Semaglutide, The straight scoop

Semaglutide is a drug that belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gut in response to eating. GLP-1 has several effects that help to control blood sugar, including:

Increasing insulin production by the pancreas

Reducing glucagon production by the pancreas

Slowing the movement of food through the stomach

Increasing the feeling of fullness

Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used together with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease.

In addition to treating type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is also approved for weight loss. It is currently only available under the brand name Wegovy. The typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered weekly as subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections.

Semaglutide is generally safe, but it can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. More serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and thyroid tumors, have also been reported.

If you are considering taking semaglutide, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Here are some additional things to know about semaglutide:

It is not a cure for type 2 diabetes or obesity.

It is important to continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine while taking semaglutide.

If you have any concerns about taking semaglutide, talk to your doctor.

Sources

www.uclahealth.org/news/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know#:~:text=What%20is%20semaglutide%3F,signal%20you%20to%20feel%20full.

Weight Loss

Semaglutide is safe for weight loss when used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, which can be serious in some cases.

The most common side effects of semaglutide for weight loss are:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation

Headache

Fatigue

Dizziness

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Gallbladder problems

Pancreatitis

Thyroid tumors

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend a different medication.

Semaglutide is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

A history of medullary thyroid cancer

A history of gallbladder disease

A history of pancreatitis

If you have any questions or concerns about semaglutide for weight loss, talk to your doctor.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the safety of semaglutide for weight loss:

It is not a cure for obesity.

It is important to continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine while taking semaglutide.

Semaglutide should not be used by children or pregnant women.

If you are taking other medications, talk to your doctor about whether semaglutide is safe for you.

Overall, semaglutide is a safe and effective medication for weight loss when used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and talk to your doctor before taking it.