Semaglutide is a new type of GLP-1 receptor agonist medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is injected once a week and is known to improve blood sugar levels, reduce weight, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unlike other antidiabetic medications, semaglutide is known to stimulate insulin production when blood sugar levels are high, reduce glucagon production, and delay stomach emptying, thus reducing the absorption of glucose. Over the past couple of the years it has become a very popular method to help lose weight.
Semaglutide works by increasing the production of insulin the help control blood sugar levels but it is also an appetite suppressant. Semaglutide also works by decreasing gastric emptying essential keeping the individual full for longer. Both of these mechanisms help people keep a caloric deficit essentially making it easier to lose weight. Semagutide was then marketed as Wegovy as a weight lose medication and from there it took off to what people know it as today (Henderson, 2023). The creators of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, began to market this medication to the public once it received an FDA approval for weight loss. Many celebrities have endorsed this medication as a solution to weight lose, the most notable being Elon Musk.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by reducing blood sugar levels. It stimulates the secretion of insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. Studies have shown that semaglutide can decrease HbA1c levels by up to 1.5% in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This reduction in blood sugar levels helps to reduce the risk of diabetic complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and neuropathy.
Another significant benefit of semaglutide is weight loss. Studies have shown that individuals who took semaglutide lost an average of 4-5% of their body weight within 1 year. Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and losing excess weight can help improve insulin resistance. The weight loss effect of semaglutide is attributed to its ability to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
Semaglutide has shown to have a positive impact on heart health. In a recent study, it was found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who took semaglutide had a 26% reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. This is an essential benefit considering that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in people with diabetes.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that individuals can take at home. This makes it a convenient option for individuals who struggle with taking medications regularly or those who have a busy lifestyle. It eliminates the need for multiple daily injections, making it a more manageable and less invasive form of diabetes management.
Unlike other GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide has a longer half-life, which means that its effects last longer. This is because semaglutide is designed to resist breakdown by certain enzymes in the body, allowing it to stay active for a more extended period. Its long-lasting effects make it a promising option for individuals who struggle with maintaining consistent blood sugar levels and taking medication regularly.
A 68-week study conducted by Novo Nordisk shows that semaglutide users lost an average of 15.3% of their body weight after 68 weeks. A significant portion of the weight loss occurred in the first 16 weeks. This suggests that most users will start seeing results after 4 months using semaglutide. However, some users may notice a decrease in their hunger and see results earlier.
Keep in mind that semaglutide is not a quick fix solution for weight loss. It is designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, or those with a BMI of over 27 with additional health problems. Semaglutide is intended for long-term use, even for years, to achieve and maintain weight loss goals. If you are on semaglutide, do not expect to lose weight overnight. The benefits of semaglutide are best achieved with a consistent daily regime.
As with any medication, the benefits of semaglutide vary depending on the individual. Factors such as meals, exercise, and daily habits may affect how soon or how fast you see the benefits. Studies show that by maintaining a low-calorie diet, regular exercise, and consistent semaglutide intake, people can expect to lose an average of 3-4% of their body weight in the first four weeks. Beyond four weeks, users can expect to lose an average of 5-6% of body weight.
It is essential to note that weight loss is not the only benefit of Semaglutide. The medication helps to improve overall health, including glycemic control, reduced blood sugar, and reduced inflammation. Users of semaglutide also experience other benefits such as high energy levels, better skin quality, improved digestion, and better mental clarity. For many users, these non-weight loss benefits are significant motivators to stay on the medication.
Semaglutide is a medication that requires time to deliver desired results. On average, users can expect to start seeing results after four months of consistent semaglutide use. However, benefits may vary depending on the individual and maintenance of a healthy diet and regular exercise in addition to semaglutide intake is necessary for optimal results. The weight loss benefits of semaglutide are not the only benefit of treatment. Other benefits include improved overall health and mental well-being. With the guidance of a medical expert and consistent daily use, semaglutide can be an effective treatment for sustained weight loss and long-term health improvements.
One of the most commonly reported negatives of semaglutide is its impact on the gastrointestinal system. This medication can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. For some people, these side effects may be severe enough to cause them to stop taking the medication altogether.
There have been some concerns raised about the potential risk of thyroid cancer in people who take semaglutide. While it is important to note that this risk is relatively low, it is still something that should be considered, particularly for people with a history of thyroid problems.
Semaglutide is typically administered via injection, and some people may experience injection site reactions such as itching, redness, or swelling. While these reactions are typically mild and go away on their own, they can be uncomfortable and impact a person's quality of life.
A decrease in skeletal muscle mass has also been observed in some patients. Studies have shown that semaglutide will reduce a person’s body fat but will also induce sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the is loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. This usually happens as a result from old age, but with the introduction of semaglutide, it will speed up the progression (Zhan, 2021).
In rare cases, semaglutide has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization.
Finally, it's worth noting that semaglutide can be quite expensive, particularly for people who don't have insurance or who have high deductibles. This may make it difficult for some people to access the medication or afford to take it long-term.
Every medication and supplement has its place in regards to health care and prevention. My honest opinion is that most medications should stay in their lane, but medications can work on different receptors in the body making certain medications have multiple uses. Whether those other uses are should be utilized is up to debate. This is my thinking of semaglutide.
Semaglutide is great when it comes to lower blood sugar in the body for people who have a hard time keeping their A1C levels within normal range. I also think that this medication is great for patients who are morbidly obese and need to lose about 50 – 100 pounds in order to live a better life. When it comes to losing 10 – 15 pounds then I start to think that this medication isn’t for you. The loss of muscle mass in order to lower the number on the scale outweighs the weight lose potential of this medication. Muscle mass is very metabolically forgiving meaning that the more muscle mass a person has the lower risk they are for developing metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Kim & Kim, 2020). We want people to be at a healthy weight and optimize their health so they can focus on longevity, but not at the risk of losing something good in hopes of lower the number on the scale.
References:
Henderson, L (2023). Semaglutide: An Medical Expert’s Guide. myBMI. https://my-bmi.co.uk/medical-therapy/history-of-semaglutide/
Kim, G., & Kim, J.H. (2020). mpact of Skeletal Muscle Mass on Metabolic Health. NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7090295/
Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Chen, S., & Shao, H. (2021). Anti‐diabetic drugs and sarcopenia: emerging links, mechanistic insights, and clinical implications. NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8718027/
