Popular weight loss medication Wegovy is expected to become available in Ireland from Monday, offering a new option for those struggling with obesity. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the same company behind the diabetes treatment Ozempic, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
The treatment works by suppressing appetite and creating feelings of fullness, administered as a weekly self-injection using pre-filled pen-like devices that patients can use at home. Initially, the medication will likely only be available to those paying privately, though Novo Nordisk has reportedly committed to working with the HSE to include Wegovy under community drug schemes in the future.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved Wegovy for use alongside diet and physical activity for weight management. According to the agency, “Studies have shown that Wegovy is effective in helping people lose weight, with a significant proportion of them achieving at least a 5% weight reduction.”
The medication is recommended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related health condition. Teenagers weighing more than 60kg who struggle with obesity may also be eligible for treatment.
According to The Irish Examiner, potential users should be aware of possible side effects, including severe nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Healthcare providers also emphasize that Wegovy represents a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix, as appetite typically returns within about a week if treatment stops, often resulting in weight regain.
“During your time on the treatment, if you’ve managed to make some healthy lifestyle changes too, it will be far easier to keep the weight off,” advises Lloyds Pharmacy in England regarding weight loss medications.
The drug has gained notable attention after Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and advisor to US President Donald Trump, revealed in 2022 that he uses Wegovy for weight management.
Health authorities stress that Wegovy must be prescribed by a doctor and is only available through pharmacies with a prescription.