When it comes to weight loss with type 2 diabetes management, semaglutide is commonly prescribed. But is it safe? While it is beneficial for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management, and offers additional benefits, it may cause some serious side effects. That’s why it is recommended to take it under supervision. Learn the science behind semaglutide in this article. Log on to https://doralhw.org/specialties/bariatric/ know more about weight loss.
Semaglutide’s Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works to occupy the GLP-1 receptor of the brain, which regulates appetite. It can’t be used with other semaglutide-containing products (such as Ozempic, Rybelsus) or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It can help people to lose weight because:
- It targets the brain centers to regulate appetite, especially after eating, which may lower your appetite.
- It slows down the process of how quickly food leaves the stomach, which makes you feel fuller for longer.
- Its long-term effects are also similarly effective. With continued use, studies show it helps people to lose about 15% of their weight (about 35 lbs. on average) and keep it off for over two years.
How long does Semaglutide take to work?
The results start to show in 4 weeks of semaglutide treatment, but the full effect can take several months. After 68 weeks, adults will lose around an average of 35 lbs. (15.9 kg), or 15% of their weight, and results can be sustained for 2 years. Your doctor will slowly increase your dose when you start treatment to lower stomach side effects like nausea and diarrhea. It usually takes around 17 weeks (about 4 months) to reach the final maintenance dose of semaglutide.
- Studies conducted by the manufacturer over 68 weeks found that, on average, adults using semaglutide lost around 35 lbs. (15.9 kg) or 15% of their body weight. In contrast, 31% of people who used a placebo could lose only around 6 lbs. (2.7 kg) or 2.5% of their body weight.
- In studies extended for 2 years (104 weeks), patients who took semaglutide achieved about 35 lbs. weight reduction vs. a 6 lbs. weight loss (15% vs 2.6%) compared to people using a placebo.
- In children who were 12 years or older, semaglutide could lower their body mass index (BMI) by 16.1% after 68 weeks compared to a 0.6% decrease in the placebo group. Additionally, the BMI was lower by at least 5% in 77% of children receiving semaglutide compared to 20% receiving a placebo.
Who qualifies for semaglutide?
To qualify for semaglutide treatment, you need to come under these criteria:
- For individuals with type 2 diabetes: (Ozempic)
- Should have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher
- Should have inadequate glycemic control (high blood sugar levels) despite the use of diabetes medications.
- For individuals without diabetes (for weight loss): (Wegovy)
- Should have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher (obese)
- Should have a BMI of 27/kg or higher (overweight) and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or other obesity-related health conditions.
Besides this, semaglutide is not usually recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the limited data on its safety in these populations. You should work closely with your healthcare provider to determine if you meet the criteria for semaglutide treatment. The provider then goes through your medical history, current health status, and treatment to decide if semaglutide is the most appropriate medication. Additionally, also check with your insurance coverage to get any potential benefits that don’t come out of your pocket, but the level of coverage you get may vary.
Effects beyond weight loss
Semaglutide not only helps with weight loss, but it also produces significant positive effects in managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Type 2 diabetes occurs due to high blood sugar levels caused by either insufficient production of insulin or altered insulin function, also called insulin resistance. Over time, it leads to many health complications affecting multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, feet, and retina. In patients with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is effective in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.
Clinical trials show that it can lower HbA1c levels when added to metformin, and cause patients to have an average reduction of over 15% of their body weight. Additionally, it also shows a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 60%, regardless of whether patients have prediabetes or normal blood sugar levels.
This reduction in type 2 diabetes lowers the risk of heart disease or other cardiometabolic complications. Semaglutide shows significant cardiovascular benefits, particularly those associated with lowering the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The SELECT trial found a 20% reduction in the risk of heart events in adults with obesity and cardiovascular disease with no history of diabetes.
The cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide also help with several mechanisms beyond weight loss, including reductions in blood pressure, blood lipids, and inflammation, as well as direct effects on the heart muscle and blood vessels. GLP-1 agonists also help to modulate chronic inflammation linked with obesity by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, improving endothelial function.
Safety and side effects
While semaglutide offers management benefits for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, it is not free from side effects. Most patients may experience gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Less commonly, people may experience some severe side effects, including pancreatitis or allergic reactions. Due to these potential side effects, it is recommended to work under the supervision of a healthcare provider when getting treated with semaglutide, ensuring the benefits outweigh the risks for the patients, taking into account the medical history of the patient and potential drug interactions.
Semaglutide is a particularly good option for weight loss, along with other health benefits. However, you need to come within the eligibility criteria of semaglutide to be able to use it; otherwise, it may cause side effects. Make sure you take semaglutide based on your doctor’s guidance and supervision to prevent its side effects and enjoy its benefits.
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