The ultimate guide – How does semaglutide work for weight loss

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that has affected more than 70 million adults in the USA. This condition, resulting in the accumulation of excessive body fat, causes severe morbidity and even mortality. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, and arthritis are directly related to obesity.

There has always been a never-ending search for effective, compliant, and safe weight loss treatments. One of the latest anti-obesity medications is semaglutide (approved in 2021 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Dietary modifications and exercise are a mainstay for the treatment of obesity, with anti-obesity medication working together to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

 

What is Semaglutide?

• Semaglutide is a synthetic chemical that belongs to the group of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). This drug was mainly developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of MI or CVA. However, research over the years has proved Semaglutide to be an effective agent for the treatment of obesity.

What is Mechanism of Action?

• Semagltutide mimics the working of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body mainly responsible for the regulation of hunger and insulin production. GLP-1 is secreted in the small intestine after intake of food. GLP-1 then promotes a feeling of fullness and satiety, hence signaling to stop eating. When the effect of GLP-1 is over after 2-3 hours, a person starts to feel hungry again.

GLP-1 improves glycemic control by stimulating insulin secretion and increasing blood sugar disposal as food becomes energy. Excess glucose is stored as fat in the body.

How Does Semaglututide Work for Weight Loss?

• Semaglutide interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress our appetite, hence sending signals of fullness and satiety. This leads to delayed gastric emptying, prevention of excessive food intake, and overall reduction in calorie consumption. The body begins to tap the stored fat deposits as a source of energy, promoting a reduction in overall body fat. Through this course of action, semaglutide can cause significant weight loss in obese or overweight people.

There was an early study of a cohort involving at least 2,000 obese adults. Results were compared between two groups; the first group included people using semaglutide in conjunction with diet and exercise programs, and the second group was not using semaglutide and only following lifestyle changes.

• Results were compared after 68 weeks. Among individuals using semaglutide, nearly half the number of participants lost 15% of their body weight, and 20% weight reduction was observed in one-third of individuals. On the contrary, participants not using semaglutide only lost about 2.4% of their body weight.

Semaglutide – an Effective Injection for Weight Loss

• Semaglutide is available as a single-use subcutaneous injection pen, having a typical dose of 2.4 milligrams (to be administered weekly). Subtle changes begin to appear within the first eight weeks, while visible results are documented within 12 weeks (about 5-10 % weight reduction has been achieved). Up to 15 % of weight reduction can be achieved by taking semaglutide for a year or more, giving hope to individuals seeking sustainable and long-term treatments for their obesity.

Here, it is noteworthy to mention that semaglutide achieves optimal results when a healthy lifestyle is maintained. A combination of a nutritious diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber), low-fat meals, and regular physical exercise plays the most important role in your weight loss journey.

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