Understanding Semaglutide: A Beginner’s Guide

Semaglutide is a standard treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, it has become popular as a new method for weight loss in adults with obesity. This medication enjoys enormous popularity, as more and more celebrities admit they use it to reduce body weight.

But is this medication an effective and safe treatment for obesity? Although it is a medicine used for adults with type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide can also be used for weight loss maintenance if administered by experts. This post explains everything you need to know about its use, effectiveness, and side effects.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is a synthetic version of a hormone called Glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1 which occurs in the body naturally. This hormone regulates blood sugar and suppresses the appetite.

Semaglutide decreases sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. The medication slows down the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream. The process lasts longer as it was modified not to be broken down. Accompanied by physical activity and a healthy diet, Semaglutide is successfully used to prevent heart diseases and strokes in people with diabetes. However,

Semaglutide can also be prescribed in other cases.

When we consume a meal, the small intestine excretes GLP-1. This hormone stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, it regulates glucose production in the liver. The liver produces glucose in periods of starvation and stores it when the levels are too high. In type 2 diabetes patients, this function is impaired, so the liver produces high levels of glucose.

The GLP-1 hormone also slows food movement from the stomach to the small intestine. Due to this process, the absorption of nutrients and glucose in the bloodstream is slow, resulting in suppressed appetite.

Semaglutide is a synthetically manufactured hormone resembling 95% of the naturally occurring GLP-1. Its structure is modified to prevent breakdown processes caused by an enzyme present in the human body called dipeptidyl peptidase-4. Because of its formulation, the product has an extended duration of action, allowing it to be administered every week.

How Does Semaglutide Help with Weight Loss

Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, stimulates the pancreas to produce higher insulin levels. This form of therapy decreases the amount of glucagon produced by the liver. After getting the Semaglutide injection, diabetic patients will experience a reduced desire for food and increased energy levels. As a result, they will lose weight.

According to the FDA, patients can lose 20% of their weight when administered the Semaglutide injection. Following a series of studies, it has been found that patients who were prescribed Semaglutide by their health care provider lost 5 kilograms on average.

Since weight loss is one of the beneficial effects of the Semaglutide injection, health care providers have started to prescribe it for the treatment of obesity even to patients who don't have type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss Method Backed by Science

 Using a 2.4mg weekly dose of Semaglutide is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. The ideal dose has been established based on an extensive study of using higher doses of this medication for weight reduction. 

1,961 adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher took part in this study. It was concluded that the weekly dose of 2.4 mg administered for 68 weeks resulted in average weight loss outcomes of 14.9%. The placebo group lost only 2.4 percent of their weight.

86% of the participants lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight when using Semaglutide. 70% of the participants lost a minimum of 10% of their initial body weight. Over 50% of the participants lost a minimum of 15% of their weight. The type 2 diabetes drug helped participants lose 33.7 lbs in a year. The placebo and lifestyle change group lost only 5.7 lbs.

Besides glycemic control in adults and weight loss, patients experienced additional health improvements. They noticed a significant reduction in waist circumference and blood pressure. Furthermore, the participants also experienced a decrease in HbA1c, fasting cholesterol levels, and fasting plasma glucose.

How Is the Semaglutide Treatment Administered?

Semaglutide comes in the form of an injection pen and is administered once a week. It contains a protein that stomach acids can break down, so it needs to be injected into the skin. The subcutaneous injection uses a small needle applied under the skin, on the upper arm, stomach, or thighs. It can be injected at any time of day, with or without food.

Alcohol doesn't impact the absorption of Semaglutide, so patients aren't strictly limited from consuming it. However, many have reported that they didn't enjoy alcohol during treatment. Ideally, you should get the injection on the same day each week. Make sure to create a regular schedule for your dosage to make it easier. Choose a day of the week and set a reminder for your dose.

If you administer the injectable prescription medicine in the same area, choose a different site for each dose. This step is essential to avoid the occurrence of skin imperfections. Administering the injection in the same body region can result in lumps, skin thickening, and pits. This type of skin change can affect the medicine's effectiveness, so it's best to avoid this when administering. Also, avoid injecting Semaglutide on skin with visible bruises, scars, and damage.

The once-weekly Semaglutide should be stored in the fridge. The top part of the fridge door is the safest place to keep it. Overall, avoid the collection part of the refrigerator because the low temperature can deteriorate the medication. Your health care professional will provide medical advice on Semaglutide administration and additional information based on your medical history. 

Are There Any Side Effects I Should Be Aware Of?

Our experts at Prime Aesthetica in Tampa Bay can provide recommendations on how to take Semaglutide for weight loss safely and administer the injection in a safe and comfortable setting. We will discuss your medical history and decide if the Semaglutide injection is the best course of action for you to achieve your weight goals.

Our Semaglutide experts in Tampa will usually advise you to start with a small dose for minimal side effects. The body will eventually get used to the medicine, and the side effects will disappear within 8 to 12 weeks allowing long-term weight management. We will follow your progress during the Semaglutide treatment and intervene if you feel changes are necessary. Get your Ozempic treatment in Tampa and achieve the weight you desire under the guidance of medical professionals.