Semaglutide Weight Loss
CURB APPETITE & ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE WEIGHT LOSS
Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide works by
- Reducing Appetite: It acts on the brain to decrease hunger and increase feelings of fullness, which helps reduce overall calorie intake.
- Slowing Gastric Emptying: This prolongs the sensation of fullness after meals, contributing to reduced calorie consumption.
- Enhancing Insulin Secretion: In people with diabetes, it improves blood sugar control by enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals.
Clinical Use for Weight Loss
Semaglutide is marketed under different brand names, such as Wegovy, when used specifically for weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that it can lead to significant weight reduction. In studies, participants taking semaglutide experienced an average weight loss of around 15% of their initial body weight, which is considerably higher than what is typically seen with other weight-loss medications.
Administration
Efficacy
- Weight Loss: Significant weight reduction, often surpassing the results seen with other weight-loss medications.
- Sustainability: Weight loss achieved with semaglutide tends to be maintained as long as the medication is continued.
- Health Benefits: Beyond weight loss, it can lead to improvements in obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and improved quality of life.
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
These gastrointestinal issues are typically mild to moderate and generally decrease over time as the body adapts to the medication.
Considerations
- Prescription Requirement: Semaglutide for weight loss is available by prescription only.
- Suitability: It is typically prescribed to individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide represents a powerful tool in the management of obesity, offering significant and sustained weight loss for many patients. Its dual role in both diabetes and weight management highlights its versatility and effectiveness in addressing two major health concerns.
