Semaglutide

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports weight loss. It mimics a hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps control insulin production, reduce appetite, and slow digestion.

  • Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

     

  • Appetite Suppression: It helps reduce hunger and cravings by slowing stomach emptying and acting on brain receptors that control appetite.

     

  • Weight Loss: As a result, patients often experience significant weight loss, which can also improve other health factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Management: Used to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

     

  • Weight Loss: Wegovy, the weight-loss-specific brand of Semaglutide, is approved for weight management in overweight or obese adults.

     

  • Cardiovascular Health: May help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Semaglutide is typically administered as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous). It can be injected into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

  • Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain (usually temporary).

     

  • Serious: Pancreatitis, thyroid problems, and kidney issues (rare). Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck.
  • Wegovy (for weight loss): Recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

     

  • Ozempic (for diabetes management): Prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes.