You might have heard about a new weight loss drug called “Semaglutide.” It has been in use for some time already for treating type 2 diabetes, and the FDA approved it in 2021 to also be used for weight loss in obese individuals.
Research is still ongoing for its safety and long-term effects. Semaglutide is also known under the names Ozempic and Wegovy, they are essentially all the same drug except for their dosages.
I don’t normally write about this subject, but I have received many requests to do so. Before discussing how it works and what you need to be cautious of, I must always assert that no weight loss drugs can ever replace diet and exercise, so please keep that in mind as you read this.
As you probably already know, 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, which can lead the individual on to many other diseases, including cancer.
Researchers have discovered GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), an incretin hormone with important effects on glycemic control (blood sugar and insulin) and body weight regulation. They stimulate the natural release of insulin in the body and also inhibit the hormone glucagon, which is commonly known as the hunger hormone.
Ozempic works by mimicking the functions of GLP-1, primarily to stimulate the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells in a glucose-dependent manner. This is crucial as it allows for the reduction of blood glucose levels, particularly after meals, without causing a substantial risk of hypoglycemia.
Semaglutide also inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic beta-cells which contributes to lower blood glucose levels, and slows gastric emptying which can promote feelings of fullness and reduce energy intake. This can help with weight loss and better control of post-meal blood glucose spikes.
Beyond its role in glucose homeostasis, GLP-1 has a wide range of physiological effects, many of which have been discovered only in recent years. GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. It also suppresses glucagon secretion, a hormone that typically raises blood glucose levels.
Through these mechanisms it helps to regulate postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes. It has a short half-life in the bloodstream due to the action of an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which rapidly degrades it. This rapid degradation has clinical implications, as the effectiveness of GLP-1 as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes would be limited by its short duration of action.
Many people report that GLP-1 suppresses appetite and makes them feel fuller sooner. This will lead to a lower calorie diet and eventually to weight loss. For those with type 2 diabetes, it is very important to keep insulin and blood glucose within a healthy range, so consuming fewer calories could definitely help individuals struggling to stick to their diet. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gut in response to eating.
I can see the potential for individuals who have tried many diet types and have not been successful, especially if their health conditions pose a high risk. If it can promote a significant amount of weight loss, then of course the individual could also benefit greatly by reducing their risk factors for other diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
So far these drugs seem like a miracle, but like all drugs they also have side effects. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, abdominal pain, constipation, hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), inflammation and kidney and gallbladder problems.
Another potential side effect is muscle loss. Almost any diet will probably result in some muscle loss. However, when you’re not hungry and not getting the protein that your body needs, this could increase muscle loss, so you still need to exercise and consume a sufficient amount of protein, simply taking a drug will not substitute that.
My greatest concern is that you can buy these drugs online, and if you’re not consulting with your physician then that be very dangerous. Another issue is that what some companies are selling may not be genuine.
Finally, if you do need to lose 10 or 15 pounds, or even quite a bit more, then you can definitely do so with the correct nutrition plan and exercise without risking any potential side effects. Remember, no drugs can even come close to the benefits of lifestyle modifications.
Full references at https://www.aydapage.com/a-miracle-weight-loss-drug.
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Ayda Ersoy is a nutritionist (Dip.C.N., Dip.S.N.); master trainer (CPT ACE, NCSF, CanfitPro); registered yoga teacher; founder, Health Angel Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness; and founder, SMS (Stability, Mobility Strength) Intuitive Training System.
