Wegovy vs Metformin: Differences and Similarities

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 6 min read

Wegovy and Metformin are both medications used to treat different health conditions.

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a prescription medication used to help with weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition. It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and appetite. Wegovy is administered by injection once a week.

Metformin, on the other hand, is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the body's response to insulin. Metformin is usually taken orally twice daily.

Although both Wegovy and Metformin can help with weight loss, they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. While Wegovy is specifically indicated for weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition, Metformin is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

It is important to note that both medications can have potential side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How Wegovy Works

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication that works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is naturally produced in the body. GLP-1 is released in response to food intake, and it helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptors in the body. This leads to several physiological effects that can help with weight management, including:

• Reducing appetite: Wegovy helps reduce feelings of hunger, which can help people eat less and lose weight.

• Slowing down stomach emptying: Wegovy can slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which can help people feel fuller for longer.

• Regulating blood sugar levels: Wegovy can help regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucose production in the liver.

• Increasing energy expenditure: Wegovy can increase the body's energy expenditure, which can lead to a higher metabolic rate and greater weight loss.

Overall, Wegovy can help people lose weight by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and regulating blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that Wegovy is not a standalone treatment for obesity or weight management and should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program.

How Metformin Works

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver and improving the body's response to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The pancreas then produces insulin, which helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body's cells become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a variety of health problems.

Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. It does this by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps regulate energy metabolism in the body. AMPK activation leads to several physiological effects that can help with diabetes management, including:

• Decreasing glucose production: Metformin reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, which can help lower blood sugar levels.

• Increasing insulin sensitivity: Metformin helps the body's cells become more sensitive to insulin, which can help improve glucose uptake and reduce insulin resistance.

• Reducing glucose absorption: Metformin can also reduce the absorption of glucose from the intestines, which can further lower blood sugar levels.

Overall, Metformin is a medication that works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, which can help manage high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that Metformin should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program to achieve optimal diabetes management.

Wegovy Dosing

Wegovy is administered by subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once a week.

The recommended starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks. After four weeks, the dose is increased to 0.5 mg once a week, and then to 1 mg once a week after another four weeks. The maximum dose of Wegovy is 1 mg once a week.

The injection should be given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and the injection site should be rotated with each injection to reduce the risk of injection site reactions.

It is important to note that Wegovy should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal weight management. Also, it is important to follow the dosing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider and not to exceed the maximum recommended dose of 1 mg once a week.

Metformin Dosing

The dosing of metformin may vary depending on several factors, including the patient's age, kidney function, and other medical conditions.

The typical starting dose of metformin for adults is 500 mg taken orally once or twice daily with meals. The dose may be gradually increased by 500 mg at weekly intervals based on blood sugar levels and response to treatment. The maximum daily dose of metformin is 2,000 mg.

For older adults (age 80 and older), those with kidney impairment, or those with other medical conditions, a lower starting dose may be recommended.

It is important to take metformin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose, and do not stop taking metformin without first consulting with your healthcare provider.

Metformin should be taken with meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly to ensure that they are in the target range.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.