Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) receptor agonist and is FDA approved for weight loss. It has emerged as a life-changing option for overweight or obese people who are committed to shedding a significant amount of weight and do not have other significant underlying health issues. Semaglutide is not a miracle cure or a gimmicky “fat-burning” supplement. Semaglutide is a long-acting prescription medicine designed to be used over an extended period of several months or more.
Who is it for?
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, clinical trials for Semaglutide in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more have shown an average of 14.9% reduction in overall body weight. Semaglutide is not recommended for those who are looking for an “instant” or short-term weight loss fix.
How does Semaglutide work?
Semaglutide is a once-weekly subcutaneous (beneath the skin) injection and works by stimulating your pancreas to increase insulin. This additional insulin causes the stomach to empty over a longer period of time. When your stomach takes more time to empty itself of food, it sends signals of “fullness” to the brain. This signal is sent throughout a larger portion of your day, even if you’re eating less food than usual. This slow and consistent digestion is merely an early step in the chain reaction that makes Semaglutide such an effective weight loss drug. The end result of this process is a powerful appetite suppression effect based on the patient’s own natural insulin production.
A Semaglutide regimen, along with lifestyle intervention, will also lead to healthier blood sugar levels, which can help you feel more energetic throughout your day. Stabilized and controlled blood sugar levels can also help improve other areas of your overall health. Even if you aren’t at risk for diabetes, this effect can contribute to a general sense of well-being, which is a crucial component in any weight loss journey.
Who should not take semaglutide?
- You should NOT take semaglutide if you previously experienced hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any component of the formulation.
- You should NOT take semaglutide if you or any of your family members have a history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC).
- You should NOT take this medication if ever diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
- Discuss with your primary care provider before taking semaglutide.
Injection site and proper administration
- It should be injected under the skin of your upper leg (front of the thighs), lower stomach (2 inches away from your belly button), or upper arm.
- Do not inject into area when the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, or areas with scars or stretch marks. You may inject in the same area each week, but not the same spot.
Possible common side effects
- Abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, injection site reaction, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn.
Less common serious side effects: **Please call your doctor if you experience any serious side effects**
- Severe low blood sugar, change in vision, kidney problems, inflammation of the pancreas, depression and suicidal thinking, and gallbladder issues.
Recommended Storage
- Store in the refrigerator from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). You may keep the unpunctured vials at room temperature (8°C to 30°C (46°F to 86°F)).
The Semaglutide starter Kit includes one 2mg/ml pre-mixed vial (use this vial first) and it includes a 5mg vial which will need to be reconstituted. Please review the instructions from the pharmacy.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00845-X/fulltext
