The history of weight loss medication has unfortunately been distrustful and filled with skepticism. We’ve seen countless ‘miracle’ drugs pop in and out of popularity for decades. However, the FDA has recently approved semaglutide, a weekly injection for chronic weight management in adults. This is the first time since 2014 that we see the FDA approve a weight loss medication, so it shows promising potential. In this blog, we will discuss what semaglutide is and how it can support your weight loss journey.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an injectable class of medications called glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that the body produces in response to food intake. Once produced, it is circulated through the bloodstream and received by the pancreas, intestines, heart, and other organs that are essential in weight loss.
This isn’t a new drug and has actually been used in the past to treat type-2 diabetes. It was originally approved at a lower dose under the brand name Ozempic. After it was reported that semaglutide showed significant weight loss trends, it was sent to the FDA for clinical trials.
Today, semaglutide is an approved medication under the brand name Wegoby. It can be used by adults with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30mg/kg² or 27 mg/kg² if they have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How Semaglutide Assists Weight Loss
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that is sent out by the body after eating and plays a large role in appetite and digestion. They help lower blood sugar levels by triggering insulin release and preventing sugar production.
Additionally, this hormone also slows down your gastric emptying, how quickly food leaves the stomach. The result of these actions leaves you feeling full for a longer duration of time and helps decrease your overall appetite.
It should be noted that although semaglutide helps support weight loss with these effects, taking semaglutide should also involve regular exercise and a healthy diet. At BioCure, we can help you start a proper Semaglutide Weight Loss Program with the care and support of our team.
Potential Side Effects
The most common side effects of taking semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. This is due to the fact that semaglutide slows down the digestion process. Additional side effects people experience are:
- Constipation
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Burping
The lesser common, but higher risk side effects that are important warnings to be aware of is that this medication has a potential risk for thyroid C-cell tumors. This has been seen in animal studies but hasn’t been confirmed in humans. Still, if your family has a history of certain thyroid disorders, it may be best to avoid semaglutide altogether.
Safe and Effective Treatments With BioCure
At BioCure, we have extensive experience with longevity care, IV supplements/testing, and weight management programs. No matter what your health goals are, our team can derive a plan suited for your personal well-being. We don’t just offer treatment options, we educate you and enable you to take control of your life. For more information on our Semaglutide Weight Loss Program, please contact us to set up an appointment today.
