Semaglutide FAQs
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide (Brand name Ozempic) is medication which, when used in combination with diet and exercise, helps with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics. Semaglutide mimics the hormone GLP-1 in your body to lower blood sugar levels. Recent studies show this medication can also support weight loss.
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What does the hormone GLP-1 do?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that causes huge effects on the regulation of blood sugar by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that promotes sugar use by the cells and signals the body to build skeletal muscle. In addition, GLP-1 slows down gastric emptying (makes you feel full) and lowers the desire for food intake (because you feel full).
Is Semaglutide a type of insulin?
No, Semaglutide is not a type of insulin nor a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide relies upon your body’s own insulin to create weight loss.
Is Semaglutide a stimulant?
No, Semaglutide is not a stimulant. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that curb your appetite, Semaglutide works differently by supporting natural and healthier functions of the body.
How does Semaglutide work for weight loss?
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help control your blood sugar and people taking them also tend to lose weight. Part of this weight loss is muscle, so employing a holistic approach to support muscle is important. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food, how your pancreas and liver use insulin so you feel less hungry, eat less, and lose more weight. Because it works by slowing down digestion, it is important to be evaluated for constipation prior to use.
How does Semaglutide work for weight loss?
Currently, Semaglutide is only FDA-approved to help with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (like heart attack and stroke) in people with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you are taking Semaglutide for either of these reasons, you’ll take it as directed by your healthcare provider since you are using it to manage a chronic condition. But if you do not have type 2 diabetes and are looking to try Semaglutide to help you lose weight, we’ll have a better idea of long-term safety once the FDA reviews data for this new indication. What we do know is that study participants received treatment for a period of 68 weeks (about 1.5 years) during each of the four trials conducted by the company.
