For many adults struggling with obesity or weight-related health concerns, long-term weight loss can feel unattainable, even with the best intentions, diets, and exercise regimens. But in recent years, advances in obesity medicine have introduced safe, effective therapies that can help patients overcome persistent challenges. Wegovy® (semaglutide) stands out among these, earning FDA approval for its demonstrated ability to support significant and sustained weight reduction. At the Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute (CBSI), we use a multidisciplinary approach that unites the latest in medical weight loss and bariatric surgery with ongoing patient education, holistic support, and highly personalized care. This article explores how Wegovy fits into that vision—and what patients in Colorado and the surrounding region should know about its role, eligibility, risks, and benefits for lifelong health.
What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?
Wegovy is a prescription medication approved for adults and certain adolescents with obesity or notable weight-related health risks. Its active compound, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist—a class of drugs that works by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite and digestion. After you eat, GLP-1 is released to boost feelings of fullness, slow stomach emptying, and decrease hunger signals sent to the brain.
Wegovy leverages these mechanisms to help people eat less and lose weight, but its benefits extend beyond calorie reduction. Evidence now shows that GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy may also improve insulin sensitivity, making them an important tool for people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Some large studies have linked semaglutide and similar agents with lower cardiovascular risks, including improved blood pressure and lipid profiles. For many, these broader effects help explain why medical weight loss can be life-changing—not just in appearance, but in well-being and longevity.
Unlike earlier medications that required daily pills, Wegovy is delivered as a once-a-week injection—typically administered subcutaneously in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. At CBSI, medical weight loss specialists guide patients through safe self-administration and incorporate Wegovy, if appropriate, into customized care plans.
Who Qualifies for Wegovy Benefits for Weight Loss?
Wegovy is most effective—and appropriate—for people who meet specific medical criteria. Key eligibility includes:
- Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher (classified as obese).
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
- Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with a diagnosis of obesity (BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex).
Wegovy is not right for everyone. It should not be used by individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and people with a history of pancreatitis, should also avoid Wegovy. Because of these nuances, a comprehensive health evaluation is necessary. Our care team at CBSI administers detailed assessments—covering medical history, medications, metabolic risks, and personal goals—to determine suitability for Wegovy or alternative strategies. Start with a confidential screening or consultation to find the safest and most effective path forward.
What Results Can Patients Expect With Wegovy?
One of the most remarkable aspects of Wegovy is the degree of weight loss seen in clinical trials. In a widely cited study (the STEP trials, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, 2021), adults using Wegovy in conjunction with dietary and behavioral changes lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. In comparison, those relying on lifestyle intervention alone saw far more modest reductions—often less than 5% of initial body weight.
But Wegovy’s benefits are more than a number on the scale. Documented advantages for appropriate patients may include:
- Improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Many patients experience measurable declines in cardiovascular risk, even in the absence of heart disease symptoms.
- Better diabetes control: For those with type 2 diabetes, Wegovy may help lower HbA1c (average blood sugar) and decrease reliance on other medications.
- Enhanced mobility and energy: Weight reduction often improves joint pain, ease of movement, and daily activity.
- Quality of life improvements: As weight and health risks decline, many report positive changes in confidence, self-image, and everyday functioning.
Every person’s journey and outcome are individual, but the greatest long-term success occurs when Wegovy is combined with ongoing nutritional support, consistent physical activity, and behavioral coaching. At CBSI, we emphasize support groups, dietary education, and lifelong follow-up as part of our comprehensive care model. Ongoing patient engagement leads to greater weight maintenance in the real world.
Side Effects and Safety: What to Know About Wegovy
Wegovy is generally well tolerated, but—as with most prescription drugs—side effects may occur, especially as the body adjusts during the first few weeks. The most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or constipation
- Fatigue or headache
These symptoms often resolve as patients continue treatment, and dose adjustments or anti-nausea medications can provide relief when necessary. More rarely, serious risks include:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Serious allergic reactions
- Concerns about thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rodents, not confirmed in humans)
Due to these rare but salient risks, Wegovy is not appropriate for those with certain pre-existing conditions or family history of thyroid cancer. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not use Wegovy, as weight loss drugs can affect fetal development.
Continuous, expert monitoring is essential; that’s why the CBSI team focuses on ongoing patient education, regular labs, and individualized side effect management. For many, long-term use is necessary to sustain weight loss—discontinuation typically leads to regaining most or all lost weight within a year. Our philosophy is structured around patient safety and adjustment, ensuring you have the confidence and tools to manage setbacks if they arise.
How Does Wegovy Compare to Bariatric Surgery?
As Colorado’s premier destination for bariatric surgery and comprehensive weight loss care, patients often ask us how Wegovy stacks up against surgical interventions:
- Bariatric surgery (such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass) delivers more substantial weight loss (typically 20-35% of body weight) and durability, especially for those with higher BMI or metabolic complications. Surgery is often recommended for patients with severe obesity or when other approaches have failed.
- Wegovy is an option for patients who may not qualify for surgery, prefer less invasive solutions, or need non-surgical therapy before or after a procedure. Medical weight loss can also benefit those awaiting surgery by lowering operative risk or supporting weight maintenance after the procedure.
Sometimes, Wegovy and surgery are combined as adjunct therapies. For instance, some post-bariatric patients use GLP-1 medications if they experience weight regain years after their initial surgery. The decision is highly individual, balancing medical factors, personal preferences, prior attempts, and eligibility. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, Dr. Wanda M. Good, DO, leads discussions at CBSI to ensure that together, we select the safest and most effective approach for your long-term health.
Integrating Wegovy With Lifestyle Changes
Beyond medication or surgery, we know that lifelong success depends on behavioral change and robust support. To realize the full benefits of Wegovy:
- Structured nutrition education and meal planning ensure calorie goals are met and nutrient needs are fulfilled. Our registered dietitians help patients transition to sustainable, satisfying eating patterns.
- Graduated physical activity programs (walking, aquatic therapy, resistance training) are tailored to current ability and mobility concerns—particularly important for adults with joint pain or long-standing immobility.
- Behavioral health support—counseling, coaching, or peer support groups—addresses the emotional drivers of eating and helps prevent relapse. This aspect is particularly valued by patients who have felt overwhelmed or discouraged by setbacks.
- Ongoing follow-up and accountability keep progress on track, offer practical problem-solving, and allow for timely medication adjustments as needed.
At CBSI, this holistic approach is a hallmark of care. We want every patient to feel empowered—not just with a prescription, but with a team invested in their lifelong journey.
Is Wegovy Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for Wegovy varies widely and often depends on both the insurer and each individual policy. Coverage is more likely for those with a documented history of weight-related medical problems (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea) or when surgery is contraindicated. Some insurance plans consider all weight loss medications elective, which can introduce out-of-pocket costs.
CBSI advocates for our patients by offering free insurance checks before starting therapy. Our billing team provides transparent, up-to-date information about copays, preauthorization, and reimbursement rules. For those paying out of pocket, we offer competitive self-pay rates and can help patients explore financing options to maximize affordability.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Future
Wegovy offers proven, lasting benefits for many individuals ready to take charge of their health outside of or in conjunction with surgery—especially when delivered as part of a comprehensive, compassionate program like ours at the Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute. If you or a loved one are considering Wegovy or other advanced weight loss solutions, we encourage you to schedule a personalized consultation or reach out to our patient concierge. Our “Center of Excellence” team is passionate about helping you reclaim not only your health and confidence, but also the freedom to live life fully and energetically—step by step, with long-term support every day.
For answers to more of your questions and a deeper exploration of obesity medicine in Colorado, visit our resource: Understanding Wegovy for Weight Loss.