Price, reimbursement, to lose weight, who can take it?

Wegovy® weight loss drug contains semaglutide, one of the hormones that manages satiety. It is indicated in the management of overweight and obesity, but it is sometimes diverted to lose weight for aesthetic purposes. Since October 1, 2024, it has been marketed in France, but it is not reimbursed for the moment.

What is the Wegovy?

Wegovy® is a drug containing semaglutide, marketed by the Novo Nordisk laboratory. It comes in the form of a pre-replisible pen to self-inject under the skin in a weekly manner (in the abdomen, the thigh, the top of the arm). It is a GLP-1 analog. It acts by imitating a hormone called Peptide-1 of the glucagon type (GLP-1), capable of targeting the areas of the brain which regulate appetite as well as food intake, which leads to weight loss since we are less hungry. This is the principle of appetite suppressant. In addition, the semaglutide reduces preference for foods with high fat.

Who can take it?

In accordance with the ANSM press release, the Wegovy® can be delivered only to adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35 kg/m² (severe obesity stage) and aged under 65 years of age. It must be used only in second intention, in the event of failure of nutritional management and in combination with a hypocaloric diet and physical activity.

What is the difference with the Ozempic?

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the same active substance (semaglutide) and are produced by the same laboratory, Novo Nordisk. The main difference between these two drugs is their indication. Ozempic® is indicated for diabetes while Wegovy® is indicated in weight control in obese patients. Thus, if Wegovy® and Ozempic® both have to
Active ingredient The semaglutide, they are not interchangeable and have been the subject of clinical development in different indications.

Wegovy® is only available on prescription. Its prescription initially reserved for specialists in endocrinology, diabetology, nutrition or holders of the transversal specialized training “applied nutrition” is also possible with generatic doctors, since June 2025.

“Between 270 and 330 euros per box”

What weight loss with the Wegovy?

In a trial conducted in a 68 -week double blind man, the results of which were described by the European Medicines Agency, 611 patients with obesity or overweight received the semaglutide or a placebo. During the trial, all patients benefited from intensive behavioral therapy consisting of a very restrictive diet, an increase in physical activity and behavioral advice. Sumaglutide patients lost 17 kilos on average against 6 kg for the other group. Sumaglutide patients lost an average of 15 cm in size compared to 6 cm for patients on placebo.

What are the side effects?

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Risks of hypoglycemia (low level of blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Flatulence (gas accumulation),
• Gastroenteritis
• A risk of gastroesophageal reflux

Wegovy® should not be used for weight loss for aesthetic purposes, that is to say for weight loss in people without obesity or overweight people who have no health problems. It is also not recommended to patients with history of serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or to one of the other components of Wegovy®. Patients must request the advice of their doctor in the event of history or the appearance of inflammation of the pancreatitis (pancreatitis), problems of gallbladder (including gallstones), hypoglycemia, acute renal lesions, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), of acceleration of the cardiac rhythm and suicidal. Finally, studies are underway on monitoring a risk of thyroid cancer or gastrointestinal cancer.

What is the price of the Wegovy?

The Wegovy® price is freely set by the laboratory. According to Philippe Besset, president of the federation of pharmaceutical unions in France interviewed by Le Parisien, pharmacies could sell it “Between 270 and 330 euros per box” (The box contains four injections which represents 1 month of treatment). It is not reimbursed by health insurance.