Medical Weight Loss with Wegovy: Support from Aepril
Medical weight loss requires more than just a weekly injection. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a prescription medication that can support weight loss but also carries side effects and risks. That’s why it’s important for a doctor to assess whether this treatment is right for you and to monitor your health throughout the process. At Aepril Clinics, we combine medical checkups with personalized guidance. In this blog, you’ll learn how the process works, what we monitor, and how we work toward long-term weight maintenance.
Medical supervision
Why is medical supervision important when taking Wegovy?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that affects appetite and the feeling of fullness. The medication can support weight loss in people who meet the medical criteria. However, not everyone is eligible for it. In addition, its use may be associated with side effects, and there are situations that require extra caution or a different treatment.
Medical weight loss with injections is therefore not just about prescribing medication. The doctor assesses your health beforehand, determines the appropriate treatment, and monitors your response throughout the process. This allows any problems to be identified early on and the treatment plan to be adjusted as needed.
Medical supervision does not mean that side effects are impossible. It means that your health, the medication’s effectiveness, and potential risks are monitored throughout the process.
Medical Screening
Who might be a good candidate for medical weight loss with Wegovy?
Wegovy is approved for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or who are overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) in combination with at least one weight-related condition. Examples include high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes. The treatment is used in conjunction with dietary and exercise changes.
Whether you are actually eligible depends on more than just your BMI. During the initial consultation, we will discuss, among other things:
- Your health: existing conditions, past medical issues, and any contraindications.
- Your medication use: possible interactions and medications that require extra monitoring.
- Your weight history: previous attempts to lose weight, weight trends, and possible causes of weight gain.
- Your expectations: What amount of weight loss is realistic and medically sound?
- Your lifestyle: diet, exercise, and habits that affect your health and weight management.
It is also important to discuss any current pregnancy or desire to become pregnant. Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy and must be discontinued at least two months in advance of a planned pregnancy. The doctor will ultimately determine whether medication is appropriate.
The Treatment Process
What does the pathway at Aepril Clinics look like?
At Aepril Clinics, medically supervised weight loss begins with a comprehensive initial consultation. If the doctor determines that medication is appropriate, a personalized treatment plan is developed. In doing so, we consider not only how much weight you want to lose, but also your health, potential side effects, and maintaining your results.
- Medical intake: The doctor will assess your health, medical history, and suitability for treatment.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: We’ll discuss your medication, its expected effects, possible side effects, and your goals.
- Start of treatment: Once approved, the medication will be dispensed through a pharmacy, and you will receive instructions on how to use the injection pen.
- Regular checkups: Your doctor will monitor your weight, symptoms, and response to the medication.
- Evaluation and follow-up: We assess whether the program is having a sufficient impact and determine what follow-up steps are appropriate.
The Basic program at Aepril Clinics includes a monthly checkup with a doctor. The Premium program offers additional medical consultations and weekly guidance on nutrition, exercise, and behavior change.
Dosage and Administration
How is the Wegovy dosage increased?
Treatment with Wegovy typically begins with a low dose of 0.25 mg once a week. The dose is then gradually increased. This gradual increase is intended to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. The usual dosing schedule for adults is as follows:
| Treatment Period | Usual weekly dose |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 through 4 | 0.25 mg |
| Weeks 5 through 8 | 0.5 mg |
| Weeks 9 through 12 | 1 mg |
| Weeks 13 through 16 | 1.7 mg |
| Starting in week 17 | Usual maintenance dose of 2.4 mg |
This is the standard dosing schedule and not personalized dosing advice. The current product information also describes a higher dosage option for certain adults with obesity. Not everyone needs the same dosage or tolerates every increase equally well. If symptoms persist, the doctor may decide to delay a dose increase or adjust the dosage. Never change the dosage on your own.
Monitoring and Guidance
What do we discuss during the medical checkups?
Weight loss is an important outcome of treatment, but it is certainly not the only focus. During follow-up visits, we discuss how you’re feeling, whether you’re tolerating the medication well, and how your eating and exercise habits are progressing. We also assess whether the treatment still aligns with your health and personal goals.
The guidance focuses, among other things, on three key areas:
Recognizing and Minimizing Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are among the known side effects of semaglutide. These symptoms may occur, especially during the dose-escalation phase. We’ll discuss how severe the symptoms are, whether you’re getting enough fluids, and whether your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
Weight Loss and Physical Health
We track your weight loss, but we also pay attention to the physical effects of losing weight. When you lose weight, you can lose not only fat mass but also muscle mass. Getting enough protein and doing appropriate strength training can help you preserve as much muscle as possible.
Nutrition, Exercise, and Behavioral Change
A reduced appetite can help you consume fewer calories, but it doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting enough nutrients. That’s why we focus on a balanced diet, exercise, and habits that you can maintain even after your treatment program ends. Additional guidance is available for this as part of the Premium program.
Results and Evaluation
What if Wegovy doesn’t produce satisfactory results?
Not everyone responds to semaglutide in the same way. Some people lose weight relatively quickly, while for others it takes longer before a noticeable difference becomes apparent. Dosage, duration of treatment, lifestyle, and any other health issues also play a role.
If the results are disappointing, the doctor will first assess whether the treatment has been given enough time and whether the dosage is appropriate. We also look at side effects, diet, exercise, and other possible causes. Then we discuss whether it is advisable to continue, adjust, or discontinue the treatment.
Is switching to Mounjaro an option?
Sometimes, the doctor may consider a different medication, such as Mounjaro. This medication contains tirzepatide and acts on both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This is a different mechanism of action than that of semaglutide. However, switching medications does not automatically mean you will lose more weight or experience fewer side effects.
The choice depends on your medical condition, the results of previous treatments, and the potential risks. You can read more about these medications in our blog post on the differences between Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy.
Long-term weight maintenance
How can you prevent weight gain after taking Wegovy?
An important consideration with medically assisted weight loss is what happens when you taper off or stop taking the medication. Your appetite may then increase again. Research shows that after stopping semaglutide, people may regain some of the weight they lost. Therefore, sustained weight loss is not guaranteed, even if the treatment works well initially.
At Aepril Clinics, we therefore discuss not only the weight loss itself, but also what comes next. This includes a realistic eating plan, getting enough exercise, maintaining muscle mass, and ways to cope with recurring cravings. You’ll decide together with your doctor whether and when to taper off your medication.
Sustainable weight loss doesn’t mean you’ll never gain weight again after stopping medication. It means you also focus on the habits and support needed to manage your weight in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Weight Loss with Wegovy
No, Wegovy is a prescription medication that requires a medical evaluation before use. During treatment, it is important to monitor whether the medication remains appropriate, how you respond to the dosage, and whether any side effects occur. Do not use weight-loss injections without a prescription and under the supervision of a doctor.
The Basic Program at Aepril Clinics includes a monthly checkup with a doctor. The Premium program includes two medical checkups per month and additional lifestyle coaching. If you have any symptoms or if your treatment needs to be adjusted, additional contact may be necessary. The appropriate level of support will be discussed during your consultation.
Yes, Wegovy is used as a supplement to a modified diet and increased physical activity. Because the medication can reduce appetite, it’s important to get enough nutrients. At Aepril Clinics, additional guidance can help you develop eating and exercise habits that you can maintain in the long term.
If you experience many side effects, your doctor should assess how severe the symptoms are and whether the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Sometimes, a dose increase can be postponed or a lower dose considered. If you have severe or persistent symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Do not change the dosage on your own, and contact a doctor immediately if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain or signs of severe dehydration.
It’s not a given. After stopping semaglutide, your appetite may increase and the weight you’ve lost may come back. That’s why diet, exercise, and a long-term plan are important. Your doctor will discuss when it’s appropriate to continue or stop the medication and what support can help you maintain your weight.
Costs
How much does medical weight loss with Wegovy cost at Aepril Clinics?
The cost of the program depends on the type of counseling chosen, the prescribed medication, and the dosage. Aepril Clinics offers a Basic program starting at €450 per month and a Premium program starting at €800 per month. The Premium program includes additional support in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and behavioral change.
Check out the current prices and what’s included in the packages on our pricing page. During the consultation, we’ll discuss what kind of support you need based on your situation and what costs you should expect.
Schedule a medical consultation
Would you like to know if medical weight loss with injections is right for your health and goals? During a no-obligation consultation at Aepril Clinics in Utrecht or Hengelo , we’ll discuss your medical situation, expectations, and the available treatment options. You’ll receive personalized advice on the possibilities, risks, and support available.
