Semaglutide is a synthetic peptide belonging to a class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 to promote insulin secretion and suppress appetite.

Mechanism of action:

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1 in the gut, prompting the pancreas to secrete insulin while inhibiting the release of glucagon. This helps lower blood sugar levels. In addition, Semaglutide can also slow stomach emptying, increase satiety, and suppress appetite.

Purpose:

Diabetes treatment: Used to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss: Used for weight management in obese patients to help reduce body fat and improve related metabolic indicators.

Usage:

Semaglutide is usually administered as a subcutaneous injection.

Side effects:

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain. Some patients may experience these discomforts at the beginning of treatment, but they usually lessen over time.

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide is a drug that targets type 2 diabetes and obesity and belongs to the class of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. Its working mechanism mainly involves the following aspects:

Simulate GLP-1

Semaglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 analogue capable of mimicking naturally occurring GLP-1. This hormone is released by the gut after eating and is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.

Promote insulin secretion:

When blood sugar levels rise, Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas, which promote the production of insulin.

Inhibit glucagon secretion:

Semaglutide also inhibits the alpha cells of the pancreas from secreting glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar, thereby further helping to control blood sugar levels.

Delay gastric emptying:

It is able to slow the rate of emptying of the stomach, allowing food to stay in the stomach longer, thereby slowing the rise in blood sugar after meals and increasing feelings of fullness.

Increase satiety:

Semaglutide acts on the hunger and satiety centers of the brain, increasing satiety and reducing food intake, which is one of its mechanisms of action in weight loss treatment.

Improve cardiovascular health:

Studies have shown that Semaglutide may also help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How effective is Semaglutide for weight loss?

Semaglutide has shown remarkable results in weight loss, especially in the treatment of obesity. Here are some key points about the weight loss benefits of Semaglutide:

Clinical Trials:

In multiple clinical trials, Semaglutide has shown strong weight loss effects. Studies have shown that participants using Semaglutide lost an average of about 5 to 15 percent or more of their weight over 16 weeks or more.

Dose dependent:

Weight loss is dose-dependent. Higher doses of Semaglutide usually result in more significant weight loss. For example, in the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) trial, participants who received weekly injections of 2.4 mg lost more weight, on average, than those in the placebo group.

Long-term effects:

In some long-term studies, the weight loss effect of Semaglutide lasted for at least a year, although the weight may have regained slightly after stopping treatment.

Weight loss mechanism

· Appetite suppression: Semaglutide increases satiety and decreases food intake by acting on the hunger and satiety centers of the brain.

· Delayed gastric emptying: Slows the speed of food passing through the stomach, slows the rise of blood sugar after meals, and increases the feeling of fullness.

· Metabolic effects: Studies have shown that Semaglutide may help improve metabolism and promote the loss of fat, especially belly fat.

What is the best way to use Semaglutide?

The best way to use Semaglutide mainly involves the correct dose, timing of administration, diet and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some key tips to help ensure optimal results and safety:

Dosage and mode of administration

Starting dose: Usually start at a lower dose (e.g. 0.25 mg per week) to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The doctor will increase the dose gradually depending on your response.

Maintenance dose: Most patients increase to 0.5 mg once a week after a few weeks, with subsequent further increases to 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg.

Injection method: Semaglutide is usually given as a subcutaneous injection and is recommended in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The selected parts should be rotated to avoid reusing the same part to reduce local reactions.

Administration time

Set time: Choose the same time each day to give the injection to help remember the time of medication. If you are using a weekly injection, you can choose to do it on a fixed day each week.

Before or after meals: Semaglutide is not meal-dependent and can be injected before or after meals, but it is recommended to be consistent with the dietary schedule.

Diet and lifestyle

Healthy eating: combines a low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutritionally balanced diet to support weight loss. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods, and limit your intake of processed foods and foods high in sugar.

Regular exercise: Regular moderate aerobic and strength training can help enhance weight loss and improve overall health. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended.

Water intake: Maintaining adequate water intake helps with metabolism and general health.

Be aware of side effects

Side effect management: If nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other side effects occur, it is recommended to communicate with the doctor, may need to adjust the dose or medication.

First aid: Be aware of possible serious side effects, such as symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, etc.), and seek medical attention if related symptoms occur.

Does Semaglutide weight loss work for everyone?

The effectiveness of Semaglutide in weight loss varies from individual to individual and is not effective for everyone. Here are some of the factors that affect Semaglutide's weight loss:

Individual difference

Genetic factors: Different individuals' genomes may influence response to drugs, resulting in different weight loss outcomes.

Metabolic rate: Differences in basal metabolic rate may also affect weight loss. Some people may lose weight faster with the same diet and exercise conditions, while others lose weight more slowly.

lifestyle

Eating habits: Combining healthy eating habits can significantly affect the weight loss results of Semaglutide. A high-calorie, low-nutrient diet may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

How much exercise you get: Regular exercise can enhance weight loss, while lack of exercise can reduce weight loss.

Dosage and mode of use

Dose: Different doses may have different effects on weight loss. Higher doses of Semaglutide are generally associated with more significant weight loss effects.

Medication compliance: Using Semaglutide on time and in the right amount is key to ensuring effectiveness. Not following your doctor's advice or not taking injections on time may affect weight loss.

Health status

Basic health issues: There are certain health issues (such as endocrine disorders, metabolic syndrome, etc.) that may interfere with weight loss.

Other medications: Concurrent use of other medications may affect the action of Semaglutide or cause interactions that can affect weight loss.

Psychological factor

Mental health: Psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, may affect eating behavior and willingness to exercise, which can affect weight loss.