Researchers have discovered an exciting new fat-burning drug that has the potential to become the next big thing in weight loss. The drug is called semaglutide and it’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist. In other words, it activates receptors in the body that increase fat burning and decrease appetite. It’s essentially a new
version of an old drug (GLP-1) with some key improvements.
Read on to learn more about this groundbreaking new weight loss drug.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a new type of drug called a glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 receptor agonist. It’s a new version of an old drug that has been used to treat type 2 diabetes. When used at higher doses than that used to treat diabetes it has demonstrated its ability to help you lose weight.
How Does Semaglutide Help with Weight Loss?
Semaglutide blocks the receptors in the brain that tell you to eat. These receptors are called “incretin receptors” and are particularly active after eating. Blocking these receptors will decrease your appetite and help you lose weight. The drug can slow down the emptying of the stomach causing you to feel full longer and it decreases the speed of the digested food moving through your intestines. Semaglutide has been demonstrated to decrease visceral fat and the internal fat around your organs, and improve the body composition relative to lean body mass.
How to Use Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
The drug is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection through a tiny needle. Even though there are no special diet or exercise recommendations for people taking semaglutide, it is always recommended to use this medication in conjunction with lifestyle modification, exercise, and diet for the best results.
Side Effects of Semaglutide
The most common side effect of semaglutide is nausea. Other side effects include gastrointestinal effects such as vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and increased gas.
Other side effects include low blood sugar, rare cases of pancreatitis, and gallstones. The FDA also has a warning about semaglutide and the potential risk for thyroid C-cell tumors and should not be used in patients with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN) type 2.
How Much Weight Can You Lose on Semaglutide?
While it’s impossible to know exactly how much weight you can lose on semaglutide, clinical trials have demonstrated that people lose between 5 – 15% of their body weight in one year with the potential to have continued weight loss with further use. These results can be improved with a proper diet and exercise regimen.
How Fast Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is not a type of drug that will work overnight. It will take weeks or months before you notice any benefits. However, there is some evidence that semaglutide may start working sooner than other weight-loss drugs. During the clinical trial within only the first 4 weeks of treatment initiation, those on semaglutide had more than a 2% reduction in body weight compared to the placebo.
Is Semaglutide Safe Long-Term?
Semaglutide has been tested in several clinical trials and has been found to be safe and effective. It has been approved for use by the FDA since 2017.
Is Semaglutide Right for You?
Semaglutide is an exciting new weight loss drug and one that could be the next big thing in the weight loss industry. However, it’s important to remember that all drugs have side effects. And there is no single weight loss drug that works for everyone. Before the initiation of any medications for weight loss at our Freehold, New Jersey office, the doctors at The Youth Fountain are specialists in weight loss and we can help you choose the right weight loss treatments to help you achieve your long-term weight loss goals.