Wegovy Now Available in Canada: Who Should Consider the Weight-Loss Medication

Wegovy, a new weightloss drug by Novo Nordisk, is now accessible in Canada, offering a promising treatment for individuals battling obesity. This medication, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is similar to the diabetes drug Ozempic but is available in a higher dosage specifically for weight management.

Dr. Tom Elliott, an endocrinologist, explains that while Ozempic is used primarily to treat Type 2 diabetes with a maximum dose of 1 mg per week, Wegovy is designed for chronic weight management and is administered at a higher dose of 2.4 mg weekly. This approval by Health Canada means that Wegovy can now be prescribed explicitly for obesity without the stigma associated with off-label use.

Wegovy is recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher who also have at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam of Obesity Canada advises that Wegovy is not a quick cosmetic fix for losing a few pounds but a serious medical treatment for the chronic condition of obesity. Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which need to be managed under medical supervision.

The cost remains a significant drawback, with annual treatment expenses around C$4,726 per patient, potentially limiting accessibility for those without adequate insurance coverage. Despite these challenges, Wegovy presents a new tool for healthcare providers in the ongoing fight against obesity.