What Is Semaglutide

You may have heard of the “miracle drug” Ozempic trending on social media. Though Ozempic is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, it's become increasingly popular due to its weight loss effects. Ozempic and many similar medications contain an active ingredient called semaglutide that acts as a long-term weight management solution. It works by helping you feel fuller longer and regulating your appetite.

Along with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, semaglutide-containing medications can provide effective results in adults who are overweight or obese. With so many brand names on the market, such as Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, it can be confusing to understand their distinct use cases, side effects and efficacy. This guide covers what you need to know about semaglutide as a medical weight-loss therapy.

Brands That Contain Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Various medications contain semaglutide. However, each one is only approved for certain conditions. Here's an overview of the different brands of semaglutide.

• Ozempic: This is a subcutaneous injection given to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to lower blood sugar levels. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which often contributes to weight loss in patients who take this medication. Ozempic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Wegovy: This injection is the only FDA-approved semaglutide medication primarily for weight loss and is often prescribed in higher doses than Ozempic. Patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or 27 or higher in addition to a weight-related condition to qualify for Wegovy. This medication is also known to help lower the risk of stroke and heart attack in adults who have heart disease or are overweight.
• Rybelsus: This oral tablet medication containing semaglutide is used to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is an FDA-approved medication. Although not a weight loss drug, it may be prescribed to treat glycemic control and obesity "off label."
• Lipostat: This is a semaglutide injection specifically used for weight loss. Lipostat injections contain a combination of semaglutide, vitamins and amino acids to enhance fat metabolism and increase energy production. This medication, also known as pravastatin, can also be used to treat high cholesterol.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Although a synthetic compound, semaglutide is safe to use because it mimics a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1). This hormone is released from the intestines in response to eating. When semaglutide connects with the GLP-1 receptors in your body, it helps to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Semaglutide also stimulates the production of insulin, helping regulate blood sugar levels and delay the emptying of the stomach. Blood sugar regulation and appetite regulation are the two primary results of semaglutide that contribute to significant weight loss at certain doses. 

By slowing down the pace at which food moves from your stomach to your small intestine, you'll feel fuller for longer. This can help reduce your overall food intake and prevent overeating. For best results, patients should use semaglutide with a healthy diet and exercise to achieve significant weight loss. 

Why Is Semaglutide Used in Weight Loss?

Semaglutide has been proven to be clinically effective for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity. One study found that weight loss was achieved within three to six months of using semaglutide. 

Other research shows that semaglutide was effective at treating post-bariatric surgery weight regain, where patients lost an average of 12.9% of their body weight in one year. Medical professionals suggested that semaglutide may be particularly effective at treating post-surgery weight gain compared to other drugs and even lifestyle modification. 

As an added benefit, semaglutide has been proven to help reduce heart failure symptoms and hospitalization in patients with obesity. During clinical trials, patients who received semaglutide were able to walk farther during a timed test and had reduced inflammation-related biomarkers. For individuals with such conditions and co-occurring obesity, semaglutide may provide several benefits to aid overall health.

Are There Side Effects When Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

The FDA-approved versions of semaglutide are considered safe for patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity or both. As with any medication, however, there is the potential for side effects and risks when taking semaglutide in any form. Some semaglutide weight loss side effects can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Blurred vision
• Burping
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Headaches
• Increased heart rate
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Rash
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting

Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common among patients starting medications with semaglutide. The particular effects will depend on your dose and whether you're currently taking other medications. 

Though most semaglutide side effects are typically mild, it's possible to experience more severe symptoms and conditions like:

• Confusion
• Decreased urination
• Fainting
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney failure
• Low blood sugar
• Mood changes, such as anxiety or irritability
• Pain that begins in the abdomen and spreads to the back
• Pancreatitis
• Swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue or throat
• Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet

Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Who Should and Shouldn't Take Semaglutide?

Though these weight loss medications are popular, they may not suit every patient. Before you decide if you should take semaglutide for weight loss, it's important to know whether you're a good candidate. You should avoid semaglutide if you:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
• Are allergic to semaglutide
• Are not overweight or obese
• Are seeking short-term weight loss solutions
• Have high triglyceride levels
• Have gastroparesis, or severe slowing of the stomach
• Have a history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
• Have a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Have diabetes and already take a semaglutide medication, such as Ozempic or Wegovy

Alternatively, you may be a good candidate for a semaglutide prescription if you are an adult with obesity. For example, the FDA states that Wegovy can only be prescribed if your BMI is equal to or greater than 30. You may also be eligible if your BMI is at least 27 or greater as long as you have a weight-related condition, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Take Control of Your Overall Health With Mobile IV Nurses

Weight loss looks different for everyone, especially those with conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you are interested in medical weight loss therapy, know there are many ways you can support your efforts. At Mobile IV Nurses, we offer various IV therapy packages to help you feel your best so you can stay on track with your weight loss plan. While we do not provide semiglutide, we can help you improve your hydration, nutrition and vitamin intake to support a healthy metabolism. By addressing some of the symptoms that can contribute to weight gain, you may be able to reach your weight loss goals faster.

We typically recommend our Myers' Cocktail for aid in weight loss, which contains six essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body at peak performance. Our licensed, knowledgeable health care providers can administer IV therapy from the comfort of your own home for a convenient, high-quality experience. Our IV therapy packages continue to grow, so watch for future offerings. Learn more about the effectiveness of IV treatments for weight loss or schedule an appointment with us online.