What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a synthetic hormone that imitates the Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body and was initially designed to help those suffering from diabetes to manage their insulin levels. GLP-1 is a hormone that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, and lowers the amount of glucagon released. It affects the hypothalamus region of the brain which is responsible for monitoring and stabilizing blood sugar levels. GLP-1 also regulates hunger and fullness cues, which makes it vital in managing appetite and satiety levels.
It slows down how fast the stomach empties, delaying gastric emptying in the intestine, which allows patient to feel fuller longer. By injecting a small dose of Semaglutide, it can help those struggling to lose weight, manage their cravings, feel satiated for longer, and stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Injections are not meant as a quick fix to weight loss. Instead, it is meant to supplement healthy diet and exercise choices for sustainable and long-term weight loss.
Injections have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, including lowering levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This makes it a preferred option for those who are managing both weight and cardiovascular problems.
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Semaglutide is suggested for people over 21 years of age who have a BMI over 30 or BMI over 27 with at least one of the following weight-related conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes type 2. Also, with body fat over 30% for females or 25% for males. Or certain chronic conditions like heart disease and fatty liver disease.
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Semaglutide was FDA-approved to treat diabetes type 2 in 2017 and in June of 2021 for the chronic treatment of obesity.
Serious side effects: Vision changes, unusual mood changes, pounding heartbeats or fluttering of your chest, signs of a thyroid tumor (swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling of shortness of breath), symptoms of pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rates), gallbladder problems (upper stomach pain, jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes, kidney problems (swelling, urinating less or short of breath).
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, cramps, bloating/constipation, headaches, dizziness, and tiredness.
These common side effects are typically mild and go away on their own after a few days of treatment. However, if they persist or become severe be sure to contact a physician.
Recommendations to limit nausea: Eat bland, low-fat foods (crackers, toast, rice). Eat foods that contain water (soup or jello). Avoid laying down after eating. Eat slowly. Go outdoors for fresh air.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, fast heartbeats, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Not a candidate if you have Diabetes type 1, pregnant or nursing or have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands) or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Should stop using Semaglutide at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant.
Semaglutide in not a stimulant, so you do not have to worry about unpleasant side effects like not being able to sleep or having the jitters.
There is no withdrawal and you do not need to taper off the drug.
Because there are no food or calorie restrictions with the Semaglutide diet, you can repeat it.