Question:
Female, 32 years old, Deletion subtype
Is there any promise in trying Wegovy for weight loss? If so, what would be the side effects we would need to look out for?
Nurse Lynn’s Response:
There is interest in exploring GLP-1 medications like Wegovy for weight loss in individuals with PWS, but there are significant concerns. These medications primarily work by delaying gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and improving glycemic control. However, since delayed gastric emptying is already a common issue in PWS, their use could exacerbate constipation and increase the risk of severe complications like gastric necrosis or rupture.
Limited studies in individuals with PWS suggest these medications may improve glycemic control but do not appear to result in the same level of weight loss seen in the general population. Common side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, which could be more pronounced in those with PWS.
Given these considerations, we anticipate additional studies with larger cohorts of PWS individuals are planned for 2025 to better understand the safety and efficacy of these medications in this population. Until then, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider familiar with PWS to weigh the potential risks and benefits for each individual.
Resources:
Below is a link to a published study for you to look at:
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Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.