What is Semaglutide
Semaglutide for Weight Loss Control
Semaglutide is a drug that helps the pancreas release the right amount of insulin. It also delays gastric emptying and reduces appetite.
It is similar to a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which is produced in the body after eating a meal.
Americans have been fighting a losing battle with obesity. Between 1999 and 2018 12% of adults gained weight. If you go back to 1960 those
who have gained weight have nearly tripled, from 13% to 36%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to 2018 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, just under half of adults in the United States (49.1%) tried to lose weight in the prior 12 months. Nevertheless, that year the obesity rate rose to a record 42.4%. Now that’s a losing battle.
Timothy Garvey, M.D., co-author of the JAMA article More than 50 percent of trial participants have lost 15% of their body weight, and anywhere between 33% and 40% of participants have lost 20% of their body weight. Dr. Butterworth, Professor of Medicine in the Department of Nutrition Sciences said, “We have not seen this degree of weight loss with any previous medication. That is beginning to close the gap with bariatric surgery. I think this truly gives us a very powerful tool to treat obesity as a disease.”
A jaw-dropping clinical trial in early 2021 provided a new perspective on Semaglutide, an FDA approved drug for Type-II diabetes. The discovery of Semaglutide’s weight loss side-effect has become a game changer in the weight loss industry.
Clinical trials have been held across the country and their results were considered important enough to warrant prominent placement in the New England Journal of Medicine. It was reported that participants lost an average of 37 pounds through the combination of Semaglutide and behavioral interventions.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is in a class of medications called Incretin Mimetics that work to help the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin, which is good for diabetes when blood sugar levels are high.
While Semaglutide is relatively new to the weight loss industry, it is well researched and safe. There are many clinical studies that demonstrate its efficacy.
How much can I expect to lose?
More than 50 percent of clinical trial participants had lost 15% of their body weight, and anywhere between 33% and 40% of participants have lost 20% of their body weight.
Are there any side effects?
Participants in the clinical trials did report side effects, although they are generally mild and decrease over time as their bodies become adjusted, as stated by Dr. Timothy Garvey. He says. “You always have to consider nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation” as potential side effects. But these are very manageable”.
These side effects tend to come on early in the course of treatment and symptoms subside over time. Infrequently they are serious enough that patients have to stop taking the drug. While during the trial, they had to administer the drug within a short timeframe; but current best practices propose that you build up the dosage gradually to minimize the risk of symptoms.
Your provider will also review the information sheet which provides a list of all the potential side effects and adverse effects.
Injection and Program Schedule
Semaglutide is given once a week in a pre-set injection pen. It’s administered subcutaneously, and you can easily incorporate it into your weight loss program. Dose is adjusted accordingly depending on your progress.
