Here are some details about the Novo Nordisk manufactures of Wegovy. It is marketed under the trade names Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss. Wegovy uses a higher dose than the other two products.

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone that binds to brain receptors that control hunger and appetite. Wegovy causes weight loss by suppressing appetite. GLP-1 agonists also stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas and reduce glucagon release — this lowers blood glucose.

Four clinical trials were conducted to examine the mechanism of action and safety of Wegovy. These trials evaluated the drug’s effects in people who were overweight or obese, with or without diabetes, and combined with mild or moderate behavioral interventions such as counseling about diet and exercise or meal replacements.

In the largest trial, the group that received Wegovy lost 12% more of their body weight at 68 weeks.