There has been a lot of talk about the new weight loss drug, Semaglutide, and the benefits that it provides to patients in their weight loss journey. Since this is included in our weight loss plan, we wanted to share more information about this type of treatment.
How Does Semaglutide (Wegovy) Work?
Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. The medication dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to 2.4 mg once weekly to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
FDA.gov
Benefits of Semaglutide
Semaglutide helps you lose weight safely since it works to suppress your appetite. This allows you to eat fewer calories and get into a calorie deficit without feeling hungry constantly. When most people start working towards losing weight, their appetite can really get in the way of progress, making this a great addition to their health plan.
Semaglutide also promotes the body’s use of insulin, which helps promote weight loss while also lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is great for regulating your blood sugar, which helps to give you energy throughout the day.
This is also said to be a long-term weight loss solution as it continues to help regulate your appetite once you stop taking Semaglutide.
Studies of Semaglutide
Before approving Semaglutide, the FDA ran some tests, this is what they found:
The largest placebo-controlled trial enrolled adults without diabetes. The average age at the start of the trial was 46 years and 74% of patients were female. The average body weight was 231 pounds (105 kg) and average BMI was 38 kg/m2. Individuals who received Wegovy lost an average of 12.4% of their initial body weight compared to individuals who received placebo. Another trial enrolled adults with type 2 diabetes. The average age was 55 years and 51% were female. The average body weight was 220 pounds (100 kg) and average BMI was 36 kg/m2. In this trial, individuals who received Wegovy lost 6.2% of their initial body weight compared to those who received placebo.
FDA
If you want to try Semaglutide, come book a weight loss appointment with us!