, but for people struggling with obesity, it’s one of the most effective tools we have right now.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from users, comparisons with other weight loss treatments, and what to expect during the first few months. No fluff. Just what the science says—and what people actually experience.