Is Semaglutide a Magic Bullet The Science Behind Weight Loss

Losing weight can be really tough. But a new drug called Semaglutide is helping people manage their weight.

Semaglutide is an injectable medication that was originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps control blood sugar levels and appetite.

In 2021, a higher dose of semaglutide called Wegovy was approved specifically for chronic weight management. It is meant for adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

Semaglutide Gets More Popular for Weight Management

Semaglutide's popularity for weight loss is growing due to its effectiveness. A 2021 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, involving participants on a doctor-supervised treatment plan, found that half of the subjects lost 15% of their body weight using a combination of diet, exercise, and semaglutide. Remarkably, an additional third of participants achieved a 20% weight loss.

Now many more folks are learning about semaglutide's benefits. Doctors are using it in personalized medical weight loss plans to help millions of Americans get healthier and avoid obesity problems.

How Semaglutide Works: The Science Explained

Let's see how semaglutide helps people manage their weight.

Mimicking the GLP-1 Hormone

• Semaglutide acts as a hormone in the body, similar to glucagon-like peptide 1, which helps control blood sugar and hunger. Semaglutide binds to receptors in the brain and stomach. This makes people feel full and eat less, which helps with weight loss.

Appetite and Blood-Sugar Level Regulated

• Semaglutide controls the appetite by making a person have a feeling of being full and reducing their desire to eat. This helps with a healthy choice of food. It also helps to control blood sugar by making more insulin and less sugar from the liver.

How Semaglutide Helps You Feel Full

• Semaglutide slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This makes people feel full for longer. Feeling full means you end up eating less throughout the day. Again, this helps with losing weight.

The Benefits of Semaglutide Beyond Weight Loss

Semaglutide is known for its amazing weight loss effects. But it has many more health benefits. Studies show it can make heart health better, especially for those at risk of heart disease.

• Semaglutide can cut the risk of heart problems or death by 26% in people with diabetes. For those without diabetes, it can lower this risk by 20%. 

• Semaglutide also helps with blood pressure and cholesterol. These are key for heart health. It's great for people who are overweight or obese, as they face a higher risk of heart disease.

• In December 2022, news came out that semaglutide lowers heart risks by 20% in overweight or obese people with heart disease. This shows semaglutide does more than help with weight loss. It improves overall health.

More research is showing semaglutide's many benefits, helping with weight loss, heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It’s helping to change how we manage health, making it a big step forward.

Adding Semaglutide to a Full Weight Loss Plan

Semaglutide has shown awesome results in studies. But losing weight for good needs a complete plan. Adding Semaglutide to a plan with healthy eating and exercise can make it work even better. This helps you keep the weight off long-term.

Eating Right is Key

• Eating healthy is so important for losing weight and keeping it off. With Semaglutide, eating right can make it even more effective. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. Try to cut back on junk food and watch your portions.  Keeping a food diary can help. It keeps you honest about your eating habits. 

Combine Semaglutide with Exercise

• Exercise is a huge part of losing weight and staying healthy. Doing different workouts can help you burn more calories and build muscle. Studies say adding exercise to Semaglutide helps you lose even more weight.  Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. Do more as you get fitter.

Address the Emotional Side

• Feeling good is key for losing weight. Getting support from therapists, groups, or loved ones can help. It makes the tough parts of losing weight easier.  Dealing with stress, anxiety, or sadness can make you healthier. It also helps you stick to your weight loss plan.

Work Closely with Your Doctor

• Chatting with your doc or dietitian is important when using Semaglutide for weight loss. They can check your progress and fix any issues. They can also help you make healthy lifestyle changes. They can advise on diet and exercise to make Semaglutide work better and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Is Semaglutide Just a Short-Term Fix?

An obvious question is - if you stop taking semaglutide, will the weight come back? Researchers found that 2 years after stopping semaglutide, people kept off around two-thirds of the weight they had lost.

However, results can vary from person to person. Generally, people who follow healthier eating patterns and increase physical activity are more likely to maintain weight loss over the long term.

Potential Side Effects to Know

As with any medication, there are some possible side effects to be aware of with semaglutide, including:

• Nausea - The most common side effect that lessens over time for most people
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Vomiting - Less common than nausea

People with a personal or family history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma should not take semaglutide due to a possible risk factor.

Semaglutide also interacts with certain medications, so it’s important to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider.

Is Semaglutide Right for You?

Semaglutide may be an option if you meet the following criteria:

• Adult over 18 years old
• Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with an obesity-related condition like type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol
• Were unable to lose weight or maintain weight loss through diet, exercise and healthier habits alone
• Are ready to incorporate healthier eating, increased activity, and behavior changes along with semaglutide

Your Medical Weight Loss Provider

At PrimeHealthMD, we understand that successful weight loss requires a comprehensive approach. Combining Semaglutide with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and emotional support can enhance its effectiveness and help you achieve long-term weight management. Our team of healthcare professionals is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive personalized advice and support tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re ready to explore how Semaglutide can be part of your weight loss journey, contact us today. Most major insurances are accepted, and we can help you determine your eligibility and get started on a path to a healthier, happier you.