Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that work by mimicking a hormone called incretin. By acting like incretin, semaglutide helps the body produce more insulin when needed and reduces appetite. Recently, a higher dose of semaglutide called Wegovy was approved specifically for chronic weight management.
How does semaglutide promote weight loss?
Semaglutide promotes weight loss in a few key ways. First, it suppresses appetite by slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness. It also reduces cravings and helps people eat smaller portions. Additionally, semaglutide may help regulate blood sugar levels, leading to less fat storage. By improving insulin sensitivity, it facilitates burning calories rather than storing them as fat.
What kind of weight loss results can I expect with semaglutide?
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. However, results can vary quite a bit from person to person depending on factors like dosage, diet, exercise and more. Most experts consider 5-10% weight loss to be a successful outcome. It’s important to have realistic expectations, be patient and stick with recommended lifestyle changes.
What are the potential side effects of semaglutide?
Like other GLP-1 drugs, common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and low blood sugar. These side effects are usually mild-moderate and tend to subside with time. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal issues like nausea were the main reason people stopped treatment. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury and suicidal thoughts.
Is semaglutide right for me?
Semaglutide may be a good option if you have obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. It’s best suited for motivated people actively working to improve nutrition and physical activity levels. It’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions like a history of pancreatitis, severe GI disease or diabetic retinopathy. Talk to your doctor about whether semaglutide is appropriate based on your health history and weight loss goals.
