Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Semaglutide helps stimulate insulin release, reduce glucagon production, and slow down the absorption of glucose from the intestines.
In addition to its use in diabetes management, semaglutide has also been approved for the treatment of obesity. When used for weight management, it is typically administered at a higher dose than when used for diabetes.
An early study (https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183) of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without semaglutide. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who added only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.
Poor weight management can also have an impact on heart health. Obesity can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) by damaging the heart structure and affecting the hemodynamics of the heart. Readmore
Semaglutide can aid in weight loss by affecting appetite and food intake. When used for weight management, semaglutide is typically prescribed at a higher dose than when used for diabetes. Here’s how semaglutide may contribute to weight loss:
Appetite Regulation: Semaglutide acts on the brain to reduce appetite, making individuals feel less hungry. This can lead to reduced food intake and, consequently, weight loss.
Slowing Down Gastric Emptying: Semaglutide slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps in prolonging the feeling of fullness after eating. This can lead to decreased food consumption.