This is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1), One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose). But GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss — and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in people who are obese or overweight.
An early study 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 incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.
The FDA recommends Semaglutide for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
- Have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater
What are the side effects of semaglutide injections?
The side effects of semaglutide are typically mild — especially when compared to the complications associated with overweight and obesity.
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, and gassiness
- Headache