Wegovy™
At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we understand that maintaining a healthy weight is not always as simple as eating less and moving more. Even with consistent effort, many individuals struggle to shed excess weight due to hormonal, metabolic, or lifestyle-related challenges. That’s where medically supervised treatment plans with GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy® can help.
Our clinic is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS, and board-certified physician assistant Sarah Ashcroft, PA-C who offer customized plans that may include Wegovy® to help you reach your goals safely and sustainably. To learn more about the semaglutide-based medication known as Wegovy®, keep reading below.
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What Is Wegovy®?
Wegovy® is a prescription injection that is FDA-approved for weight management in adults. Composed of semaglutide, this medication mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). By acting on the areas of the brain that control appetite and food intake, Wegovy® helps reduce hunger, enhance feelings of fullness, and promote steady, meaningful weight loss.
Wegovy® is typically recommended for adults who have one of the following:
- A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
- A BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) along with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
What Does Treatment with Wegovy® Involve?
Treatment with Wegovy® consists of once-weekly injections. You’ll begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it over time to help reduce the risk of side effects. At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, Dr. Zemmel and Sarah Ashcroft will design a comprehensive plan tailored to your individual health profile. This includes guidance on healthy lifestyle habits and ongoing monitoring to ensure your safety and success throughout your weight loss journey.
When Soon Will I See My Results from Wegovy®?
While individual responses can vary, many patients begin noticing weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy®. Maximum weight loss — 15% of one’s body weight on average1 — typically occurs after several months of consistent use, especially when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity. Our team will track your progress closely and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to help you stay on course.
Are There Side Effects to Wegovy®?
Like all medications, Wegovy® may cause some side effects. The most common include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Fatigue
These side effects are usually temporary and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience more serious or persistent symptoms, our team will work with you to modify your treatment or explore other options. Your safety is our top priority.
How Much Does Wegovy® Cost?
We offer Wegovy® at our Richmond clinic for approximately $500 per month, a competitive price that includes ongoing support from our experienced providers. For patients with insurance coverage for weight loss treatments, we can prescribe Wegovy® through your insurance plan — we accept most major providers, including Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield and TRICARE.
Not sure if your insurance covers Wegovy®? You can check your plan directly, use the NovoCare® Wegovy Coverage Tool, or view our comprehensive employer coverage list for anti-obesity medications.
If you’re not eligible for insurance coverage, we offer flexible self-pay options and access to customized compounded GLP-1 medications through our trusted pharmacy partner.
Ready to Explore if Wegovy® Is Right for You?
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Zemmel or Sarah Ashcroft at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss today.