If you’ve been exploring options for medicinal weight loss, you might have come across semaglutide. It’s a name that’s been gaining attention lately, and for good reason! Semaglutide is a bit different from many other weight loss medications you might have heard about in the past. Unlike traditional weight loss medication that often focuses on suppressing appetite or boosting metabolism, semaglutide works in a unique way. It mimics a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate your appetite and how full you feel. This means it can help you eat less and feel satisfied with smaller portions, which can lead to meaningful and lasting weight loss. In this article we hope to answer all your questions about using semaglutide for weight loss from safety and effectiveness, average weight loss on semaglutide, how to use it, semaglutide weight loss side effects.
Semaglutide Is Approved and Proven For Weight Loss
Semaglutide, initially developed for type 2 diabetes, is approved for weight management due to its significant benefits in weight loss. As the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for long-term weight management, it has shown promising results in clinical studies and is a game-changer for weight loss and obesity treatment, especially when other options to medically lose weight include invasive and irreversible surgeries.
Several prominent clinical trials have verified its effectiveness in weight loss. In the STEP 1 study, participants saw an average weight loss on semaglutide of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. It offers long-lasting results and has also been linked to improvements in cardiovascular health. Combining semaglutide with behavioral therapy led to saw an average weight loss on semaglutide of 16%, accompanied by significant improvements in physical functioning and psychological well-being.
For more information on clinical trials and studies scroll down to the section titled "Clinical Evidence Supporting Semaglutide for Weight Loss."
Using Semaglutide Effectively
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can greatly increase the effectiveness of semaglutide. Physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can complement semaglutide’s mechanism of action in regulating blood sugar levels. By including aerobic exercises and strength training in your routine, you can enhance your overall metabolic rate, making the medication more effective in controlling blood glucose and supporting weight management.
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can enhance the benefits of semaglutide. Good nutrition helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can work alongside semaglutide’s role in controlling appetite and promoting weight loss. Consuming a diet that is low in processed foods and high in fiber can lead to more consistent glucose levels and improve the effectiveness of the medication. When combined with regular exercise, this comprehensive approach not only maximizes the therapeutic effects of semaglutide but also promotes overall well-being, contributing to the long-term success of the treatment plan.
Long-term and Short-term effects of Semaglutide
When used for a short period of time, semaglutide has various effects, such as rapid improvement in blood glucose levels, reduction in appetite and weight loss improvements, and common side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal problems. The side effects and risks of semaglutide are far safer than other alternatives to medically lose weight like gastric bypass or lap band surgeries.
The long-term effects of semaglutide include sustained weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and better glycemic control, reducing the risk of diabetes complications. It can also lead to reduced HbA1c levels and may benefit kidney function. However, like any medication for extended periods of time, there are some potential risks, making regular monitoring by a healthcare provider crucial.
When using semaglutide for weight loss, whether for a short or long period, it's important to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Stopping the medication without making these changes can lead to weight regain and increased blood glucose levels. Some people may also experience temporary increases in gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or constipation. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication to manage these potential semaglutide weight loss side effects. Most effects after stopping semaglutide are not permanent and subside over a short period of time.
What does it feel like to be on Semaglutide?
Embracing semaglutide could truly be a life-changing journey for many people, particularly those aiming for weight loss. As the medication starts to work its magic, numerous users have shared experiencing a noticeable reduction in hunger, leading to a more mindful and controlled approach to eating. This decreased appetite can make a significant difference, as individuals may discover themselves less inclined to reach for unhealthy snacks and more capable of sticking to balanced, nourishing meals. Some users might encounter minor side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, especially when first starting the medication or adjusting dosages. These symptoms often diminish as the body adjusts.
After taking the first dose, it may take a few days to start to feel the effects. Most patients report that they notice they aren't thinking about food as often- what we refer to as "food noise". As time goes on and dosages increase, hunger and appetite will lower and some patients may start to feel some minor side effects or notice their digestive system slow down. During this period it is important to ensure you are drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation. After a few weeks, patients usually don't feel hungry at all, making it easy to transition to healthier foods and smaller portions. Its important to remember to exercise regularly and eat enough protein dense foods to ensure you don't lose muscle mass. Once patients are finished using semaglutide, hunger and digestive systems return to normal, so its important to make lasting lifestyle changes to ensure that you don't put the weight back on. At Zovi, we include meeting with a health coach so you can look good and feel good even after your done taking semaglutide.
"Its really amazing. I never realized how much I actually thought about food. Once I started taking semaglutide I stopped thinking about getting a snack, or whats the next meal, or feeling bad about not eating something healthy. Its like I've broken the cycle and I can finally focus on the things that matter most. I've felt a reduction in my appetite and weight loss has never been easier! I do feel some side effects, such as minor heartburn later in the evenings, but by eating healthy and exercising regularly I can minimize the effects. I feel like I have more energy overall, and I am losing the stubborn weight that I couldn't get rid of before."
Nate - Real Zovi Patient
Pricing and Insurance
The cost of semaglutide can vary based on factors like dosage, brand, insurance coverage, and location. With Zovi Wellness important consultations and regular visits with a healthcare provider, as well as access to a nutrition and fitness consultant are included in the price which can be found here,
The coverage of semaglutide by insurance depends on the specific insurance plan and its coverage policies. Many health insurance plans do cover semaglutide for treating type 2 diabetes, but the extent of coverage for weight loss can vary. Some plans might fully cover the medication, while others may require a co-payment or have certain restrictions. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage for semaglutide. At Zovi Wellness, insurance is not required for a prescription.
How To Inject Semaglutide
Semaglutide usually comes in a small glass vial along with a syringe and a pack of alcohol wipes. We will go over how to correctly self-administer semaglutide using a syringe but depending on the manufacturer and brand; it may come in a “pen” style container- for this type, please refer to their instructions that comes with your medication for more information. In both cases, the medication is administered through a weekly injection in the fatty area of the stomach, upper arm, or thigh. The injection is given with a very thin syringe that only pierces the dermal layers of the skin. Medication is stored in the refrigerator to maintain effectiveness.
Step 1
Before self-administering a dose, prepare a clean surface and thoroughly wash your hands. Consult with your medical professional regarding the correct dosage, which will vary depending on your age, gender, weight, other medications, and duration of use. When using, be sure to keep track of your dosage amount, injection location, date, and time in a journal or app.
Step 2
When ready, select the area for the injection, remove any clothing that is in the way, and thoroughly wipe down your skin with an alcohol wipe. Then remove the safety cap on the vial and clean it with a new alcohol wipe.
To fill the syringe, first, remove the safety stoppers on the needle and the plunger and then draw in air to the desired unit amount marked on the side of the barrel. This will help later when pulling medication from the vial.
Step 3
Next, with the air still inside the syringe, push the needle into the rubber stopper and slowly push the plunger down, pushing air into the vial. Once done, lift the vial and syringe and flip them upside down, careful not to bend the needle. Slowly pull the plunger to the desired unit amount ensuring that the syringe is completely full, then remove the needle and put down the vial.
Step 4
Once you are ready, make sure the syringe is in your dominant hand with your thumb on the plunger and your pointer and middle fingers are on the flared ends of the barrel. With your other hand, pinch a large area of skin and gently insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. There will be a little tension as you press, but you will feel a soft prick when the needle has pierced the skin. If there is a sharp pain or if the needle won’t fully insert, you may need to loosen your pinch, or you may need to remove the needle and try again.
Once fully inserted, slowly push down on the plunger with your thumb until the syringe is empty. To avoid medication leaking out, hold the syringe still for a few seconds before removing it.
Step 5
Dispose of the used syringe in a sharps container, and throw away used alcohol wipes. Store your medication in the refrigerator and keep track of your dosage amount, injection location, date, and time in a journal or app.
After injecting semaglutide, the area may feel slightly more firm and the the site may be a little sensitive. This is normal and the feelings should subside after a short period of time. When first using the medication, you may experience some light bruising if the injection happens too close to a blood vessel, but with continued use, your body will adjust, and your reactions will improve. If you are concerned about an injection or experience unexpected pain or bleeding, consult a medical professional.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Semaglutide’s compelling clinical evidence has been rigorously confirmed by research in prestigious medical journals like The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, and Diabetes Care, instilling confidence and optimism in its safety and effectiveness. Alternatives to medically lose weight like semaglutide are now be safer and more effective. Below, we outline this research and provide links so you can better understand semaglutide and the groundbreaking research that has gone into proving its short and long-term safety and the effectiveness it has for weight loss.
SUSTAIN-1 and SUSTAIN-7 Trials
Semaglutide’s effectiveness in weight loss was first highlighted in the SUSTAIN-1 and SUSTAIN-7 trials, which were pivotal in demonstrating its potential beyond glucose control.
The SUSTAIN-1 trial, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2017, focused on the use of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and highlighted significant weight loss as a secondary benefit.
The SUSTAIN-7 trial, published in BMJ Journals in 2020, compared semaglutide with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and reinforced its superior weight loss outcomes. Patients receiving 1 mg and 2.4 mg doses of semaglutide experienced more significant weight loss than those on other GLP-1 medications.
STEP Trials
The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) trials are particularly noteworthy as they focus on the use of semaglutide specifically for weight management in individuals without type 2 diabetes.
- STEP 1 Study: This trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, was a landmark study demonstrating that semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in a substantial reduction in body weight. Participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, significantly outperforming the placebo group, which saw only a 2.4% reduction.
- STEP 2 Study: This trial extended the findings of STEP 1, showing that semaglutide effectively reduced body weight and improved cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- STEP 3 Study: Published in The Lancet in 2021, this study evaluated the combination of semaglutide with intensive behavioral therapy, demonstrating an even greater average weight loss of 16% in patients.
- STEP 4 Study: This trial extended the findings of STEP 3 and assessed the long-term effects of semaglutide after a year of treatment, showing sustained weight loss and continued effectiveness over 104 weeks.
Risks Associated with Semaglutide for Weight Loss
As with any medication, semaglutide weight loss side effects and risks are important to understand. Semaglutide is approved for treating type 2 diabetes and weight loss and is considered a safe medication for average patients.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include nausea (30% of users), diarrhea (20%), vomiting (10%), and constipation (15%). These usually improve over time.
- Thyroid Tumors: While animal studies have shown an increased risk of thyroid tumors, this has not been definitively proven in humans. Caution is advised for those with a history of thyroid cancer.
- Pancreatitis: Although rare, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can occur in less than 1% of users.
- Kidney Issues: Severe gastrointestinal symptoms leading to dehydration could potentially affect kidney function, though this is infrequent.
- Hypoglycemia: Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is generally low when semaglutide is used alone but can be higher when combined with other diabetes medications.
- Allergic Reactions: These are extremely rare and occur in less than 1% of users.
In Conclusion
Semaglutide represents a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity, offering robust weight loss benefits supported by extensive clinical research. With its proven efficacy and safety profile, it stands as a promising option for individuals struggling with obesity, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and behavioral interventions.
As always, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for your individual needs.