Semaglutide: What you need to know

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According to the World Health Organization, obesity is a chronic disease resulting from complex interactions of genetics, neurobiology, and environment. In the U.S. adult obesity rates have doubled in the past three decades from 19% in 1990 to more than 42% in 2022. Moreover, a new study estimates 47% of adults in the U.S. to be affected by obesity by 2035. Consequently, a search for a safe and effective treatment has been an ongoing pursuit. Semaglutide, one of the second generation anti obesity medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is making waves as a safe and effective treatment option.

What is semaglutide?

Glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced by our gut after eating and regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release. The discovery of GLP-1 as a satiety hormone that makes you feel full longer became the basis for development of anti obesity medications. Semaglutide is one such GLP-1 agonist, that mimics the GLP-1 hormone. Although originally used for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), its use to lower blood sugar in diabetics also showed promising weight loss benefits.

What are the different brand names of semaglutide?

Semaglutide is available as three separate FDA approved brand name medications.

1. Rybelsus tablet is used in conjunction with diet and exercise in the treatment of T2D.

2. Ozempic injection is used in conjunction with diet and exercise for treatment of T2D and cardiovascular disease.

3. Wegovy injection is used in conjunction with diet and physical activity for long term weight management.

How does semaglutide work for weight loss?

Semaglutide primarily works by controlling your appetite. It sends signals to the brain to reduce hunger and cravings. It also slows down digestion in the stomach by slowing down stomach emptying making you feel full longer on smaller portions of food.

What are the side effects of semaglutide?

Common side effects of taking semagluide for weight loss include

• Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas.

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach distention.

Should you be taking semaglutide or not?

According to the FDA you can take Wegovy for weight loss if you meet the following criteria:

• If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one other weight related condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• If you have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater.

You should avoid semagluide if you have a history of

• Gall bladder disease

• Thyroid cancer

• Pancreatitis and

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia endocrine syndrome.

  
  

References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

2. https://www.powershealth.org/about-us/newsroom/health-library/2026/01/29/nearly-half-of-american-adults-will-be-obese-by-2035-study-warns

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/

4. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board