With the increasing rates of obesity and the seeming lack of effective weight loss solutions, the introduction of semaglutide presents a promising opportunity for those trying to reach their weight loss goals. Clinical studies have shown the impressive weight loss-promoting efficiency of semaglutide, a medicine first intended to treat type 2 diabetes. Both medical experts and people looking for effective weight loss treatments have taken notice of semaglutide due to its unique action mechanism and proven effectiveness. In this article, we will talk more about what semaglutide is, how it can help you achieve weight loss goals, and also what are its possible side effects.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a member of the class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). It is a blood sugar regulator that was originally created to assist people with type 2 diabetes in controlling their appetite and food intake by mimicking the effects of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide shots lead to reduced appetite and increased feeling of fullness. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, this ultimately leads to fast weight loss.
Semaglutide Medications
Ozempic, Rybesus, and Wegovy are brand names for medications that contain semaglutide as an active ingredient. There are no generic versions on the market currently.
- Ozempic (injection) is FDA-authorized to help adults with type 2 diabetes reduce or control their blood sugar levels. People with diabetes and heart disease can also use it to lower the risk of serious cardiac events including heart attack, stroke, and death. Weekly doses can range from 0.25 mg to 2 mg.
- Rybesus (tablet) is FDA-authorized to help adults with type 2 diabetes reduce their blood sugar levels. The recommended dose ranges from 3-14 mg daily.
- Wegovy (injection) is FDA-authorized for adults and children over the age of 12 with obesity or weight-related health issues, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Wegovy is taken weekly, and doses range from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.
You can see that at this time, the only semaglutide medication that has received approval for weight loss is Wegovy. However, demand for semaglutide as weight loss has been unbelievably high recently, and medical professionals are trying to figure out how to handle the surging demand. Although the FDA has authorized Ozempic and Rybesus for another use, many doctors prescribe it off-label. Even people who need this medicine to control their diabetes are in low supply since demand has skyrocketed.
How Does It Help You With Weight Loss?
There are several ways in which semaglutide helps you to lose and maintain your desired weight. Here are a few of them:
- Losing weight safely and gradually: Slowing down digestion and lowering appetite, semaglutide helps in safe and gradual weight loss. This will make a low-calorie diet easier for you to stick to. In addition to helping you lose weight safely and gradually, it also reduces fat.
- Encouraging a healthy lifestyle: Unlike other weight loss medications, semaglutide encourages a healthy lifestyle and diet even when the prescription is no longer used, promoting long-term weight loss.
- Improved metabolic health: Not only does it help with weight loss, but semaglutide also improves your metabolic health in many ways, including lower cholesterol levels and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes by improved sensitivity to insulin.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Once you start using semaglutide injections for weight loss, it is difficult to provide a precise timeline since every person’s situation is different. Some people report seeing results in a few weeks, while others say it takes more time. A person’s body, lifestyle, and dedication to the process are the most important factors that will influence the time needed to see results.
Since you will likely start therapy on a lesser dosage, it will probably take a few months before you see the full effects. To help lessen stomach side effects including nausea and diarrhea, your doctor will gradually increase the dosage. The average duration from starting semaglutide to reaching the final maintenance dosage is 17 weeks.
Adults using semaglutide lose an average of 35 pounds, or about 15% of their starting body weight, according to the research. On the other hand, 31% of placebo users had a weight loss of around 6 pounds or 2.5% of their total body weight. Remember – consistency is the magic formula for success. Follow your doctor’s orders, eat well, and exercise regularly.
How to Change Your Lifestyle?
When you start taking semaglutide, it’s crucial to change and adopt a better lifestyle. Consider these suggestions: first of all, eat a balanced and healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins – these are all nutrient-rich foods. Eat fewer processed snacks and foods full of sugar, or none at all.
Next, stay active. Finding a physical activity that you enjoy doing is the key. Exercising, dancing, swimming, or going on a hike – whatever you enjoy. Physical and mental health both benefit from a regular exercise routine. It’s also important to get a good night’s rest. Research has linked lack of sleep to weight gain. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
Last but not least, keep an optimistic view. Having a positive mindset can help you overcome difficult moments while you are trying to lose weight. Treat yourself kindly and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they are.
Risks of Semaglutide
Do not use semaglutide while pregnant or nursing. Additionally, you should also not take it if you or a family member has a history of the rare thyroid malignancy medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or the endocrine disorder multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). Let your doctor know if you have a history of pancreatitis or alcohol consumption. If you are already taking other medications to lower your blood glucose levels, it can be necessary to increase or lower your dosage when starting semaglutide to prevent very low glucose levels (hypoglycemia).
Similar to hypertension and type 2 diabetes, obesity is a chronic condition, which is why the FDA has authorized semaglutide and all other anti-obesity medications for long-term weight management. People considering semaglutide for the treatment of obesity should be comfortable with the idea of taking the medication long-term.
In terms of weight loss, semaglutide is a revolutionary step forward. Millions of people battling obesity have reason to be hopeful about semaglutide because of its power to reduce appetite, increase fullness, and encourage long-term weight loss. Patients can maximize semaglutide’s effectiveness on weight loss and overall health by combining the medication with important lifestyle changes. With the entire scope of semaglutide’s benefits yet to be discovered, it has the potential to completely transform how obesity is treated and prevented.
