Ozempic and other semaglutides are creating quite a craze in the weight loss Industry

Mar 17, 2024 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists, News

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Dr. Zulfikar Bux
Emergency Medicine Specialist

Kaieteur News – Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus and a few more weight loss medications are creating quite a stir in the weight loss industry. They are being used by celebrities and influencers who

are sharing their dramatic weight loss stories all over the media. These medications are all brand names that come from the same class of medications called semaglutide which were initially designed as injections for diabetes treatment. semaglutides came out more than a decade ago and while the initial focus was on diabetes treatment, evidence of their significant weight loss impact became very prominent quickly. This triggered a shift in focusing them more for weight loss and drug companies are now bringing out their own versions which are all derivatives of semaglutide.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels. But GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss — and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in people who are obese or overweight.

Semaglutide injections for weight loss

Currently, semaglutide is only approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. The typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered in the form of an injection under the skin every week. However, the demand for semaglutides has been flooding the market and healthcare providers have been prescribing semaglutides approved for diabetes management, (Ozempic, Rybelsus etc) for weight loss. This has caused a shortage for the people who rely on this medication for their diabetes management.

How good is semaglutide for weight loss?

There have been several anti-obesity medications that help suppress appetite and achieve weight loss. But semaglutide performs on a new level. An early study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without semaglutide. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight. Since then, additional studies have shown similar results. But they’ve also revealed that participants tend to regain the weight lost when they stop taking semaglutide.

What are the side effects of semaglutide injections?

The side effects of semaglutide are typically mild — especially when compared to the complications associated with overweight and obesity.

People taking semaglutide for weight loss may experience:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness
• Headache
• Stomach issues, including nausea, vomiting, pain or bloating

Gastrointestinal issues are the most common complaint among people just starting semaglutide. But you may be able to reduce the side effects by beginning on a lower dose and then slowly increasing the amount you take. However, there are reports of persons with sudden onset death while on a semaglutide medication. While these cases are not the norm, they have been occuring and more data is needed before conclusions can be drawn.

Who should and should not take semaglutide for weight loss?

The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria:

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. It can also be used if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater.

Avoid semaglutide if you have:

• History of medullary thyroid cancer
• History of gallbladder disease
• History of pancreatitis
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, your first step should be consulting your doctor. They know your personal and family medical history and can guide you in the best treatment for your condition. Semaglutide is very expensive and it is not risk free; your doctor will have to determine if it’s right for you depending on your health.

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• Dizziness, Fatigue, Headache, How good is semaglutide for weight loss?, Semaglutide injections for weight loss, What is semaglutide?

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