Woman Reports Significant Weight Loss and Minimal Side Effects With Wegovy Pill
A UK woman shares her positive experience with the oral form of Wegovy, losing nearly a stone in six weeks with few adverse effects, contrasting with some reported concerns.
Lauren Carrigher, a 35-year-old social media influencer, has reported substantial weight loss after becoming one of the first individuals in the UK to take the oral version of Wegovy. She stated that she has shed nearly a stone (approximately 14 pounds) in six weeks, moving from 15.5 stone to 14.7 stone. Carrigher aims to reach her goal weight of 12 stone within a few months.
Carrigher, who had previously tried numerous diet and exercise plans without success, found the Wegovy pill effective in tackling what she described as stubborn weight. She noted that her appetite decreased significantly, with her feeling full after consuming only a quarter of a meal, a stark contrast to her previous habit of finishing entire plates and still wanting more.
Her weight gain began late last year after she started taking medication for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that can cause mood disturbances due to hormonal fluctuations. She gained two stone by Christmas after beginning treatment in September. While considering injectable weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, Carrigher was deterred by a fear of needles and concerns about potential interactions with her existing medication. She was also hesitant due to negative experiences shared by friends who used the injectable GLP-1 agonists, reporting instances of severe nausea and prolonged bathroom visits.
Upon learning about an oral version of the medication, Carrigher decided to try it. The Wegovy pill has received approval in the UK and is available through private pharmacies, including Superdrug, ASDA, and MedExpress, but is not yet available on the National Health Service (NHS). ASDA pharmacy recorded 7,000 orders for the pill on its launch day, July 6. A similar weight-loss pill, Foundayo (orforglipron), also a daily tablet that mimics the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 agonists, was launched in private pharmacies this month.
Carrigher obtained Wegovy through the online weight management provider Voy, after completing a health questionnaire. The initial supply cost her £99 for a month's prescription, with an additional £20 for vitamins. She began taking one pill each morning before breakfast on July 11 and reported noticing a reduction in her appetite within three days. She has experienced no side effects other than increased satiety and reports that her energy levels have remained stable. She also noted a reduction in bloating, particularly around her stomach and hips.
This account contrasts with some reported concerns about the oral form of Wegovy. Experts have suggested that because the pill releases a higher dose of the medication more quickly once dissolved in the stomach compared to the slower, seven-day release of injections, it could potentially lead to more pronounced side effects. Dr. Madusha Peiris, a neurogastroenterologist at Queen Mary University of London, indicated that this rapid release might explain severe nausea experienced by some patients. Slowing stomach emptying is a key mechanism for GLP-1 drugs, aiding weight loss but potentially causing bloating, nausea, and vomiting if digestion slows excessively.
Some individuals have reported significant nausea. One user on Reddit described debilitating nausea after increasing their dose, to the point of seeking emergency care and deciding to switch back to the injectable form. Another user found the nausea unbearable even on the lowest dose, leading them to discontinue the medication. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, stated that they prioritize patient safety and that side effects can vary. The company also noted that anxiety and mood disorders are not currently listed as side effects for the Wegovy pill on its UK label.