Medication for overweight and obesity
Medication for overweight and obesity
At Klíníkin, you can get information and advice on the most effective ways to reduce overweight and obesity. Among other options, medication is now available.
If you wish to start medication, it is important to carefully familiarise yourself with the effects and side effects of the medication and what results can be expected. Medications are only a supplement to a healthy lifestyle. Obesity is a chronic disease and the body usually tends to return to its previous weight, which means it is unlikely that one can stop the medication once treatment has begun without gaining weight again.
At Klíníkin, you can get information and advice on the most effective ways to reduce overweight and obesity. Among other options, medication is now available.
If you wish to start medication, it is important to carefully familiarise yourself with the effects and side effects of the medication and what results can be expected. Medications are only a supplement to a healthy lifestyle. Obesity is a chronic disease and the body usually tends to return to its previous weight, which means it is unlikely that one can stop the medication once treatment has begun without gaining weight again.
How does a drug like Wegovy/Ozempic work?
How does a drug like Wegovy/Ozempic work?
Our digestive system is one of the body's largest endocrine systems, and a number of hormones are produced there. These hormones affect, among other things, the sense of taste, feelings such as hunger and satiety, and regulate metabolism and blood sugar. Wegovy and Ozempic are GLP-1 analogues and thereby mimic the effects that the digestive hormone GLP-1 has in the body. GLP-1 slows down gastric emptying and intestinal movement, thereby increasing the feeling of fullness and having a positive effect on blood sugar regulation.
Our digestive system is one of the body's largest endocrine systems, and a number of hormones are produced there. These hormones affect, among other things, the sense of taste, feelings such as hunger and satiety, and regulate metabolism and blood sugar. Wegovy and Ozempic are GLP-1 analogues and thereby mimic the effects that the digestive hormone GLP-1 has in the body. GLP-1 slows down gastric emptying and intestinal movement, thereby increasing the feeling of fullness and having a positive effect on blood sugar regulation.
What are the side effects?
What are the side effects?
The effects of GLP-1 therefore explain the main side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic, the most common being nausea, acid reflux, and constipation. These side effects are common and are potentially related to the dosage of the medication being used.
When deciding on treatment with Wegovy or other GLP-1-analogues, treatment is started with a low dose to see how the medication is tolerated. Each injection pen lasts for a month of treatment, and a monthly decision is therefore made regarding the strength of the next pen, until the drug strength considered suitable for long-term use is reached. It can be expected to take 3-5 months to reach full treatment strength. During this time, some choose to stop treatment due to side effects.
The effects of GLP-1 therefore explain the main side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic, the most common being nausea, acid reflux, and constipation. These side effects are common and are potentially related to the dosage of the medication being used.
When deciding on treatment with Wegovy or other GLP-1-analogues, treatment is started with a low dose to see how the medication is tolerated. Each injection pen lasts for a month of treatment, and a monthly decision is therefore made regarding the strength of the next pen, until the drug strength considered suitable for long-term use is reached. It can be expected to take 3-5 months to reach full treatment strength. During this time, some choose to stop treatment due to side effects.
What are the results?
What are the results?
The average results from the medications are about a 17% weight loss, and there is still no larger study that follows the treatment for longer than 72 weeks – so little is known about the long-term effects or benefits of these drugs. After a few months of use, it is sensible to evaluate the success of the treatment and subsequently make a decision regarding continued therapy. In some cases, we will advise stopping the treatment due to a lack of results.
The average results from the medications are about a 17% weight loss, and there is still no larger study that follows the treatment for longer than 72 weeks – so little is known about the long-term effects or benefits of these drugs. After a few months of use, it is sensible to evaluate the success of the treatment and subsequently make a decision regarding continued therapy. In some cases, we will advise stopping the treatment due to a lack of results.
Can I stop taking the medication once I have achieved acceptable results?
Can I stop taking the medication once I have achieved acceptable results?
As long as GLP-1 drugs are used, they can have an effect, but the day they are discontinued, things very quickly return to how they were before. Therefore, these drugs must be viewed as a lifelong treatment. We strongly advise against using the drugs for a short period (1-2 years, for example) as there are indications that the weight gain that occurs when the drug is discontinued is both significant and rapid, and many end up at a higher weight than before they started using the drug.
As long as GLP-1 drugs are used, they can have an effect, but the day they are discontinued, things very quickly return to how they were before. Therefore, these drugs must be viewed as a lifelong treatment. We strongly advise against using the drugs for a short period (1-2 years, for example) as there are indications that the weight gain that occurs when the drug is discontinued is both significant and rapid, and many end up at a higher weight than before they started using the drug.
What is the cost of taking the medicine?
What is the cost of taking the medicine?
Icelandic Health Insurance does not contribute to the cost of these medicines unless the individual has a body mass index (BMI) of 45 or higher and, additionally, a life-threatening weight-related complication. In addition, another type of treatment for that complication must have been tried for at least 6 months, and interdisciplinary treatment for the obesity must be demonstrated. See further details at SÍ (Icelandic Health Insurance), e.g., on Co-payment for the medicines Saxenda and Wegovy – Icelandic Medicines Agency.
If SÍ coverage is not granted, Wegovy costs ISK 25,000-45,000 per month, depending on which dosage proves necessary to achieve and maintain acceptable results.
Icelandic Health Insurance does not contribute to the cost of these medicines unless the individual has a body mass index (BMI) of 45 or higher and, additionally, a life-threatening weight-related complication. In addition, another type of treatment for that complication must have been tried for at least 6 months, and interdisciplinary treatment for the obesity must be demonstrated. See further details at SÍ (Icelandic Health Insurance), e.g., on Co-payment for the medicines Saxenda and Wegovy – Icelandic Medicines Agency.
If SÍ coverage is not granted, Wegovy costs ISK 25,000-45,000 per month, depending on which dosage proves necessary to achieve and maintain acceptable results.
A milestone in weight management
A milestone in weight management
All things considered, these drugs are groundbreaking – it is now possible to approach medication for obesity in a completely different way than was previously possible. It is likely that over the next 1-2 decades, new drugs will be developed that combine more hormones to better mimic the effects of surgery. At the same time, the drugs should become cheaper in the long run.
All things considered, these drugs are groundbreaking – it is now possible to approach medication for obesity in a completely different way than was previously possible. It is likely that over the next 1-2 decades, new drugs will be developed that combine more hormones to better mimic the effects of surgery. At the same time, the drugs should become cheaper in the long run.
The treatment is individualised
The treatment is individualised
Adjusting medication with GLP-1 drugs can be highly individual – but the following example might apply in many cases. Each medication pen lasts for 4 doses (4 weeks of treatment):
First consultation with a doctor where a decision is made on whether treatment with GLP-1 drugs is appropriate. A prescription is sent for the starting strength, which is low enough that it is unlikely to have a major effect on weight. This first dose is given to assess whether any side effects occur during the use of the drug.
Once the medication has been used for 2-3 weeks, a consultation with a nurse follows. It is checked whether side effects have occurred and a decision is made on whether to continue the treatment. In that case, the doctor sends a prescription for the next strength level.
For the next 2-3 months, a phone call from a nurse follows, where a decision is made regarding the ongoing titration of the drug – until the strength is reached where the treatment yields results while side effects are not too severe.
Once it has been determined which strength can be used for the long term, a prescription is sent that is sufficient for 4 months of treatment at a time.
We advise continued follow-up for at least 2 years. There are many indications of a risk of nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12) in the long term, and it is important to monitor this closely from the beginning of the treatment. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during this medication.
Adjusting medication with GLP-1 drugs can be highly individual – but the following example might apply in many cases. Each medication pen lasts for 4 doses (4 weeks of treatment):
First consultation with a doctor where a decision is made on whether treatment with GLP-1 drugs is appropriate. A prescription is sent for the starting strength, which is low enough that it is unlikely to have a major effect on weight. This first dose is given to assess whether any side effects occur during the use of the drug.
Once the medication has been used for 2-3 weeks, a consultation with a nurse follows. It is checked whether side effects have occurred and a decision is made on whether to continue the treatment. In that case, the doctor sends a prescription for the next strength level.
For the next 2-3 months, a phone call from a nurse follows, where a decision is made regarding the ongoing titration of the drug – until the strength is reached where the treatment yields results while side effects are not too severe.
Once it has been determined which strength can be used for the long term, a prescription is sent that is sufficient for 4 months of treatment at a time.
We advise continued follow-up for at least 2 years. There are many indications of a risk of nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12) in the long term, and it is important to monitor this closely from the beginning of the treatment. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop taking the medication and maintain my weight?
Do I need to change my lifestyle if I lose weight on the medication?
What are the most common side effects of obesity medication?
How much weight can I expect to lose on the medication?
Can I stop taking the medication and maintain my weight?
Do I need to change my lifestyle if I lose weight on the medication?
What are the most common side effects of obesity medication?
How much weight can I expect to lose on the medication?
Do you have any questions?
Book an appointment
Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Do you have any questions?
Book an appointment
Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Do you have any questions?
Book an appointment
Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Klíníkin is a modern medical centre where specialists work together to improve your health. Our goal is to be a leader in the development of safe, high-quality medical services.
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Klíníkin is a modern medical centre where specialists work together to improve your health. Our goal is to be a leader in the development of safe, high-quality medical services.
Our services
Contact us
Klíníkin is a modern medical centre where specialists work together to improve your health. Our goal is to be a leader in the development of safe, high-quality medical services.
Our services
Contact us