Everlywell Weight Care+

Wegovy® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1s stimulate insulin production while decreasing glucose production, which can improve blood sugar control while also aiding in weight loss. ^[2-3] GLP-1s also appear to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and help patients feel fuller for longer periods of time. ^[2-3] Wegovy® is only meant to be used in addition to healthy lifestyle changes.

Wegovy® and Ozempic® are both injectable prescription medications that include the active ingredient semaglutide. So what is the difference between Wegovy® and Ozempic®? Here are the basics ^[1,5]:

• Wegovy® has been approved by the FDA as a weight management medication for eligible adults
• Ozempic® has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in eligible adults
• Ozempic® is not FDA-approved for weight loss but is sometimes prescribed off-label if deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider.
• Wegovy® and Ozempic® are both GLP-1 receptor agonists injected once weekly and both contain the same active ingredient.
• Wegovy® and Ozempic® have different dosing schedules
• The safety and side effects of Wegovy® and Ozempic® are similar

A randomized, double-blind study studying the effects of Wegovy® found the following ^[6]:

• 83% of people taking Wegovy® lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to 31% of those in the placebo group
• Nearly 50% of people taking Wegovy® lost at least 15% of their body weight compared to 5% of those in the placebo group

Everlywell’s Weight Care+ program pairs regular clinical care, lab testing*, and support with GLP-1 prescriptions, potentially including Wegovy®, to qualified candidates. A prescription is not guaranteed, however, those who are over 18 years of age and meet certain criteria may be eligible.

*At-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing

Wegovy® comes in five different dose strengths, starting at 0.25 mg and increasing up to 2.4 mg. ^[7] The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week, which is gradually increased about once a month. After four months, you and your healthcare provider will discuss your options for your maintenance dose, either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg. ^[7]

Wegovy® is a once-weekly injection that can be administered under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. ^[8] The injection site should be cleaned with an alcohol swab or soap and water. It’s best to avoid injecting in the same spot every week. It’s also recommended that you avoid injecting into an area with tender, bruised, red, or hard skin. ^[8]

We recognize the importance of continuity in one's weight care journey. To accommodate the current GLP-1 medication shortage, we are offering a prescription Rx Concierge service where one of our team members will try to help you locate the medication near you.

Individuals enrolled in Weight Care+ who would like to use the Rx Concierge service provide us with the following information to help us research options in their area:

• What is the medication and dosage prescribed?
• What is the maximum distance you are willing to travel?
• What is your city and zip code?

Our Rx Concierge team will research options in your area and will advise you of any pharmacy options we find in your area with the medication.

1. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. United States Food and Drug Administration. Current as of 06/04/2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
2. Trujillo JM, Nuffer W, Ellis SL. GLP-1 receptor agonists: a review of head-to-head clinical studies [published correction appears in Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jun;6(3):135-6]. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2015;6(1):19-28. doi:10.1177/2042018814559725
3. Castro, Regina. GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss. June 29 2022. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955
4. What is the list price for Wegovy® and will it impact me? Novocare.com. Accessed December 2023. https://www.novocare.com/obesity/products/Wegovy/let-us-help/explaining-list-price.html
5. Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss. United States Food and Drug Administration. Current as of 10/31/2023. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss
6. Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, et al. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1403–1413. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.1831
7. Wegovy® Dosing Schedule. Novo Nordisk Inc. Accessed December 2023. https://www.Wegovy.com/taking-Wegovy/dosing-schedule.html
8. How to Take Wegovy®. Novo Nordisk Inc. Accessed December 2023. https://www.Wegovy.com/taking-Wegovy/how-to-use-the-Wegovy-pen.html