Semaglutide is a member of the group of drugs known as GLP-1 RAs, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists. It imitates the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in the gut as a result of eating.
GLP-1 encourages the body to manufacture more insulin, which lowers blood sugar, as one of its functions. (glucose). Semaglutide has been utilised by medical professionals to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years as a result.
Higher levels of GLP-1, however, also interact with the regions of the brain that control hunger and let you know when you’re full. In obese or overweight adults, it can result in significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise, which lowers their risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Semaglutide injections for weight loss
Only the Wegovy brand of semaglutide is currently approved for weight loss with Semaglutide. The usual dosage for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, given as weekly self-injections subcutaneously (under the skin).
Health care experts are figuring out ways to control demand as interest in semaglutide for weight reduction keeps rising. Off-label, many people prescribe different types of semaglutide, like Ozempic and Rybelsus (using a drug that is FDA-approved for a different reason).
Many people utilise semaglutide outside of its approved uses, according to Dr. Surampudi. There is currently a shortage of those who require this medication to assist manage their diabetes because demand has grown to such an extreme level.
How effective is semaglutide for weight loss in non-diabetics?
There are many anti-obesity drugs that can be used to reduce appetite and lose weight. However, semaglutide functions at a higher level.
A diet and exercise programme combined with semaglutide were compared to those modifications without semaglutide in a preliminary investigation of 2,000 obese adults. After 68 weeks, semaglutide users lost 15% of their body weight on average, and almost a third lost 20%. Participants who made simply lifestyle changes lost weight by roughly 2.4%.
Since then, more research has produced findings that are comparable. They have however also shown that when semaglutide use is discontinued, people frequently gain back the weight lost.
Changes in diet and exercise will always remain the cornerstones of managing obesity, according to Dr. Surampudi. However, using anti-obesity drugs is another option, depending on the patient’s clinical background.
