Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight loss in adult patients with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related co-morbidity. It is an injectable medication that suppresses hunger and promotes fullness and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas, which helps reduce glucose levels in the body. It can reduce appetite by decreasing production of acylated ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. It has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off.
In clinical trials, Semaglutide has been found to cause significantly more weight loss than placebo at 12 weeks and 26 weeks. At 12 weeks, patients using Semaglutide lost an average of 7% of their body weight, compared to 1.7% for those taking a placebo. At 26 weeks, Semaglutide caused 9% weight loss compared with 3.2% for the placebo group. It was also found to be more effective than other medications in helping people lose weight and keep it off over time.
Semaglutide can have some side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Semaglutide can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, so it is important to notify your doctor if you experience any abdominal pain or discomfort while taking Semaglutide. This treatmet should be used in combination with diet and exercise to achieve long-term weight loss.