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Semaglutide

If you’ve been having trouble sticking to a low-calorie diet plan, weekly treatments with Semaglutide may be what you need under medical supervision.

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ozempic and wegovy medication

WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide is a peptide weight loss medication that is the first of its kind. Semaglutide increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. It also suppresses appetite by slowing down the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. It was initially FD- approved in 2017 for the management of type 2 diabetes. Those using it to control their blood sugar began losing weight. Most recently, it was approved in January 2023 at a different dose for weight loss.

In clinical trials, Semaglutide helped most recipients lose 10% of their body weight. More than half of them reduced their weight by 15%. The FDA studied Semaglutide’s safety and efficacy in four, 68-week trials. Common brand names for Semaglutide include Ozempic and Wegovy.

Those who have a BMI of 30 or more or those who need to lose weight because they have medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may benefit from Semaglutide treatment. A thorough medical history and physical must be completed before starting any weight loss program.

Those who should not take Semaglutide for weight loss include anyone with a history of:

  • Gallbladder, kidney, or pancreas disease.
  • Thyroid disease or endocrine tumors.
  • Stomach or intestinal problems.
  • A history of depression, mental health concerns, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Eye diseases.
  • A known allergy to Semaglutide or one of its components

This medication is injected subcutaneously, or under the skin. It is given on a weekly basis (once every 7 days).

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1).  This hormone targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. After you eat a meal, glucagon is released in the GI tract, which triggers insulin release from the pancreas, lowering your blood sugar. Doing so helps you eat less. Semaglutide should be combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. However, these measures are not necessary to lose weight with Semaglutide injections.

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1).  This hormone targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. After you eat a meal, glucagon is released in the GI tract which triggers insulin release from the pancreas, lowering your blood sugar.  Doing so helps you eat less Semaglutide should be combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. However, these measures are not necessary to lose weight with Semaglutide injections.

Some of the health benefits associated with Semaglutide include the following:

  • A decrease in blood sugar without any increase in hypoglycemia.
  • Suppressed appetite due to a sense of fullness in the brain and a slowing of the emptying of food from the GI tract.
  • Reduced body weight, lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress.
  • Better insulin synthesis and secretion.
  • More significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity.

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are the most common side effects reported, especially if there is an abrupt increase in dosage. Some of the most common side effects include headache, fatigue, dehydration, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, burping, bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion.

The FDA studied Semaglutide’s safety and efficacy in four 68-week trials. Individuals who received the injections safely lost 6.2% of their initial body weight compared to those who received a placebo.

Insulin and other diabetes medications may interact with Semaglutide, as it can affect blood sugar. That is why it is important to tell the doctor all medications you are taking, including over the counter supplements.