Everything You Need To Know About Semaglutide For Weight Loss
Semaglutide is a part of a medication class called peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It behaves like the GLP-1 hormone, a peptide hormone that is released by your gut and your brain whenever you eat. GLP-1 has receptors throughout your body, but its most important actions happen in your digestive system, your pancreas, and your brain’s appetite centers.
Food digestion and absorption trigger GLP-1 secretion. It slows digestion in the gut and prevents high blood glucose levels. It also plays a key role in creating more insulin in your pancreas and in suppressing glucagon release, which lower your blood sugar levels. Thus, Semaglutide is an effective weight loss tool because it lowers the blood sugar levels that can make it hard to lose weight.
Your brain contains high amounts of GLP-1. It works with your brain to suppress your appetite and to help you feel full. When used with diet and exercise, it promotes significant weight loss and reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Significant research has been conducted which demonstrates that Semaglutide can promote weight loss. Here are some pieces of evidence that prove this claim.
Clinical trials of 2,000 obese adults show weight loss of at least 5-10%with significant cardiovascular health improvement. Half are using Semaglutide with lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise. The other half practice the same lifestyle changes without using Semaglutide.
After 68 weeks, the adults using Semaglutide with lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise lost 9.6-17.4% of their body weight, while the adults who only made lifestyle changes lost about 3-5% of their weight. And while bariatric surgery can help adults lose 20-30% of their weight, the procedure is too risky and too costly for many people.
Research also shows that oral Semaglutide effectively lowers HbA1c, which indicates blood sugar control and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies reveal that maintenance Semaglutide injection treatments help to keep weight under control in obese people without diabetes.
What are the Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Gastrointestinal side effects tend to happen most frequently with using Semaglutide for weight loss. These side effects are more commonly seen when you first start semaglutide and after your dose increases. The common side effects of Semaglutide include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Gassiness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Serious complications with using Semaglutide for weight loss are rare, but some have been reported. They include:
- Hypoglycemia (lower-than-normal blood sugar)
- Acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)
- Acute kidney injury
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Visual impairment in people with diabetes
- Allergies
- Increased heart rate
- Increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
What are the Forms of Semaglutide Products?
The FDA has approved three forms of Semaglutide products:
1) Ozempic: An injectable form of Semaglutide that lowers blood glucose. It is commonly used by adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
2) Rybelsus: An oral form of Semaglutide that lowers blood glucose and that is used by adult patients who prefer oral drugs over injectables.
3) Wegovy: An injectable prescribed as a complement to lifestyle changes for weight loss and weight management.
Who Can Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater.
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
- Children aged 12 years and older with a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile or higher for their age and sex.
Who Should Not Use Semaglutide For Weight Loss?
You should not take Semaglutide if you have any one of the following:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Diabetes-related visual problems
- History of pancreatitis
- End-stage kidney disease
- Mood disorders or suicidal ideation
- Known hypersensitivity to synthetic GLP-1 agonists
- rsonal or familial history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
If you are thinking about taking Semaglutide for weight loss, you should first talk to your primary care physician (PCP). They know your personal and family medical history and they can guide you to the best treatment for your condition. And if you already have diabetes and take a different medication, you must talk with your doctor. Semaglutide can interact with many other medicines, including diabetes medication. Your doctor can help you find a safe combination of diabetes treatments.
Semaglutide works by slowing down the movement of food through your body. It may affect the absorption of other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take or have recently taken.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Semaglutide?
This is one of the most common questions people ask about Semaglutide treatment. FDA-approved medical conditions are not considered as eligibility criteria for receiving Semaglutide treatment, so there are no actual eligibility criteria for receiving Semaglutide treatment. Even if you have a medical condition related to GLP-1 receptor agonists, there are other things to consider during your medical evaluation.
The first thing is safety. Is Semaglutide treatment safe for you? This alone can prompt your healthcare provider to ask a lot of important questions. For example, some drugs may interact adversely with Semaglutide, so you may be asked about which medications you are currently taking. Another example is the presence of autoimmune conditions that affect the kidneys, which can render GLP-1 agonists unsafe. Your healthcare provider may find other risk factors after a thorough medical exam.
The second thing you must consider is cost. Semaglutide is one of the more expensive drugs for long-term weight loss management and diabetes treatment. Also, clinical trials show that maintenance shots are necessary for some people to continue to lose weight. This treatment will increase your healthcare expenses.
The third thing to consider is whether or not you are ready to change your lifestyle. For the best results, Semaglutide treatment for weight loss must be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. A lifestyle change is necessary to achieve your weight goals.
Talk to your doctor to find out if Semaglutide treatment is right for you.
Can You Take Semaglutide Even If You Are Not Diabetic?
Yes, you may consider Semaglutide as a weight loss solution even if you don't have diabetes. Studies show that high-dose Semaglutide (2.4 mg weekly) along with diet and exercise is effective for long-term weight management.
Can Semaglutide interact with Other Medications?
Yes. Semaglutide can interact with diabetes medications, especially insulin and those that increase insulin release (such as sulfonylureas). If you are taking Semaglutide with these medications, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood glucose levels drop too low.
Semaglutide reduces gastric emptying time and slows the process of digestion and absorption. It may interfere with how your body absorbs oral medications. As mentioned earlier, this effect may only be a concern within the first several months of treatment. Your healthcare provider can determine which interactions affect you and which combinations are safe to manage.
Can You Buy Semaglutide Over the Counter?
The FDA classifies Semaglutide as a prescription medication. You can get Semaglutide when your health care provider prescribes it for you. Semaglutide may cause side effects and, in rare cases, they may be serious. For this reason, Semaglutide must be used under strict medical supervision.
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