Key takeaways

  • Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for weight loss, to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, and to treat a serious liver problem called metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
  • It helps aid weight loss by acting as a hormone in the brain that reduces appetite.
  • Wegovy’s exact mechanisms of action for reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems and for treating MASH are not fully understood.

Wegovy (semaglutide) belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Wegovy is prescribed for the following indications:

  • to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in certain adults with overweight and in adults and some children with obesity
  • to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) adverse events in certain adults with overweight or obesity
  • to treat MASH in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis

The mechanism of action for Wegovy (how it works) may vary based on the indication(s) it is prescribed for.

Here is what experts know about Wegovy’s mechanism of action for its approved uses.

For weight loss or weight management

A naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a role in regulating appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) activates GLP-1 receptors in parts of the brain that regulate appetite. By activating these receptors, Wegovy makes you feel less hungry. It also helps you feel more satisfied eating less food.

Wegovy helps you feel full longer after eating by slowing the movement of food from your stomach to your intestines.

These effects can lead to appetite reduction and a longer feeling of fullness, which can lead to lower caloric intake. This, in turn, can assist with weight loss and weight management over time.

For reducing cardiovascular risks

While it’s not known for certain how Wegovy works to lower cardiovascular risks, a couple of factors are thought to contribute.

Wegovy lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes in response to meals. It also decreases the amount of glucagon your body produces, which is a hormone that typically tells the liver to make more sugar.

If your weight and blood sugar levels are high, weight loss and blood sugar management can help lower your risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

For treating metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

The precise mechanism of action of Wegovy for the treatment of MASH is not fully understood. It may involve multiple pathways influenced by weight loss and other factors.

In animal studies of diet-induced MASH, treatment with semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) helped reduce accumulation of fat, inflammation, and scarring of the liver. These changes were associated with intermittent periods of reduced food intake and weight loss during treatment.

If you’d like to learn more about how Wegovy works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

While Wegovy starts to work right after you inject a dose, it may take several weeks before you notice a decrease in your appetite and weight.

Wegovy stays in your system for approximately 5 to 7 weeks following your dose.

For more information on how long it may take before you see results from Wegovy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can also tell you how long the drug’s effects are likely to last once you complete Wegovy treatment.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.