How Effective Is Wegovy®? What the STEP Trials Say About Real Weight Loss

Starting Wegovy® is a big decision — and feeling your best while on it is key to success. At rfynd Weight Loss, we’ve guided many women and men through the ups and downs of weight loss medications. Below are practical, simple tips to help you manage the most common side effects of Wegovy.

1. Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhoea

These usually settle over time. Here’s what helps:

• Eat small, bland meals – Think toast, rice, or soup.
• Avoid greasy or spicy food, especially in the first few hours after your injection.
• Stay hydrated – Sip water or electrolyte drinks often.
• Ginger tea or peppermint can ease nausea.

2. Constipation

Constipation can linger longer than other symptoms, but there’s help:

• Add fibre slowly into your diet (oats, veggies, kiwi fruit).
• Drink 2+ litres of water daily.
• Stay active – a daily walk supports gut movement.
• Consider a gentle laxative (e.g. macrogol or docusate) if needed – check with your clinician.

‍3. Hair Thinning

Hair loss may occur with rapid weight loss:

• Ensure you’re getting enough protein and essential nutrients.
• Consider a salon shampoo designed to prevent hair loss.
• Most people notice regrowth within a few months.

4. Gallbladder Care by:

• Avoiding extreme fasting or crash diets.
• Staying well-hydrated.
• Eating regular meals with some healthy fats to keep bile flowing.

5. Heart Rate & Skin Sensations

These usually don’t require treatment, but keep your medical team updated if symptoms persist.

When to Seek Help

Contact your health care professional if you:

• Have severe stomach pain
• Experience symptoms of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, confusion)
• Notice changes in vision
• Are feeling unsure about how you're coping

📖 Want more information? Read our blog on Understanding Wegovy® Side Effects for a full breakdown.

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Wegovy® (semaglutide) offers a promising new path for many who haven’t seen the changes they want. But like all prescription medications, Wegovy®  can come with side effects — and it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous. At rfynd Weight Loss, we believe in supporting you through your journey with care, empathy, and accurate information. Below, we’ve summarised the known side effects from the New Zealand Medsafe Data Sheet on Wegovy®  to help you understand what to expect and when to seek support.

💬 The Most Common Side Effects: Gut Reactions

Gastrointestinal issues are the most frequently reported side effects of Wegovy, especially during the first few weeks when your dose is being gradually increased.

• Nausea – experienced by about 44% of people. Typically lasts on average for 8 days.
• Diarrhoea – reported by around 30% lasting 3 days on on average
• Vomiting – seen in roughly 25% usually on 2 days in duration.
• Constipation – 24% of patients experienced this with symptoms that can last a few weeks.

These symptoms are usually only mild to moderate and most people find they ease with time.

🧡 Other Digestive Symptoms to Know About

Some people also experience:

• Bloating
• Reflux or indigestion
• Stomach pain
• Gas or belching
• Hiccups

If you already have moderate kidney problems, these symptoms might be stronger — so it’s important to discuss this with your rfynd Weight Loss doctor.

💊 Less Common but Important Reactions

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) – Found in 1.6% of patients, with 0.6% developing gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). Please note, gallstone are very common even in those not on Wegovy®.  Furthermore, significant weight loss by any means can lead to forming gallstones. It’s important to seek medical care if you experience severe abdominal pain.
• Hair loss – Reported in 2.5% of people. This is usually mild and happens more with greater weight loss (20%+), and often resolves on its own.
• Increased heart rate – A mild average increase of 3 beats per minute was seen. Around 26% of people had a temporary rise of 20+ bpm.
• Skin sensations – Tingling or sensitive skin reported by 2.1%. Typically mild and settles with time.
• Pancreatitis – Rare (0.2% incidence). It’s important to seek medical care if you experience severe abdominal pain.
• Kidney stones (Urolithiasis) – Occurred in about 1.2% of patients.

🔍 What About People with Type 2 Diabetes?

For those with diabetes:

• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia) – Especially if taking sulfonylureas. It was seen in 6.2% of patients using Wegovy.
• Eye health (Diabetic retinopathy) – Observed in 4% of patients. Discuss with your clinician if you have existing eye disease.

👧🏽 And for Teens?

Wegovy®  was studied in adolescents (12–17 years) for 68 weeks. Side effects were similar to adults, but gallstones occurred in 3.8%. Let your doctor know if you experience severe abdominal pain. There is no long-term data yet on use beyond 68 weeks in this age group.

🙋‍♀️ What Does This All Mean for You?

Most side effects are manageable and temporary. The rfynd clinical team is here to guide you with a judgment-free, professional approach. We offer tailored plans that include monitoring, support, and education — because sustainable weight loss should never feel isolating or overwhelming.

👉🏽 What’s Next?

If you’re considering Wegovy® or already taking it, you might find our companion blogs helpful:
📖 Strategies to Manage Side Effects of Wegovy® – practical tips, food strategies, and when to check in with your rfynd Weight Loss clinician.

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Which is the Safest Weight Loss Surgery?

‍Exploring the Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass at rfynd Weight Loss

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, safety is likely one of your top concerns—and rightly so. At rfynd Weight Loss, we’re often asked:
“Which weight loss surgery is the safest?”

The good news is that all three of the surgical procedures we offer—Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB), and One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB)—are safe, well-established options when performed by an experienced surgical team with the right pre- and post-operative support.

That said, “safest” doesn’t always mean the same thing for everyone. The safest option for you will depend on your medical history, lifestyle, and goals.

Here’s how the three procedures compare.

1. Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Often considered the safest first-line surgical option

What it involves:
About 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow “sleeve” that limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones.

Safety profile:

• No rerouting of the intestines = fewer anatomical changes
• Shorter surgery and hospital stay
• Lower risk of nutrient malabsorption compared to bypass procedures

Risks to consider:

• Can worsen or cause reflux in some people
• Irreversible (as part of the stomach is permanently removed)

Who it may be safest for:
People looking for a simpler procedure with a solid safety profile and effective long-term results, especially if they don’t have severe reflux or diabetes.

2. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB)

Tried-and-tested, especially for diabetes or reflux

What it involves:
A small stomach pouch is created and connected to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first section of the intestine.

Safety profile:

• Decades of clinical use with well-documented outcomes
• Often improves or resolves type 2 diabetes quickly
• Can help with severe reflux or heartburn
• May provide more weight loss than sleeve in some cases

Risks to consider:

• Longer surgical time and slightly higher risk of complications
• Requires lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation
• Small risk of internal hernia or marginal ulcer

Who it may be safest for:
People with reflux, diabetes, or who need significant weight loss and have no issue with a more complex procedure.

3. One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB or Mini Bypass)

A newer, simplified alternative to RNYGB with growing popularity

What it involves:
Similar to RNYGB, but with just one connection (anastomosis) between the stomach pouch and the intestine.

Safety profile:

• Shorter operation time than RNYGB
• Effective weight loss and diabetes resolution
• Slightly fewer surgical steps than RNYGB

Risks to consider:

• Can cause bile reflux in some people
• Nutrient deficiencies are still a consideration
• Long-term data is growing but not as extensive as RNYGB

Who it may be safest for:
People who want the effectiveness of a bypass with a simpler surgical approach—provided they are carefully screened for reflux risk.

So... Which Is the Safest?

In general terms:

• Gastric Sleeve is safest in terms of simplicity and fewer long-term nutritional concerns.
• RNYGB is safest for those with reflux or diabetes who need metabolic benefits.
• OAGB offers a middle ground—simpler than RNYGB, with strong results—but requires careful patient selection.

The safest surgery is the one tailored to you. That’s why at rfynd, every client goes through a full clinical review with a bariatric surgeon before making a decision.

How rfynd Prioritises Safety

Your safety is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Rfynd, you can count on:

• Expert surgical teams in accredited private hospitals
• Pre-surgical assessments to determine the right procedure for your health
• Ongoing post-op support including medical, nutrition, and coaching follow-up
• A New Zealand-based team who understands your health system and lifestyle

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Thinking About Weight Loss Surgery?

If you're wondering which weight loss surgery is safest for you, the best next step is to book a consultation with our expert bariatric surgeon, Dr Peter Carr-Boyd. During your consult, Dr Carr-Boyd will assess your individual health needs, explain your options, and guide you toward the procedure that offers the best balance of safety and long-term success.

👉 Book a consult with Dr Peter Carr-Boyd today

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