Slimming Success
Semaglutide is a groundbreaking FDA-approved medication that is used for weight management. When it comes to weight loss, semaglutide helps with making you feel less hungry, digest food slower so you feel full for longer and assists with general appetite regulation. Find out below if this or other revolutionary weight loss treatments are right for you.
It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart or blood vessel disease. Taking semaglutide may also help reduce your type 2 diabetes risk by more than half. If you have type 2 diabetes and have been searching for a reliable treatment or are dealing with obesity or weight-related ailments, semaglutide could be for you.
This article will cover the important details of the medicine and can help you decide if semaglutide is right for you.
How it Works
Semaglutide is a medication that mimics the glucagon-like peptide-1–also known as GLP-1–a hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. This, in turn, prompts the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels. Furthermore, in higher amounts, GLP-1 interacts with the parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness, which can help facilitate weight loss. It also causes a slowing down in how fast the stomach empties.
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Weight Loss
If you’re on the hunt for a safe and effective weight loss treatment, semaglutide could be for you. Research shows that the injectable drug is highly effective at treating obesity. Semaglutide helps those struggling with obesity because it targets obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than expecting people to rely exclusively on willpower and lifestyle changes. That said, semaglutide is most effective in tangent with diet and exercise choices.
Studies have found semaglutide to be very effective. A study per the New England Journal of Medicine studied 2,000 obese adults, comparing people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without the drug. In the end, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20% while participants who didn’t use semaglutide only lost 2.4% of their weight.
Who Semaglutide is Best For
Semaglutide is best for type 2 diabetics as well as those looking to lose weight. Semaglutide involves providing a self-injection, so candidates should be comfortable being able to self-administer this.
A prescription is required to take Semaglutide and therefore should not be taken until speaking with your doctor. Your doctor can discuss any potential risks of taking Semaglutide and whether it’s right for your specific needs.
The FDA recommends semaglutide for those with 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.
Semaglutide is not a cure-all for weight loss and should be taken responsibly as well as in tangent with healthy lifestyle choices.
Possible Side Effects
There are a handful of side effects to be aware of if you’re planning on taking semaglutide, such as dizziness; fatigue; gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness; headache; and stomach issues, including nausea, vomiting, pain or bloating.
Other Methods
If you’re looking to lose weight but don’t want to take medicine for it or aren’t ready to make the switch, there are many other options available to you.
Exercise
Exercise can help burn off the excess calories you can't cut through diet alone. How many calories you burn depends on the frequency and intensity of your activities. That said, exercise doesn’t have to be anything intense to make a positive impact. Even small decisions like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking somewhere instead of taking a cab can make all the difference. Exercise also offers numerous health benefits, including boosting your mood and reducing your blood pressure.
Diet
One of the most important choices you can make in a day involves what you eat. Exercise alone is not enough to help you lose weight and stay healthy. You can lower your calorie intake by eating more plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will also help you gain more nutrients and vitamins that are good for you.
Speak to a Professional
No matter what path you take in dealing with your type 2 diabetes, obesity or weight-related ailments, you should always speak to your doctor. They can help you decide what your best course of action is, whether it’s semaglutide or something different altogether.