You’ve heard of Semaglutide. Maybe without actually knowing it. This weight loss medication has taken on a life of its own. People are using it incredibly effectively to lose weight.
It is not that simple. There’s much more to the process. The more you know, the better.
The original formulation of this medication wasn’t for weight loss. It was type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide aids your body in using insulin properly. What does that mean? It helps your body use blood sugar. The way it is supposed to use it.
The FDA approved it. However, it was just for diabetes. Many saw results. There’s still changes to be made. That means eating right and exercising. But still, Semaglutide works effectively to control insulin levels.
What also happened is people lost weight. Sugar control and weight loss go together. Now you can get it if you have a BMI of 30 or higher. You have to have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol with a high BMI.
Semaglutide is sold under brands like Wegovy. Incredibly, it’s helped many people with weight loss and chronic obesity. These are people who may otherwise have suffered from an inability to lose weight before. That’s why it’s been so critical and desired – it works.
Click here to view our Semaglutide Dosage Chart
How Does Semaglutide Work?
It sounds easy. An injection is all it takes to lose weight.
This drug is in the glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor agonist family. That’s known as GLP-1s. Its trick is that it acts just like GLP-1 hormone. That’s the hormone your body releases when you eat.
It causes you to produce insulin. Insulin is a powerful tool. It’s essential to healthy blood sugar and weight management. The glucose in your body is fuel for your cells. Insulin is the gateway. It lets your body’s cells use the sugar. It’s all in the science of how the body works.
Pros of Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Using Semaglutide for type 2 diabetes or other health concerns? You should not stop taking it. Ask your doctor first.
You should know the risks of using it. There are both health benefits and risks that come with it. The most common advantages of using Semaglutide for weight loss:
- It drops blood sugar levels. Some people with type 2 diabetes struggle to lose weight because they cannot balance blood sugars naturally. This medication works to balance blood sugars. That lets weight reduction happen.
- Clinical trials show it works. A person may lose as much as 15% of their body weight.
- It surprsses the appetite, which helps to control hunger. It also works to control food noise, the constant thinking about and planning for meals. It regulates a person’s appetite. That means you don’t want to snack. Overeating doesn’t happen.
- It is a non surgical method. It’s not invasive like weight loss surgery. If it works for you, that’s good news.
Cons of using Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Be warned of the risks. Semaglutide for weight loss has some big risks. You may be allergic to it. Don’t use it at all in this case. Other disadvantages of using it include:
- You’re going to feel it. Many people experience side effects from using this medication. That includes gastrointestinal-related problems. Examples include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Some side effects lead to complications. You may end up in the ER in need of help.
- You have to use an injection. Don’t like needles? This could be a challenge. You must self-administer the shot. That happens weekly. It is ongoing.
- The cost is often prohibitive and it is an ongoing cost. Unlike other procedures that treat the condition with a procedure, such as weight loss surgery, you will need to continue to take this medication on an ongoing basis.
- Stop and weight comes back. You’ll have to keep using it to get results.
- You still have to work for it. You still have exercise and change your diet. You may have to restrict calories. You have to get active to burn calories, too.
Estimated Weight Loss Using Semaglutide
Studies of the effectiveness of semaglutide continue to occur. One specific study followed 2000 obese adults who were using either semaglutide with a diet and exercise program and a group of people who just making lifestyle changes. It found that those using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight in about half of cases and about one third of participants lost 20% of their body weight. Those who only incorporated lifestyle changes saw a weight reduction of just 2.4%.
Here’s the real problem. Studies also indicate that when you stop using it, the weight comes back. A high rate of weight regain is a serious problem. You’ll have to keep taking it to keep the weight off.
Potential Side Effects of Semaglutide
While Semglutide has numerous health benefits, there are some recognized risks to using it. Most people experience mild side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues, including constipation, gassiness, and diarrhea
- Headaches
- Stomach issues, including vomiting, pain, bloating, and nausea
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Burping
Additionally, there are some risks of serious side effects. In some people, symptoms such as the following develop, requiring immediate medical attention:
- Pain in the upper left or middle of the stomach that could spread to the back, with or without vomiting
- Vision changes
- Reduced urination, swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles
- Rashes or itching
- Swelling in the mouth, face, tongue, throat
- Trouble breathing or swallowing indicates a potential allergic reaction
- Pain in the upper stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stool
- Rapid heart rate
Using Semaglutide could be the right decision for you. You have to think about the side effects. Really find out if this could work for you. Patients also must consider that the medication seems to be only effective while they continue to use it, as stopping leads to gaining back that weight. For some people, especially those without drug coverage for the medication, this could be a significant limitation.
Click here to view our Semaglutide Dosage Chart
