Wegovy, Weight Loss Drugs & What You Really Need to Know

With Wegovy now available in New Zealand, there’s a lot of buzz around weight loss injections. You might have seen the headlines or heard success stories, but behind the hype, there’s a bigger conversation we need to have.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of medication that mimics a hormone (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It helps people feel fuller for longer and eat less. Originally used to treat type 2 diabetes (like Ozempic), it’s now approved for weight loss.

It sounds promising, but is it the magic fix it’s made out to be.

What the Stats Say

Wegovy became hugely popular in the US after its 2021 approval. But many people don’t hear what happens after.

A 2022 study found that most users regained two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year of stopping the drug. Some ended up heavier than when they started.

And then there’s the cost: around $500 a month. This isn’t a short-term tool; without making changes to your diet and lifestyle, once you stop, the benefits will stop too.

Side Effects: Common, Serious & Overlooked

Like any medication, Wegovy has side effects. Common ones include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Headaches

Less common but more serious risks include:

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder issues

• Increased heart rate

• Possible thyroid tumour risk (in animal studies)

And here’s what’s often missed: nutrient deficiencies.

With reduced appetite and slower digestion, people may not eat enough nutritious food. That can lead to:

• Low energy

• Hair loss

• Poor immunity

• Muscle loss

• Nutrient gaps from skipping meals or eating too little protein

Weight loss at the expense of your overall health isn’t a win.

These Drugs Don’t Treat the Root Cause

Wegovy can help reduce hunger, but it doesn’t fix what’s driving weight gain in the first place:

• A food environment dominated by ultra-processed, addictive foods

• Confusing nutrition advice

• Busy, stressful lives

• Poor sleep and lack of movement

These are the real issues, and a drug can’t solve them.

So, What Now?

If you’re considering Wegovy, make sure you understand what it can (and can’t) do. It might support short-term weight loss, but without behaviour change, the results often won’t last.

The good news? You don’t need a $500-a-month injection to feel better in your body.

Simple, consistent changes to how you eat, move, sleep, and manage stress can make a big difference, especially when they’re realistic, sustainable, and right for your life.

And if you do decide to try a weight loss drug, make sure you have support in place to build habits that stick, because that’s what leads to lasting change.

If this blog has raised questions or you’d like support with your health goals, I’d love to help. Let’s create a plan that fits your lifestyle, and actually lasts. Contact me for more info. angela@healthcoachingnz.com