Everything you need to know about Semaglutide
What is Semaglutide?
Semalglutide is also called Ozempic. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, or GLP-1 RA. Semaglutide is sold under the brand name “Wegovy”.
What does Semaglutide do to the Body?
Semaglutide promotes weight loss. This drug is used to control type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. It is effective in reducing weight by lowering appetite and slowing gastric emptying. With healthy diet control and proper exercise, patients can lose weight significantly.
How does Semaglutide work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide helps in reducing weight by:
1. Regulating Appetite
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone which is produced in the gut and plays a key role in regulating appetite and food intake. There are GLP-1 receptors in the brain as well.
Semaglutide works by influencing the GLP-1 receptors in the brain. This decreases hunger, which in turn leads to decreased calorie intake.
2. Slows Gastric Emptying
Gastric emptying is the process by which the contents of the stomach move to the intestine. This clears the stomach and makes space for more food.
Semaglutide reduces the rate at which the stomach is emptied. So, hunger is reduced. Since the stomach is not empty, food intake is also reduced.
3. Glucose-dependent insulin secretion
Semaglutide stimulates the insulin level when blood glucose levels are high. Thus, the blood sugar level is maintained, and the risk of hypoglycemia is reduced.
4. Regulates Glucagon
The pancreas produces Glucagon. Glucagon regulates the blood sugar level by releasing glucose in the bloodstream. Semaglutide binds the GLP-1 receptors which suppresses the release of glucagon.
Since the release of glucagon is controlled the blood sugar level is lowered. This is particularly helpful for treating type 2 diabetes.
5. Heightens energy expenditure
Semaglutide increases energy expenditure and promotes fat burning. As a result, the BMI (body mass index) is improved, and the body composition too. This also regulates the cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Read More: Potential Risks and Side Effects of Semiglutide for Weight Loss
Types of Semaglutide and their Uses
Semaglutide is available in three variants Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Let’s discuss in detail:
Ozempic
Ozempic is used as a blood sugar level control medication. It’s known to be an effective medicine in treating type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
Ozempic is administered weekly as subcutaneous injection.
Wegovy
Wegovy injections are used to reduce weight. It is also used to treat overweight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. It reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Wegovy is administered weekly as a subcutaneous injection.
Rybelsus
Rybelsus is effective in controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients. It is available in tablet form and taken daily.
Semaglutide Before and After
| How to prepare for Semaglutide? | Semaglutide After Care |
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Benefits of Semaglutide
- Effective in reducing weight.
- Helpful in treating low blood sugar.
- Reduces chances of heart attacks and strokes.
- Used for treating diabetes.
Side-Effects of Semaglutide
Serious side-effects include:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Change in vision
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Common and less serious side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Cost of Semaglutide
The cost of semaglutide can range from $968.52 to 1,349.02 per month.
Conclusion
Semaglutide aids weight reduction. This medication is used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and slowing down stomach emptying. Patients can lose substantial weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
It is effective in reducing weight, helpful in treating low blood sugar and reduces chances of heart attacks and strokes. Semaglutide is used for treating diabetes.
The risks of semaglutide include allergic reactions, dehydration, heart palpitations, and cancer among others.
