Struggling to lose weight and tried every diet? While we are all still trying to put the world back together, many of us are also struggling to lose the weight we have gained over the past couple of years. Don’t feel alone. The pandemic created a perfect storm for people to gain weight fueled by stress, job loss and a more sedentary lifestyle. Now, losing weight does not mean self-deprivation. It’s time to regain control with a new modern medical solution for weight loss!
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription peptide for weight management*. Originally used to treat Type 2 diabetes, two robust studies show its efficacy in weight management in non-type 2 diabetic patients.
Semaglutide is weekly injectable that binds to the GLP-1 receptors which are located on the beta receptors of the pancreas and areas of the brain. Binding increases insulin secretion which lowers glucose levels, reduces post-prandial glucagon secretion, promotes early satiety, slows down gastric emptying, and helps regulate appetite & cravings.
Is Semaglutide Approved for Weight Loss?
Yes, Semaglutide is approved for weight loss. On June 04, 2021, the FDA approved a 2.4 mg weekly injection of Semaglutide for long-term weight management in adults**. This is the first medication approved for chronic weight management since 2014, and per studies conducted by the manufacturer, Semaglutide may be a promising medication for many people.
How will Semaglutide affect me?
Semaglutide Function on Specific Organs:
- Brain: Helps Regulate appetite and cravings
- Stomach: Slows down emptying of stomach after meals
- Pancreas: Increase insulin production to help regulate glucose levels
- Liver: Reduces production of glucose
Aside from weight loss, patients taking Semaglutide have also seen a decreased risk of certain conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint pain and reduced blood pressure.
When can I expect results?
While patients will notice some significant body weight loss in the first month, the full benefits are usually fully noticed after three to six months of treatment. (Results may vary based on treatment plan)
Semaglutide is a medication that is increased over time. This allows your body to adjust and tolerate the medication better. If you start a high dose, you will have an increased risk of side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Are there any negative side effects?
There are potential negative side effects. The most common are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. We recommend patients reduce their portion size and stop eating once they start feeling full when starting the medication. This is because your stomach empties at a slower rate when you are on the medication. Overeating greatly increases the incidence of nausea.
While there is never a miracle cure when losing weight, at home use of Semaglutide in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise has shown an average of 15% loss of total body weight in a 68 week study***.
Watch & learn more about Semaglutide
*Side effects may occur and include the following: Low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes), upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, stomach flu symptoms, headache, dizziness, and tiredness.
** FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014 | FDA
***Studies done by the New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of American Medical Association. For more information, visit Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity | NEJM
