Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used along with diet and exercise for chronic weight management. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite.
Some key points about using semaglutide for weight loss:
- In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide along with diet and exercise lost significantly more weight on average than people treated with just placebo and lifestyle intervention. Weight loss differences averaged around 12-15% over 68 weeks across several major trials.
- Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea - especially at the start of treatment - as well as potential gallbladder problems. These should be monitored and reported to one's healthcare provider.
- As it lowers blood sugar and body weight, semaglutide may need to be coordinated carefully with medications for diabetes or other conditions if applicable. Healthcare providers can help manage this.
- It is injected under the skin once weekly. Proper injection technique is important for effectiveness and safety.
- Like any medication for chronic conditions, commitment and persistence with semaglutide treatment seem important to sustaining weight loss results over time. Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise also still play a vital role.
In summary, semaglutide represents a new class of weight management medications that uses a hormone-based approach to potentially boost weight loss achieved through lifestyle intervention. As with any medication, working closely with one's healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons given one's specific situation seems advisable. Consistent follow-up is important to monitor progress and any potential side effects.