Both Wegovy and Ozempic are developed by Novo Nordisk and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However there are some differences in how they are used.
<ol>
 <li>Indication and Usage:
 <ul>
 <li>Wegovy: Specifically approved for weight management. It is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).</li>
 <li>Ozempic: Primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. It improves blood sugar control in adults with this condition. It is not authorised for weight loss, but has been used off-label for that purpose.</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li>Dosage:
 <ul>
 <li>Wegovy: Typically comes in higher doses of semaglutide compared to Ozempic, as it's designed for weight loss. The dosage may be adjusted based on the individual's response and tolerability.</li>
 <li>Ozempic: Available in lower doses than Wegovy, since its primary use is for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes.</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li>Administration:
 <ul>
 <li>Both medications are administered as a subcutaneous injection. The frequency of dosing might differ based on the patient’s condition and the doctor's prescription.</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li>Side Effects:
 <ul>
 <li>Common side effects for both Wegovy and Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These side effects are often dose-related and may decrease over time.</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li>Efficacy:
 <ul>
 <li>Both medications have been shown to be effective for their respective indications. Wegovy shows significant weight loss results in clinical trials, while Ozempic improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients.</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.emed.com/uk/weight-management" title="eMed Weight Management">Find out more</a> about eMed's weight management programme that includes a Wegovy prescription for eligible patients.

What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

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Welcome to Week 4 of our Weight Management Support Programme, where we're addressing a critical yet often underestimated factor in your well-being: "Stress and Weight Loss."
Understanding the profound impact of stress on your body is key to achieving holistic health. When we're stressed or anxious, our bodies release two hormones called cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones provide an evolutionary advantage, allowing us to react to challenging situations by increasing alertness and quickening our heartbeat1. However, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to a range of physical and mental symptoms, affecting your overall health. Together, let’s explore these symptoms below to understand how they can impact our weight loss journey:
The Hormonal Impact of Stress
When stress becomes a constant companion, your body increases the&nbsp; release of cortisol and adrenaline regularly, potentially impacting your overall well-being and weight loss journey2. These hormones, while essential in short bursts for navigating challenging situations, can contribute to symptoms such as problems sleeping, persistent fatigue, headaches, chest pains, indigestion, and heartburn. It also increases your appetite, slowing your metabolism and increasing insulin resistance leading to more stored body fat to cope with stressful situations3.
This may affect your weight-loss journey in the following ways:
<ul>
 <li>Reduced sleep: Research has shown that poor sleep quality can dysregulate the appetite control system which can alter our metabolic rate, with a negative impact on weight maintenance or weight loss interventions. There has also been research to show that inadequate sleep links to elevated energy intake, driven by increased saturated fat consumption, leading to weight gain and higher BMI. It correlates with poor eating habits, including more meals, snacks, night-time eating, and a preference for high-energy, low-nutrient foods like fast food, sugar, and fats4.</li>
 <li>Persistent fatigue: Fatigue can affect our decision-making, meaning that when we are tired we may not make decisions which are aligned with our weight-loss goals. Additionally, if we are tired, we may not have the motivation to exercise or make meals for ourselves that align with our weight loss journey, but instead turn to sedentary behaviours and comforting, easy food which has higher calories that the food we are aiming to consume. Additionally, it is important to ensure we are consuming a balanced diet which meets all of our nutrition needs and is not causing a restrictive diet in key micronutrients such as iron and vitamin B125.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
As well as understanding the physical and mental symptoms of hormones on weight loss, let’s explore the role of particular hormones and how they regulate our weight.&nbsp;
Together, let’s explore the role of each hormone involved in appetite regulation and how this can affect our weight.&nbsp;
<ol>
 <li>Leptin is often referred to as the "satiety hormone," leptin is produced by fat cells and signals to the brain that we are full. Higher levels of leptin are generally associated with reduced appetite. One of the primary challenges in weight loss is leptin resistance. High levels of body fat can reduce responsiveness&nbsp; to the satiety signals of leptin, causing increased hunger and overeating6.</li>
 <li>Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone," ghrelin is produced in the stomach and stimulates appetite. It increases before meals and decreases after eating, making it a key player in weight loss efforts6.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Insulin is produced by the pancreas and plays a central role in regulating blood sugar levels and influencing fat storage in the body. Insulin resistance is often associated with obesity therefore improving insulin sensitivity through dietary modifications and exercise can be key to weight loss success.</li>
 <li>Cortisol is a stress hormone which is produced by the adrenal glands and may lead to an increase in fat storage, especially around the abdominal area, when levels are chronically elevated. Chronic stress causes elevated cortisol levels, promoting fat storage particularly around the abdominal area. Stress management techniques like meditation and exercise can help mitigate this effect as explained below3.</li>
 <li>Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4) play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow down metabolism and make weight loss more challenging. If you suspect thyroid issues are hindering your weight loss, consult with a healthcare&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
Weight loss is a multifaceted journey, and understanding the role of hormones is just one piece of the puzzle. It's important to remember that individual responses to hormonal changes can vary greatly, but understanding this connection allows us to make informed decisions and embark on a sustainable path to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Physical impact of Stress:&nbsp;
Stress can manifest in various ways, and your body might respond with various symptoms. These symptoms, as listed below, may impact our motivation and ability to focus on our weight management journey and lead to unhealthy behaviours, such as avoiding exercise.&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Stomach problems, stress headaches and other random pains including muscle pain or tension.</li>
 <li>Skin reactions, like stress rashes and hives</li>
 <li>Feeling dizzy, sick or faint</li>
 <li>Sweating</li>
 <li>High blood pressure and chest pains*2.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
 
Furthermore, stress can cause changes to your appetite. This may mean that you use food as a coping mechanism for stress, leading to overconsumption of food and a negative impact on your weight management journey. Moreover, it may lead to a lack of appetite that later leads to bingeing on food when your hunger returns. Regular, balanced eating is vital for your weight loss journey and a healthy lifestyle.&nbsp;
Mental impact of Stress
No matter how or when stress hits, it’s a horrible feeling. It can lead to feelings of irritability, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with concentration impacting your overall mental health. Being able to recognise these mental symptoms is key to creating a holistic approach to managing stress8.&nbsp;
Often these symptoms are associated with stress will have an impact on our lifestyle, which may cause&nbsp; us to make unhealthy choices with our diet, exercise, and other habits.&nbsp;
Many people find that In times of stress, they resort to habits like binge eating9, consuming increased amounts of alcohol, skipping meals, staying up late, and avoiding exercise. These lifestyle choices&nbsp; can, in turn, exacerbate both the mental and physical consequences of stress, and affect our weight management journey by causing chaos and uncertainty.
Strategies to manage stress&nbsp;
As part of your weight management journey and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is important that you’re equipped with strategies to address both the physical and mental aspects of stress to support your overall wellbeing. There are various strategies available to you to effectively manage stress, and we’ve picked a few to share with you:
Mindfulness and Meditation:&nbsp;
Centre your thoughts and promote a sense of calm. It may seem hard at first, but meditation allows you to bring yourself back to the present moment in times of stress, which is essential to prevent stress escalation.&nbsp;
Try apps like “Calm” by starting with a 60 second meditation, building on this when you feel ready.&nbsp;
Remember, the key is bringing yourself back to the present moment. No matter how much your mind wanders, bring yourself back and notice your ability to focus on now will increase overtime10.&nbsp;
 
Deep Breathing Exercises:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Practise deep breathing exercises to activate your body's relaxation response. Focus on slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system and reduce stress levels11. Deep breathing gives us focus, taking us away from the present stress and letting us focus on our breathing which helps to ground us.
Why not try box breathing? This method asks you to breathe in for 4 seconds, to hold for 4 seconds, to breathe out for 4 seconds, and hold for a final 4 seconds.&nbsp;
Physical Activity:
Physical activity may seem out of reach at the start of your weight management journey. We often see physical activity as something extremely intense, however finding something you enjoy and makes you feel good is essential!&nbsp;
By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, you will not only enhance your weight management journey, but you will enhance your overall wellbeing too!. Exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also acts as a natural stress reliever, releasing endorphins that improve mood. For more information revisit week 3 when we shared healthy exercise ideas.&nbsp;
Set Boundaries: &nbsp;
If you are finding a situation stressful, or it isn’t something that aligns with your goals, know that it is okay to say “no”!&nbsp;
Learning to say no when necessary and setting clear boundaries to prevent overcommitting is not only helpful to reduce stress, but it will help you to realise your self-worth. By prioritising self-care and allocating time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, your stress levels will reduce and you will give yourself time to focus on what’s important for you.&nbsp;
With that in mind, make sure that you are enjoying yourself. Whilst your weight management journey is important, make sure to stay connected to those that you love and find healthy and sustainable ways to remain integrated in your day to day life.&nbsp;
Social interactions:&nbsp;
In order to stay connected to your friends and family, talk to friends, family, or join a group to discuss your goals with your weight management journey. Social connections can provide emotional support and these valuable perspectives can help you to cope with stress, especially if you are feeling low or demotivated around your journey.
Journal:
Focusing on the positive aspects of the day, no matter how small, can really help to refocus and support your journey. Whether you think about 3 positive things that have happened or 3 things you are grateful for in your life, it’s really important to focus on the small, enjoyable things in life in order to stay motivated and thankful.
Remember, stress management is a personal journey, and different strategies work for different individuals. It’s a good idea to experiment with various techniques to discover what best suits your needs and fits into your lifestyle. Building a repertoire of stress management tools can empower you to navigate life's challenges with resilience and balance.
* If you are experiencing chest pain or high blood pressure or you’re concerned about them or feel you have more severe stress then you should consult with one of our clinical team.&nbsp;
References:&nbsp;
1 Chu B, Marwaha K, Sanvictores T, et al. Physiology, Stress Reaction. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/</a>
2 NHS. (n.d.). Stress. Every Mind Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/#:~:text=When%20we%20are%20stressed%2C%20our,feels%20out%20of%20our%20control"> https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/#:~:text=When%20we%20are%20stressed%2C%20our,feels%20out%20of%20our%20control</a>.
3 Hewagalamulage SD, Lee TK, Clarke IJ, Henry BA. Stress, cortisol, and obesity: a role for cortisol responsiveness in identifying individuals prone to obesity. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 2016 Jul;56 Suppl:S112-20. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.03.004. Epub 2016 Mar 31. PMID: 27345309.
4 ​​Papatriantafyllou E, Efthymiou D, Zoumbaneas E, Popescu CA, Vassilopoulou E. Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 8;14(8):1549. doi: 10.3390/nu14081549. PMID: 35458110; PMCID: PMC9031614.
5 ​Wlodek D, Gonzales M. Decreased energy levels can cause and sustain obesity. J Theor Biol. 2003 Nov 7;225(1):33-44. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5193(03)00218-2. PMID: 14559057.
6 Izquierdo AG, Crujeiras AB, Casanueva FF, Carreira MC. Leptin, Obesity, and Leptin Resistance: Where Are We 25 Years Later? Nutrients. 2019; 11(11):2704. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112704">https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112704</a>
7 Ibrahim Abdalla MM. Ghrelin - Physiological Functions and Regulation. Eur Endocrinol. 2015 Aug;11(2):90-95. doi: 10.17925/EE.2015.11.02.90. Epub 2015 Aug 19. PMID: 29632576; PMCID: PMC5819073.
8 Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). How to Manage and Reduce Stress. Retrieved December 15, 2023 from&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress">https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress</a>
9&nbsp; Durso LE, Latner JD, Hayashi K. Perceived discrimination is associated with binge eating in a community sample of non-overweight, overweight, and obese adults. Obes Facts. 2012;5(6):869-80. doi: 10.1159/000345931. Epub 2012 Dec 15. PMID: 23258192.
10 NHS. (2022). Mindfulness. Retrieved on 15 December 2023 from<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/"> https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/</a>
11 NHS. (2022). Breathing Exercises for Stress. Retrieved on 15 December 2023 from<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/"> </a><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/">&nbsp;https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/</a>

Why Stress Affects Your Weight loss Journey?

Short answer: for us in the UK, there does not seem to be anything to be particularly concerned about at the moment. The uptick in respiratory illness does not seem to be related to any new virus or other organism.
Follow the same best practices as always such as washing your hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying at home when you feel unwell. These will go a long way towards controlling all respiratory infections including pneumonia.
When should I be worried?
If you have any concerns about any symptoms or any other symptoms that you or your child may be having, you should discuss these with a clinician. It is particularly important to seek further advice if you or your child have:
Severe symptoms - including problems with breathing, chest pain, or very sleepy
Worsening symptoms - if things are getting worse, or not improving with simple home care
Other medical problems or risk factors. Young children, the elderly or those with underlying health conditions should seek advice early even if symptoms are mild.&nbsp;
For more information on the symptoms of pneumonia see this page on the NHS website. <a href="https://www.emed.com/uk/register-now">Register now</a> with eMed to talk to a clinician right away.
So what is the “pneumonia outbreak" in China? And why are people worried?
There have been a number of reports recently of an outbreak of respiratory illness in children across China, the US and parts of Europe. Given our recent experience with COVID-19, and scary-sounding names in the news like “white lung syndrome” and “mystery pneumonia”, it is easy to see why these reports could cause anxiety, particularly for parents.&nbsp;
What is causing these mysterious outbreaks?
They do not seem to be related to any new virus or other organism. Tests have shown that these symptoms are being caused by common winter viruses and bacterial infections such as RSV and Mycoplasma. These are both very common in children, particularly during the winter months, and usually do not result in significant symptoms.
So why is this a particular problem right now?
This is the first winter that China has experienced since coming out of pandemic restrictions that were amongst the strictest in the world. Reduced social interactions, mask-wearing and enhanced infection control procedures had an effect on reducing COVID-19 infections but also had the same effect on normal winter bugs. As a result, the natural immunity in the population has reduced. We saw similar in other countries, including the UK, last winter when respiratory infections were at much higher levels. A similar picture is undoubtedly leading to some of the increased cases that are being seen this year.
Antibiotic resistance seems to also be playing a role. While for pneumonia, antibiotics are often given for treatment they are not required for the majority of winter respiratory infections. However, at a time when infections are becoming more common, such as is happening in areas of China, there is a tendency for antibiotics to be prescribed much more readily. This over-prescription leads to resistance, and the antibiotics not being as effective when they are needed to manage more severe cases.&nbsp;
Is pneumonia contagious?
Pneumonia itself actually refers to swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs. It can be caused by breathing in toxins for example (known as chemical pneumonia). However, it is usually caused by an infection (such as bacteria or viruses) which are contagious.

The "pneumonia outbreak" in China. Should I be concerned?

What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease — it <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/">spreads through respiratory droplets</a>, which means when someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and if you breathe that in, you could catch it too. Measles commonly causes symptoms such as a high fever, cough, runny nose and a full body rash. Sometimes, measles can cause more serious conditions, and can rarely even be fatal.&nbsp;
What’s gone wrong?
Despite the existence of a safe, well-tested and cost-effective vaccine, recent records reveal that only 84.5% of children in the UK received their second measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) jab, marking the lowest rate since 2008. This scepticism was spearheaded by <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa021134">discredited claims from the '90s</a>, followed by the digital age leading to a surge of online misinformation.This maze of misinformation has left parents worried about their child's vaccinations, and has lead to a vaccine shortfall, causing an estimated&nbsp; <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">128,000 excess deaths globally</a> in 2021, and we continue to witness a spike in cases.
When it comes to measles, prevention is key. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a plan to eliminate measles. If <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/measles-and-rubella-strategic-framework-2021-2030">95% of us receive the jab</a>, the virus can't find enough vulnerable people to spread to and will eventually fade away. This crucial concept, known as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7180027/#:~:text=Herd%20immunity%20is%20difficult%20to,thus%20the%20age%20at%20infection" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">herd immunity</a>, is vital for eradicating measles!
Common concerns include fears of harmful vaccine ingredients, the misconception that vaccines actually cause measles, and the belief that low measles rates render vaccination unnecessary. Contrary to these beliefs, the measles vaccine employs a safe, weakened virus, stimulating the immune system for robust protection if and when future infections occur. Rigorous testing by the MHRA, along with real-world experience with millions of doses of the vaccine administered worldwide, assuress vaccine safety and clearly demonstrates it far surpasses the protection afforded by natural immunity or holistic approaches.
Still not sure about vaccines?&nbsp;
We sat down with our Senior Provider Operations Manager to understand why getting her kids vaccinated was so important.&nbsp;
Why was it so important to you that your children got vaccinated against measles?
A few years ago now, before we had the MMR vaccine, my cousin developed a super rare measles complication called SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis). She was fine for a few years, but at age 8 passed away. If the vaccine had been around before she got sick, she might still be here. It's a tough thought to carry, but it really hits home how crucial vaccines are in avoiding these heartbreaking situations and I don’t think people realise the severity of measles sometimes.
Why do you think parents are sceptical about vaccines?
There’s so much misinformation on social media, and people often listen to their friends rather than listening to the medical experts. It’s really scary sometimes, you read the comments and wonder what’s best for your child. I think I’m lucky because I work with so many incredible clinicians that I trust, so I know I’m doing the right thing to vaccinate my children.&nbsp;
What would you say to someone who is unsure whether to get their child vaccinated?
I understand it might feel daunting, but getting your kids vaccinated is the responsible choice. I suggest checking out information from reliable sources, like real doctors and medical experts, and avoiding anything that doesn't have solid evidence. If diving into research feels overwhelming, you can have a chat with your GP. They can walk you through the risks and benefits, ensuring you're comfortable with your decision. Your peace of mind matters, but remember, your child's safety is the top priority, and vaccines play a crucial role in ensuring that safety.
To sum it up, measles is a serious health threat globally. Even with a safe vaccine, we're seeing fewer people getting vaccinated, leading to more cases and deaths. It's crucial to vaccinate widely for herd immunity, protecting our communities and aiming to wipe out measles. Choosing to vaccinate isn't just about yourself—it's also a group effort for community well-being. Let's join forces to fight misinformation, raise vaccine awareness, and work towards a future without the heartbreaking impact of measles.