
Small town neighborhood rallies together to create 'last' Christmas in summer for girl, 9, with terminal cancer
Kasey Zachmann, 9, of Bethesda, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called medulloblastoma when she was five years old.
After years of grueling surgeries, trials, and rounds of chemo and radiation, her parents, Alyssa and Joe, received heartbreaking news from her doctors on June 23.
Doctors said Kasey's cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and she may only have a few weeks to live.
Learning what no parent ever wants to hear, Alyssa and Joe were determined to make sure their daughter spends her time joyfully and surrounded by loved ones.
And with Kasey's diagnosis day, June 28, just days away at the time, they planned to turn the glum anniversary into Kasey's favorite holiday - Christmas Day.
'I was trying to think of fun things that we could do for Kasey to build memories,' Alyssa told Bethesda Magazine.
'So we thought it would be amazing to give her the chance to celebrate Christmas one last time.'
Her immediately parents reached out to their neighbors, asking for them to decorate their homes with Christmas lights.
'This week will be incredibly hot and not the best climate for putting up lights, but we're not sure how much time we have,' the Zachmanns wrote to their neighbors, NBC reported.
Despite the scorching heat and humidity, hundreds of community members happily complied with the festive request.
As neighbors decked the town with lights and wore Christmas-themed outfits, 25 firetrucks drove over to the Zachmann's house - bringing Santa along with them.
Kasey, wearing a Nutcracker-themed dress, smiled as she enjoyed the day with other kids in her neighborhood and her sister, Zara. She also received cards and gifts.
She and her family made sure to drive by each and every house that participated to show their gratitude.
'It was magical. We tried to get to every single house, so it took us two hours to drive around,' Alyssa told Bethesda Magazine, noting that some people were standing in the rain when they arrived.
What started as an email to those living nearby blew up into an event spanning 11 neighborhoods along the DC-Maryland border, according to The Washington Post.
This diagnosis day turned holiday party was even celebrated nationally, with people from all 50 states sending in videos to wish Kasey a merry Christmas.
'June 28 for us has been diagnosis day, has been a heavy day for us,' Alyssa told NBC.
'For us to now be able to think about June 28 as Christmas in June, especially next year, we're so thankful.'
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Medical News Today
38 minutes ago
- Medical News Today
Wegovy Online: Getting a Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescription in 2025
Key takeawaysPeople can only get Wegovy online with a doctor's prescription. Eligible people must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health can cost between $1,300 and $1,400 per dose without insurance, but savings programs and health insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket reputable telehealth companies offer Wegovy prescriptions online. These include PlushCare or Sesame Care. People with existing prescriptions can try Amazon Pharmacy.A quick look at where to buy Wegovy onlineBest for coaching: Ro Body for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for a weight loss program: Noom Med for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for insurance coverage: PlushCare for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for fast appointments: Sesame Care for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for a holistic approach: Calibrate Metabolic Reset | Skip to reviewBest for coupons and savings: Amazon Pharmacy for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for money back guarantee: LifeMD for Wegovy | Skip to reviewOur top picks for places to get Wegovy onlineBelow, we look into some of the best places to get Wegovy online. Telehealth services offer several weight loss medications, including Wegovy. Getting Wegovy online with insurance from these companies is often simple, as many may accept insurance to reduce the cost of their weight management services. However, you will still have to check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the cost of any for coachingRo Body for WegovyAccepts insurance: yesConsultation fee: $45Subscription fee: $145 per monthOther available resources: health coaching, weight loss programGET STARTED WITH ROMNT's reviewRo is a telehealth company offering services for sexual health, fertility, and hair and skin health. It recently began offering weight loss services under the Ro Body program, which combines prescription weight loss medication with personalized the Ro Body program, eligible customers can access Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Body is a 12-month program that costs $45 for the first month and $145 each month afterward. The service bills medications at an additional to get a prescriptionWhen signing up for Ro Body, individuals will have a consultation with one of Ro's healthcare professional partners. In some cases, they may recommend a blood an individual acquires approval for Wegovy, a healthcare professional will write a prescription, and the company can send the medication to a designated pharmacy within 4 to 6 weeks of the initial insurance does not cover Ro Body, Ro's insurance concierge will help customers navigate their insurance coverage for GLP-1 supportMembers of the Ro Body program can benefit from personal coaching, an at-home metabolism test kit, up to 24 video sessions with a healthcare professional, and online lessons on exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mental our in-depth review of & consone-on-one coachingworks with insurance providers to determine coverageon-demand messaging with healthcare professionalhigher cost than some similar platformsnot all health coaches have professional nutrition credentialsone-on-one coachingworks with insurance providers to determine coverageon-demand messaging with healthcare professionalhigher cost than some similar platformsnot all health coaches have professional nutrition credentialsProduct detailsAvailable medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepboundReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyAvailable medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepboundReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyBest for a weight loss programNoom Med for WegovyAccepts insurance: no, but some employee benefits packages may provide coverageConsultation fee: $0Subscription fee: $69 for your first month, plus $99 per month going forwardOther available resources: health coaching, comprehensive weight loss curriculum, food tracking appGET STARTED WITH NOOMMNT's reviewNoom is a company that aims to help people lose weight and maintain this weight loss healthily and sustainably. Recently, the company launched Noom Med is an umbrella for all options that feature medical support and offers branded Wegovy. Noom Med costs $69 for your first month, plus $99 per month thereafter, and this includes a Noom Weight to get a prescriptionTo use this service, you must complete a questionnaire about your demographic profile, including how much weight you want to lose and your current eating appropriate, the service will connect you with a clinician who will order lab tests and create a personalized weight loss plan, including supportNoom Med is only available to those with a Noom Weight membership. Members can benefit from tracking tools, meal and fitness plans, and a range of lifestyle and behavioral support that may help with sustainable weight loss and weight management more about Noom vs Weight & consholistic weight loss approach subscription covers the cost of consultationsaccepts insuranceonly available in 35 statesunclear pricing for lab tests and medicationholistic weight loss approach subscription covers the cost of consultationsaccepts insuranceonly available in 35 statesunclear pricing for lab tests and medicationProduct detailsAvailable medications: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, MounjaroReturns: memberships are cancelable, but program costs are nonrefundableShipping: may varyAAPI-FoundedAvailable medications: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, MounjaroReturns: memberships are cancelable, but program costs are nonrefundableShipping: may varyAAPI-FoundedBest for insurance coveragePlushCare for WegovyAccepts insurance: yesConsultation fee: insurance copay or $129 for first visit without insuranceSubscription fee: $19.99 per monthOther available resources: unlimited messaging with care team, discounts on lab testsGET STARTED WITH PLUSHCAREMNT's reviewPlushCare offers several GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy.A PlushCare membership costs $19.99 per month. If you do not have insurance, you must pay $129 for your first membership may save you money if you do not have insurance or if your insurer will not cover the cost of the company's Rx Price Finder and a prescription discount card, people who take out a membership can save up to 80% on more about the best telemedicine to get a prescriptionTo receive a prescription for Wegovy from PlushCare, you must book an appointment with a board certified professional with experience treating weight management concerns. Many appointments are available on the same all reputable services, you must undergo lab tests before a healthcare professional prescribes the supportThe company will work with your insurance company to cover all or part of the cost of Plushcare members benefit from unlimited messaging with a healthcare professional and discounts on lab our in-depth review of & consplans include lifestyle recommendationsthose without insurance can save money with a discount card and Rx Price Findercompetitive membership pricingnot as much holistic support as other companieswithout membership, you must pay for doctor consultationsplans include lifestyle recommendationsthose without insurance can save money with a discount card and Rx Price Findercompetitive membership pricingnot as much holistic support as other companieswithout membership, you must pay for doctor consultationsProduct detailsReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyBest for fast appointmentsSesame Care for WegovyAccepts insurance: noConsultation fee: varies by healthcare professionalSubscription fee: from $89Other available resources: Sesame Care Plus subscription comes with free lab or blood tests and $10 off dental and primary care visitsGET STARTED WITH SESAME CAREMNT's reviewWhile Sesame Care does not offer a weight loss membership, Sesame Care Plus may help reduce the cost of appointments. This subscription costs $10.99 per month or $99 per to get a prescriptionTo receive a prescription for Wegovy from Sesame Care, you must book an appointment with a healthcare professional through its healthcare professionals have same-day availability. Once a doctor prescribes the medication, you can pick up Wegovy at your local pharmacy on the same supportSesame Care members benefit from $10 off every telehealth, primary care, dentist, or specialist appointment. They also receive one free lab or blood test our in-depth review of Sesame & conslower fees for healthcare professional consultationsoffers same-day pickupdoes not offer as much support as other servicesmembership options do not offer as many benefits as some other serviceslower fees for healthcare professional consultationsoffers same-day pickupdoes not offer as much support as other servicesmembership options do not offer as many benefits as some other servicesProduct detailsReturns: full refund when cancelled within 3 hours before scheduled virtual visit or 24 hours before scheduled in-person visitShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyReturns: full refund when cancelled within 3 hours before scheduled virtual visit or 24 hours before scheduled in-person visitShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyBest for a holistic approachCalibrate Metabolic ResetAccepts insurance: The program is not covered by insurance. However, GLP-1 medications may be covered depending on your insurance fee: $0Subscription fee: $199 per month with 3-month commitmentOther available resources: personalized video coaching, comprehensive weight loss curriculumGET STARTED WITH CALIBRATEMNT's reviewCalibrate offers its members the opportunity to lose weight via its Metabolic Reset program, a 52-week program includes lab work, a virtual doctor visit, support navigating insurance coverage, and ongoing access to medical and support to get a prescriptionTo join Calibrate's Metabolic Reset Program, you must first complete an online form. The service will then provide you with a link to schedule an online visit with one of Calibrate's will email a lab order to you 3 days after joining. You will need to contact a local healthcare professional about giving a blood sample so that the results are available for the Calibrate doctor before your first online is available in all 50 U.S. states, including supportCalibrate states that it will navigate your insurance on their behalf. For most members with commercial insurance, the cost should reportedly be around $25 per month or service also offers holistic weight loss support through 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessions, tracking tools, and a curriculum focused on food, sleep, exercise, and emotional 5 days after signing up, you will receive your welcome kit, including instructions on downloading the Calibrate app, syncing the scale, and syncing Google Fit or Apple Health & consavailable in all 50 U.S. states and promote gradual diet and lifestyle changesincludes 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessionsa range of available GLP-1 medications1-year minimum sign-upprogram cost does not include GLP-1 medication program coaches are not qualified healthcare professionalsavailable in all 50 U.S. states and promote gradual diet and lifestyle changesincludes 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessionsa range of available GLP-1 medications1-year minimum sign-upprogram cost does not include GLP-1 medication program coaches are not qualified healthcare professionalsProduct detailsAvailable medications: Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, Trulicity, RybelsusReturns: full refund if canceled within 72 hours of purchaseShipping: prescriptions are shipped free or sent to local pharmacyWomen-FoundedAvailable medications: Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, Trulicity, RybelsusReturns: full refund if canceled within 72 hours of purchaseShipping: prescriptions are shipped free or sent to local pharmacyWomen-FoundedBest for coupons and savingsAmazon Pharmacy for WegovyAccepts insurance: yesConsultation fee: noSubscription fee: optional $14.99 monthly Amazon Prime membershipOther available resources: noneSHOP NOW AT AMAZON PHARMACYMNT's reviewPeople can fill an existing Wegovy prescription through Amazon Pharmacy. This service is free and available to those with or without an Amazon Prime subscription. Users only pay the price of their will automatically apply any eligible Wegovy coupons to a person's medication order, which can provide significant savings on the cost of Wegovy. The pharmacy also helps users check their insurance copay to make pricing accessible and transparent. Plus, Amazon writes that Prime members can save up to 80% on brand-name and generic to get a prescriptionNew users can transfer an existing Wegovy prescription to Amazon Pharmacy. If a person is looking to get a Wegovy prescription, they can sign up for Amazon One Medical to speak to a doctor. This partnership is between Amazon and One Medical, a telehealth company with online and in-person appointments available throughout the United supportIf people need support with their orders, Amazon pharmacists are available 24/7. However, unless a person has an Amazon One Medical subscription, there is no follow-up support available related to a person's health goals or treatment plan through Amazon Pharmacy. People seeking help with their treatment plan may wish to consider an Amazon One Medical subscription to get access to regular appointments with a & consoffers transparent pricingautomatically applies eligible couponssuitable for those with existing prescriptionsreportedly fast shipping times those without an existing prescription need to sign up for Amazon One Medicalno follow-up care for Wegovy available from healthcare professionalsoffers transparent pricingautomatically applies eligible couponssuitable for those with existing prescriptionsreportedly fast shipping times those without an existing prescription need to sign up for Amazon One Medicalno follow-up care for Wegovy available from healthcare professionalsProduct detailsReturns: no returnsShipping: Free 2-day delivery for Prime membersReturns: no returnsShipping: Free 2-day delivery for Prime membersBest for money back guaranteeLifeMD for WegovyAccepts insurance: no but offers support navigating insurance coverageConsultation fee: not disclosedSubscription fee: starts from $75Other available resources: insurance navigation, clinical guidance, metabolic testing, weight loss tracker, ongoing physician careSHOP NOW AT LIFEMDMNT's reviewLifeMD's Weight Management Program costs $75 monthly and includes insurance assistance and ongoing provider care. With insurance copay, a 30-day supply of medication will cost between $0 and $ to get a prescriptionTo get started, a person must complete a confidential online questionnaire about their weight loss goals and health history. An affiliated provider will then receive this form for review to determine if Wegovy is suitable for the person they are approved, a prescription is sent to a local pharmacy. If stock is unavailable, an alternative for direct postage to the person's address may be supportIf you can only buy Wegovy online without insurance, LifeMD will present different options and may offer prescription discount coupons to reduce total out-of-pocket payments. LifeMD also offers a unique weight loss money-back guarantee. If participants in their Weight Management Program don't lose at least 10% of their body weight within a year, they're eligible for a & consprovides insurance assistance and supportoffers money back guaranteeshipping cost is not included in the monthly costprovides insurance assistance and supportoffers money back guaranteeshipping cost is not included in the monthly costProduct detailsReturns: no returnsShipping: $25 shippingReturns: no returnsShipping: $25 shippingComparing where to get Wegovy onlineThe following table compares the services offering Wegovy prescriptions costSubscription priceRo Bodyfrom $270 per month without insurance$45 for the first month, $145 monthly thereafterNoom Medno information available$69 for the first month, $99 monthly thereafterPlushCare$1,300 to $1,500 per injection$19.99 per monthSesame Care$249 per month$10.99 per month or $99 per yearCalibrate$25 per month or less for members who have commercial insurance$199 per month or $1,749 per yearAmazon Pharmacyfrom $50 with insurancefrom $1,618.83 without insurancefree or included with Amazon Prime membershipLifeMDup to $25 with insurancefrom $1,350 without insurancefrom $75 a monthIs it possible to get a Wegovy prescription online?Yes, it is possible to get a Wegovy prescription online. Several telehealth companies offer this medication if a healthcare professional believes it is you sign up for an online weight management service, a doctor on the platform will contact you via phone or the service's website. After this consultation, you will likely need to complete lab tests to ensure Wegovy is the right medication for your advantage of getting Wegovy online is that it is quicker and more convenient than visiting a physical doctor's office, especially if you live in a more rural location. Some services may send the medication directly to your home, or you can pick it up at your local pharmacy that same day.»MORE:How to reduce the cost of WegovyHow we chose the best places to get Wegovy onlineMedical News Today carefully vets every telehealth service that offers glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications. We only include companies that meet the following criteria:Safety: These services do not offer compounded semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide can be dangerous and cause adverse health These services have clear and accessible privacy policies and will not sell a customer's personal or medical to healthcare professionals: These services work with board certified healthcare professionals to review responses, provide consultations, and prescribe medication. Insurance: All these services work with major insurance companies to cover as many medications as criteria for WegovyWegovy is the first GLP-1 medication to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. The organization approved it in there are strict eligibility criteria that you will need to meet before a healthcare professional will prescribe the medication:You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or must have a BMI of 27 or over and have at least one weight-related health ages 12 and over must have a BMI in the 95th percentile for their age and health conditions include type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood professionals will also recommend following a calorie-reduced diet and increasing your physical activity while taking this the best meal delivery services for weight should not use Wegovy?Wegovy may be unsuitable for some individuals. To the best of your knowledge, you must answer any healthcare professional's questions to help reduce the risk of severe and possibly fatal side effects. People with the following circumstances should not use Wegovy:a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancerMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome 2a high risk of pancreatitissevere allergic reactions to semaglutide or other ingredients in Wegovy»Learn about Wegovy side effects.A note on Wegovy shortagesWegovy is just one of the popular weight loss injections experiencing shortages. Due to increased demand, doses of Wegovy (semaglutide) can sometimes be in short supply. Depending on the strength a doctor prescribes, you may find it difficult to get this of May 2025, Wegovy is available in all doses, and the FDA has declared its previous shortage as some pharmacies may offer compounded semaglutide, it is best to avoid buying non-branded medication. The FDA has not approved compounded semaglutide or evaluated its safety. It has also received reports of adverse effects from people who used compounded versions of this professionals may prescribe alternative GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, or more about alternatives to for buying Wegovy onlineIt is important to choose a safe online pharmacy that offers authentic Wegovy medication. Some signs of safe and unsafe pharmacies include the following:A safe online pharmacy will:always need a valid prescription before providing medicationhave a physical address and telephone number in the United Stateshave a licensed pharmacist available to answer questionsAn unsafe online pharmacy may:not ask for a prescriptionnot have a United States or board license to operatenot have a licensed pharmacist available to answer questionssend medication that is in broken or damaged packaging, in an unexpected language, or has expiredoffer Wegovy at prices that seem very low, or offer discounts or couponsnot provide a clear privacy policy, or may sell personal and medical information to other sitesmay use counterfeit medications that can contain dangerous substances or incorrect dosesFeatured Partner OfferAmazon One Medical 4.9 (41k+) from App StoreAccepts insurance: yesAvailable GLP-1 medications: Mounjaro, Wegovy, ZepboundMembership price: $9 per month with PrimePay-per-visit price: from $29SHOP NOW AT AMAZONFrequently asked questions about getting Wegovy onlineIs Wegovy right for me?Wegovy is just one of several GLP-1 medications that can help you lose weight and manage any weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is also the main ingredient in Ozempic. While Ozempic does not have FDA approval for weight management, doctors may prescribe it there are no studies investigating the effectiveness of Wegovy versus Ozempic, doctors prescribe Wegovy at a higher dose, which may mean you notice more weight loss. It is important to ask your doctor about each medication's side effects and attend follow-up appointments to adjust or change your medication as more about the differences between Wegovy and is just one of several GLP-1 medications that can help you lose weight and manage any weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is also the main ingredient in Ozempic. While Ozempic does not have FDA approval for weight management, doctors may prescribe it there are no studies investigating the effectiveness of Wegovy versus Ozempic, doctors prescribe Wegovy at a higher dose, which may mean you notice more weight loss. It is important to ask your doctor about each medication's side effects and attend follow-up appointments to adjust or change your medication as more about the differences between Wegovy and Wegovy make me lose weight?Yes, Wegovy can help you lose weight. This drug delays gastric emptying, meaning food stays longer in your stomach, making you feel fuller. However, Wegovy is not a miracle drug. You must still make lifestyle changes, such as reducing your calorie intake and increasing physical services offering weight loss programs, such as Noom and Calibrate, can help you make sustainable lifestyle changes during and after taking Wegovy can help you lose weight. This drug delays gastric emptying, meaning food stays longer in your stomach, making you feel fuller. However, Wegovy is not a miracle drug. You must still make lifestyle changes, such as reducing your calorie intake and increasing physical services offering weight loss programs, such as Noom and Calibrate, can help you make sustainable lifestyle changes during and after taking do I need to ask my doctor before taking Wegovy?It is important to ask your doctor any questions that you may have before starting any medication. This can help you decide whether you trust them to professionally and supportively assist you on your health you do not like the way the healthcare professional answers your questions or feel as though they will not give you the support you need while taking medication, you might need to find another doctor. Having a healthcare professional who can answer your questions in a way you can understand is very questions you may wish to ask include:What dose will you be prescribing, and why?What side effects can I expect with this dose?How do I store the medication?How do I use the medication?Do you offer any further help and support, or can you refer me to someone who does?What happens if my dose is out of stock?It is important to ask your doctor any questions that you may have before starting any medication. This can help you decide whether you trust them to professionally and supportively assist you on your health you do not like the way the healthcare professional answers your questions or feel as though they will not give you the support you need while taking medication, you might need to find another doctor. Having a healthcare professional who can answer your questions in a way you can understand is very questions you may wish to ask include:What dose will you be prescribing, and why?What side effects can I expect with this dose?How do I store the medication?How do I use the medication?Do you offer any further help and support, or can you refer me to someone who does?What happens if my dose is out of stock?What happens after I stop taking Wegovy?Wegovy is a drug that you can stay on long term. However, some people may need to stop taking this medication, especially if they are experiencing side you stop taking Wegovy, you may gain some of the weight you previously lost. However, there are ways to stop or limit this rebound weight.A study that the European Congress of Obesity featured found that people can maintain their weight loss by slowly tapering down the dosage. You may wish to consult your doctor to determine a tapering schedule to maximize your likelihood of maintaining weight loss.A 2024 study found that using semaglutide while exercising can help maintain weight loss after stopping the medication. You can increase your physical activity at a gym or use home gym equipment, which may be more is a drug that you can stay on long term. However, some people may need to stop taking this medication, especially if they are experiencing side you stop taking Wegovy, you may gain some of the weight you previously lost. However, there are ways to stop or limit this rebound weight.A study that the European Congress of Obesity featured found that people can maintain their weight loss by slowly tapering down the dosage. You may wish to consult your doctor to determine a tapering schedule to maximize your likelihood of maintaining weight loss.A 2024 study found that using semaglutide while exercising can help maintain weight loss after stopping the medication. You can increase your physical activity at a gym or use home gym equipment, which may be more weight loss pill is similar to Wegovy?Several FDA-approved pills can help people manage weight, including:Alli (orlistat)ContraveQysmiaHowever, none of these medications work in the same way as Wegovy. There are no weight loss pills with the same mechanism of action as GLP-1 injectable FDA-approved pills can help people manage weight, including:Alli (orlistat)ContraveQysmiaHowever, none of these medications work in the same way as Wegovy. There are no weight loss pills with the same mechanism of action as GLP-1 injectable I get a prescription for Wegovy online?Yes, it is possible for people to get a Wegovy prescription online. A range of telehealth companies will prescribe Wegovy after a person has a health consultation with a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will only prescribe Wegovy if they think it is medically it is possible for people to get a Wegovy prescription online. A range of telehealth companies will prescribe Wegovy after a person has a health consultation with a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will only prescribe Wegovy if they think it is medically there a Wegovy coupon?Yes, there is a Wegovy coupon. The manufacturer of the drug, Novo Nordisk, has a coupon through its support program, WeGoTogether. You can use it alongside your insurance, but you cannot use it with Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government health can help you save money on Wegovy and give you access to weight loss support more about Wegovy coupons, costs, and how to there is a Wegovy coupon. The manufacturer of the drug, Novo Nordisk, has a coupon through its support program, WeGoTogether. You can use it alongside your insurance, but you cannot use it with Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government health can help you save money on Wegovy and give you access to weight loss support more about Wegovy coupons, costs, and how to people are wondering how to get Wegovy as the drug increases in popularity and availability. Several online services, including PlushCare and Sesame Care, offer prescriptions for this medication. It is important to vet each online pharmacy carefully to ensure it offers a safe version of this drug.


Medical News Today
2 hours ago
- Medical News Today
Why do some people have better weight loss results with Ozempic or Wegovy?
Research on weight loss medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), and why people experience varying results is study helped identify multiple components that may affect successful weight loss among people using researchers found that taking the medication for longer and starting on semaglutide rather than other GLP-1RA options produced more successful weight loss results.A popular group of weight loss medications is glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), which include the likes of Ozempic and Wegovy — medications that are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.A study recently published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism explored weight fluctuations among participants after taking GLP-1RAs. The results suggest that factors like taking GLP-1RAs longer, having greater accumulated exposure to GLP-1RAs, using semaglutide, and not having diabetes may make it more likely for some people to experience successful weight loss from GLP-1RA impacts the effectiveness of GLP-1RAs?This research involved a total of 679 participants and was a retrospective cohort study. All participants were overweight or obese, and this was determined by body mass index (BMI). Some participants also had type 2 diabetes. All participants had at least three months' worth of follow-up and at least three noted weight measurements during the had data from participants' follow-up visits, including factors like body composition and measurements of liver and kidney function. Their data looked at treatment with seven different GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, lixisenatide, and examined weight fluctuation among participants and divided participants into three groups: successfully losing weight, staying the same weight, or regaining weight. In their analyses, they then further classified participants as having successful or unsuccessful weight reduction. The unsuccessful category included both weight regain and staying the same did their analyses at three months, six months, and then at one year. The average age of participants was thirty-seven years old, and about 21% of participants had who had been on GLP-1RAs for longer were more likely to experience successful weight reduction at six and twelve months. At the three and six-month marks, participants who experienced successful weight reduction were also less likely to have diabetes and more likely to start their treatment on the three-month follow-up, participants in the weight regain group also had higher estimated glomerular filtration rates, which measures kidney function. This was also true when looking at just participants with prediabetes. The authors note that people with obesity can experience these higher filtration rates, which can then lead to worse kidney also observed that the group that remained stable had higher fasting plasma glucose levels than the other groups and worse beta cell function and insulin resistance than participants who successfully lost do some people lose more weight on GLP-1s?In their univariate logistic regression analysis, the researchers identified several factors that may be related to successful weight loss. These included longer time on GLP-1RA treatment, semaglutide use, lower blood sugar levels, and a higher percentage of body fat. They also observed that greater Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-Cell Function levels, which helps to measure beta cell function in the pancreas and insulin resistance, was associated with successful declines in weight. For women, having a lower skeletal muscle mass was also associated with successful weight adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, the researchers found that the longer people used GLP-1RAs, the more they lost weight successfully at all the follow-up time points. At three and six months, starting semaglutide, compared to other GLP-1RAs, was linked to successful weight men, having a body fat percentage greater than 30% was associated with successful weight reduction at three months, but this was not the case for women. At three months, not having diabetes and hemoglobin A1C levels were linked to successful weight addition to these factors, researchers also observed some non-linear associations. For example, some measurements of muscle mass and basal metabolic rate had a reversed J-shaped association with successful weight analyses also revealed that higher accumulated exposure of semaglutide or liraglutide were both associated with successful weight reduction. At three months, liraglutide and semaglutide users with successful weight reduction had higher fasting plasma glucose levels. For men on semaglutide, having a greater percentage of body fat was associated with successful weight loss at a six-month follow-up. Study limitationsThis study does have benefits and potential limitations. Paunel Vukasinov, MD, a dual board-certified Internist and Obesity Medicine Specialist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to who was not involved in the research, noted the following to Medical News Today:'This study offers helpful information about the differences in weight loss results for patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1RAs work well, but this study points out the varied responses in everyday clinical settings. It also tries to find the reasons behind this variability.''However, the lack of randomization, possible confounding factors, and the single-center design do weaken the conclusions. Still, it addresses an important clinical question: why do some patients do well on GLP-1RAs while others stop losing weight or regain it? It encourages us to move toward more personalized obesity care.'— Paunel Vukasinov, MDThis study was conducted among Chinese participants receiving treatment at a single weight loss clinic. Data from other countries may be helpful in future note that only 112 participants had a follow-up assessment at the one-year mark. They also note there was a lack of record for some possible confounding factors and that they weren't able to assess how lifestyle interventions throughout the follow-up could have affected outcomes. Another limiting factor was that 'longitudinal data for body composition was not systematically collected and analyzed at the follow-ups.'Does stopping medication affect results?Treatment discontinuation did happen, which meant differences in medication looking specifically at the use of semaglutide and liraglutide in the subgroup analyses, researchers only analyzed the data from the three-month and six-month follow-ups. They were also only able to look at accumulated exposure for two types of without type 2 diabetes had more limited access to GLP-1RAs, and this could have influenced the study's results. One author also noted conflicts of Raines, DO, an osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine and American Osteopathic Association member, who was also not involved in the study, noted the following limits of this study to Medical News Today:'It's important to note the limitations, namely, the small sample size and the even smaller number of participants who continued through the full 12-month follow-up period…This paper does not explore the effects of discontinuation, a crucial aspect given evidence showing significant weight regain in many individuals once GLP-1RAs are stopped, even with continued lifestyle modifications. Nor does it include tirzepatide, which, while not solely a GLP-1RA, currently shows even more promising data for weight loss than semaglutide in existing trials.'More research is required to examine some of the components of the study, such as the differences in weight loss for people with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. More research on how kidney function plays into everything may also be loss may need a personalized approachThe authors of this study suggest that data from this study could help make the use of GLP-1RAs more might help improve the success related to these medications. Kais Rona, MD, a bariatric surgeon of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, who was also not involved in the study, noted the following:'Ultimately, this study supports a personalized approach to the use of GLP-1RA medications. One that identifies important physiologic markers prior to the initiation of the treatment regimen, monitors patient response over time, and focuses on long-term success.'The research also highlights the importance of careful clinical oversight when people use GLP-1RAs. 'Many patients are currently receiving these medications from providers outside their primary care home, often without comprehensive management or long-term planning. This raises concerns about suboptimal outcomes and unintended side effects…What we now need are more long-term studies, particularly focused on sustained outcomes, strategies for maintenance after discontinuation, and optimizing individualized care,' Raines said.


BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Arizona resident dies from plague, health officials say
A resident of Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, health officials confirmed on was the first recorded death from the disease in the county since 2007, Coconino County Health and Human Services reported. In that case, a person had an interaction with a dead animal infected with the known as the "Black Death" in the 14th century, killed up to half of Europe's population. It is now rare in humans and can be treated with average of seven human plague cases are reported each year in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention County government said the risk to the public of exposure remains low. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased," Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said in a statement. "We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released."Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis are different forms of plague, such as bubonic plague, which is the most common and is caused by the bite of an infected flea. Pneumonic plague, which spreads to the lungs from other untreated forms of plague, is the most serious and is usually of the bubonic plague in humans typically appear within two to eight days after exposure and may include fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph is no longer found in the UK and the chance of it occurring in a person returning to the country is "very low", the government measures include using a DEET-based insect repellent to protect against flea bites, avoiding contact with dead animals, infected tissues or materials, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic patients and crowded areas where cases have been recently reported.