Pros And Cons Of Semaglutide For Weight Loss

Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®) has become a popular way to lose extra weight. This treatment gives a fresh take on managing weight, making many people ask how well it works and what downsides it might have. As more people look into this choice, it's critical to understand the benefits and disadvantages of using semaglutide to lose weight.

This article looks into how semaglutide works and how it affects weight loss. We'll check out the good stuff, like making you feel less hungry and boosting your body's health, along with possible downsides and things to think about. If you're thinking about trying this medicine or want to know more about ways to manage weight, this complete look at the pros and cons of semaglutide will give you the info you need to make informed choices about your health.

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Key Takeaways

• Semaglutide has shown significant effectiveness for weight loss in clinical settings, with patients achieving an average weight loss of 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months ^[1].

• The medication mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which stimulates insulin production and interacts with the brain to reduce appetite and curb cravings ^[2].

• Patients without type 2 diabetes tend to achieve higher weight loss outcomes compared to those with the condition ^[3].

• Higher doses of semaglutide are associated with greater weight loss. At 6 months, patients receiving the highest doses lost an average of 12.1% of their body weight, compared to 9.2% for those on lower doses ^[1].

• Semaglutide should be used with a healthy diet and exercise program for optimal results ^[2].

• Long-term benefits of semaglutide use may include reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in individuals who are obese or overweight ^[4].

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How Does Semaglutide Work

Semaglutide is part of a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). It copies the GLP-1 hormone, which the gut releases after eating [4]. This drug works specifically to help people lose weight and control their blood sugar.

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Copying GLP-1 Hormone

Semaglutide mimics the incretin hormone, which the digestive tract produces [5]. It has an influence on GLP-1 receptors in the brain to control appetite and food intake [5]. This effect on the brain's appetite centers helps people feel full for longer, which can lead to eating fewer calories.

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Impact on Insulin and Blood Sugar

One of the main jobs of semaglutide is to boost insulin production. This boost in insulin helps bring down blood sugar levels, making it work well for treating type 2 diabetes [4]. Semaglutide also holds back glucagon release and liver gluconeogenesis, which helps improve glucose control even more [6].

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Weight Loss Mechanisms

Semaglutide helps people lose weight in several ways:

1. Curbing hunger

2. Eating less

3. Managing food habits

4. Less craving for fatty, calorie-rich foods [7]

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The drug also delays stomach emptying, which helps you feel full for longer [5].

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Special Qualities

Semaglutide stands out from other GLP-1 agonists because it can resist breakdown by the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme [7]. It gains this ability through changes in its structure, such as tweaks at position-8 and the addition of a C-18 fatty di-acid [7]. These changes boost its binding to albumin, which makes it work better and last longer.

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Multiple Benefits

Semaglutide influences more than just weight loss. Research shows it might lower cancer, diabetes, and heart disease risks in overweight or obese people [4]. The drug also boosts incretin function and produces a good proinsulin-to-insulin ratio, hinting at better β-cell work [6].

Semaglutide tackles many parts of metabolism and hunger control, offering a full approach to managing weight and boosting metabolic health, leaving patients satisfied with the results of using semaglutide.

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Semaglutide Pros For Losing Weight

Weight Reduction

Semaglutide has an impressive impact on helping people lose weight. A clinical study looked at 2,000 obese adults who used semaglutide and followed a diet and exercise plan. The results were eye-opening. After 68 weeks, half of the people in the study lost 15% of their body weight. A third of them dropped 20% [4]. These numbers are way higher than the 2.4% weight loss seen in people who just made lifestyle changes without taking semaglutide [4].

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Appetite Suppression

Semaglutide has a significant impact on appetite control. This drug mimics the GLP-1 hormone and interacts with the brain's hunger centers. As a result, people feel full for longer [4]. This leads to fewer calories eaten and helps manage food cravings. These effects make it easier for individuals to stick to their weight loss plans.

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Improved Metabolic Health

Semaglutide has an influence on several metabolic health markers. It lowers blood sugar levels to stimulate insulin production and suppress glucagon release [2]. Also, it improves blood pressure, waist circumference, and lipid profiles [2]. These benefits lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related health issues.

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Potential to Prevent Diabetes

Semaglutide shows promise to help people with prediabetes get their blood sugar back to normal. A study found that many prediabetic participants using semaglutide saw their blood sugar return to normal levels [2]. This indicates that the drug might stop people at risk from developing type 2 diabetes.

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Additional Health Benefits

Semaglutide shows promise beyond its effects on weight loss and metabolism. Studies indicate it may have a protective effect on kidney health. People taking semaglutide had a 24% lower risk of significant kidney problems compared to those on a placebo [8]. Research also points to possible advantages in reducing colorectal cancer risk for individuals with type 2 diabetes. It might also lower dementia rates in this group [8].

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Semaglutide Cons For Losing Weight

Stomach Problems

People who take semaglutide often deal with stomach problems when they first start treatment. Feeling sick to your stomach is the most common issue affecting up to 20% of those who take it for type 2 diabetes and even more people who use it to lose weight [9]. Other frequent digestive troubles include loose stools, which 9% of diabetes patients and 30% of weight loss patients report, as well as difficulty going to the bathroom, gas, and a bloated feeling [9]. While these side effects are not severe, they can be unpleasant and might make day-to-day life a bit harder.

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Administration Method

The way semaglutide is given can be a downside for many people. Patients need to inject the drug once a week [10]. This approach might not work well for those who hate needles or find it hard to keep up with regular shots.

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Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of semaglutide treatment can worry many people. This medicine often costs a lot, and insurance plans don't always cover it the same way [10]. Patients should talk to their insurance companies to determine how much they'll have to pay. For some people without good insurance, the price might be too high.

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Not a Standalone Solution

It's essential to remember that semaglutide isn't a miracle cure for weight loss. For the best outcomes, people should combine the drug with eating fewer calories and exercising more [10]. This need to change lifestyle habits along with taking medication might be challenging for some people who were hoping to lose weight with minimal effort.

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Potential for Weight Regain

People taking semaglutide should think about the possibility of gaining weight back when they stop using it. The medicine helps keep weight off while you use it, but quitting may cause you to regain some or all of the weight you lost [9]. This shows why you need to see semaglutide as something to use for a long time, not just a quick way to lose weight.

Semaglutide can also impact patients in other ways, such as making them tired, giving them headaches, and making them dizzy [4]. Some people who take it say they have vivid or strange dreams, but we're not sure if semaglutide is to blame for this [9]. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, and you'd need to see a doctor right away if they do occur [11].

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How To Know If Semaglutide Is Right For You

To figure out if semaglutide fits your weight loss needs, you need to think about a few things. Doctors will examine your body mass index (BMI) and any health issues you might have to decide if this medicine could help you.

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Eligibility Criteria

People with a BMI of 30 or more, or those with a BMI of at least 27 and a health problem linked to weight like high blood pressure, might be good fits for semaglutide [12]. But you should talk in depth with a skilled doctor to see if this treatment makes sense for you.

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Medical History Considerations

Some health issues can rule out the use of semaglutide. People who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma can't use this drug [12]. Also, those with a history of pancreatitis need to talk to their doctor about whether semaglutide is safe for them. Pregnant or nursing women should stay away from these drugs, and women who want to get pregnant should ask their doctor about how to use semaglutide [12].

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Weight Loss Goals and Lifestyle Factors

Doctors don't recommend semaglutide for people at a healthy weight who want to shed a few extra pounds [12]. This medicine targets individuals struggling with being overweight or obese. Researchers haven't fully explored how it affects people with normal weight.

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Commitment to Lifestyle Changes

Semaglutide doesn't work alone to help you lose weight. You need to eat fewer calories and move more to get the best results [12]. People who take semaglutide must be ready to change their habits and stick to them. This means eating healthy, working out often, drinking enough water, and sleeping well [12].

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Monitoring Progress

Doctors check how well semaglutide works after six months. If a patient has yet to lose at least 5% of their starting weight by then, they might stop prescribing the medicine [13].

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Specialist Care

Doctors suggest semaglutide treatment in a special weight management center that offers many types of care for people who are overweight or obese [13]. This helps to give complete care and support as people try to lose weight.

People should think about these things and talk with their doctors. This will help them decide if semaglutide is suitable for their weight loss plans.

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How To Get Semaglutide

You need a prescription from a doctor to get compounded semaglutide for both the injectable form and oral forms. You can find this medicine through different routes, but you should make sure you're buying it from trustworthy sources like Eden.

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Prescription Requirements

Getting a semaglutide prescription requires patients to meet certain health standards. Doctors look at a person's body mass index (BMI) and any weight-related health issues [14]. In order to get approved for semaglutide, you need to check some boxes:

1.          To lose weight (Wegovy^®): A BMI of 30 or above,

or a BMI of 27 or above with at least one health problem related to weight

2.          To manage diabetes (Ozempic^®, Rybelsus^®): A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

You’ll need to talk to a doctor to find out if you can take semaglutide and if it's right for you.

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Healthcare Provider Consultation

You should see a doctor to check your health history, talk about weight gain issues, and discuss weight loss goals [15]. You can do this in person or through online appointments. A doctor will decide if semaglutide is right for you and which type: either the injectable form of semaglutide (Wegovy^®, Ozempic^®) or one of the oral forms of semaglutide (Rybelsus^®, SubMagna™) [15].

Semaglutide comes in pill form, as a sublingual suspension, and as an injection. Each type has its pros and cons, and there are several factors to consider when deciding between semaglutide tablets vs injections:

Oral forms (tablets and sublingual suspension):

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·  No needles 

·  You take them every day

·  Can make you feel sick, throw up, or have stomach pain

·  You should take them in the morning before eating

   and wait 30 minutes before having food

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Shots:

·  You need to use needles

·  You take them once a week

·  Might cause reactions where you inject

·  You can take them whether you've eaten or not

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To ensure you get the most out of semaglutide, it’s essential to pair the medication with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Consistently following your healthcare provider's advice and monitoring your progress will help maximize the benefits of semaglutide.

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Getting the Medicine

After you get a prescription, you can buy semaglutide from:

1. Local pharmacies

2. Online pharmacies (FDA-approved)

3. State-licensed pharmacies

4. FDA-registered outsourcing facilities [14]

Getting semaglutide from trusted sources like Eden ensures it's safe and works well.

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Insurance Coverage and Cost Assistance

Insurance coverage for semaglutide differs from carrier to carrier. Patients should check with their health insurance company to find out about coverage [15]. People without insurance can turn to patient assistance programs (PAPs) from drug manufacturers to help with costs [15]. 

The semaglutide costs can add up quickly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Prices can change based on your insurance plan, where you buy the semaglutide, and other factors. Research shows patients might pay up to 68% of the cost themselves for weight loss drugs.

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If you don't have insurance coverage, you have a few options when it comes to how to get semaglutide without insurance:

1.          Novo Nordisk, which makes semaglutide products,

has programs to help eligible people.

2.          You can get discounts at different pharmacies

using services like Optum Perks.

3.          Some pharmacies also make their own version of

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semaglutide that costs less.

Without insurance, semaglutide can cost a lot. Prices can change based on the pharmacy and where you live, but the cost of semaglutide without insurance can still be high. Some online coupons or discount programs can help cut the cost of semaglutide treatments.

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Caution with Online Sources

Online pharmacies can make things easier, but you need to be careful. Many products sold as semaglutide on the internet might not have the FDA-approved active ingredient [14]. To keep yourself safe:

1. Make sure the online pharmacy has a license in your state

2. Check if the pharmacy is legitimately using the NABP's search tool

3. Watch out for ads promoting compounded "Ozempic^®" or "Wegovy^®" instead of compounded semaglutide [16]

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These tips help patients get real semaglutide from trusted sources like Eden, making their weight loss efforts safer and more effective. You can get semaglutide prescriptions online through telehealth services, making it possible for you to buy semaglutide online. 

Many people have lost a lot of weight using this drug. These semaglutide success stories show how semaglutide can help people shed a lot of weight and boost their overall health. Always talk to your doctor to figure out the best way to treat your condition.

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Final Thoughts

Semaglutide has a profound influence on weight reduction, giving many who struggle with obesity a reason to feel optimistic. Its capacity to curb hunger and boost metabolic wellness makes it an encouraging choice for those who fit the criteria. Still, it's essential to keep in mind that this drug isn't a cure-all and works best when paired with lifestyle changes. The possible side effects and price factors also need thorough consideration before beginning treatment.

Semaglutide marks a big leap in managing weight, but it doesn't suit everyone. You need to check with your doctor to figure out if it's a good fit for you. Like any medical treatment, you should think hard about the good and bad sides. By making smart choices and sticking to a complete health plan, people can boost their odds of success in losing weight.

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FAQs

What are the potential negative effects of using semaglutide?

Some of the common side effects associated with Semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Typically, these side effects are mild and tend to diminish over time.

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Are there serious risks associated with long-term use of semaglutide?

Yes, there are serious concerns about the long-term use of semaglutide. Potential risks include pancreatitis, kidney issues, and an increased risk of certain types of cancers.

Is it possible to lose 20 pounds within a month by using semaglutide?

Yes, it is possible. While the average weight loss varies, there have been instances where patients lost significantly more weight, with some losing over 15 pounds and even more than 20 pounds in the first month.

What is the recommended duration for using semaglutide for weight loss?

Healthcare providers typically recommend using semaglutide for a period of 12 to 24 months for effective chronic weight management.

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References

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1. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982

2. Weiman E. Semaglutide for Weight Loss: Benefits, Side Effects, and More. Sesame Care. Published December 19, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://sesamecare.com/blog/semaglutide-for-weight-loss

3. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982

4. UCLA Health. Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, for weight loss - what you need to know. www.uclahealth.org. Published January 12, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know

5. Leigh Ann Anderson. How does semaglutide work for weight loss? Drugs.com. Published March 9, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/semaglutide-work-weight-loss-3573689/

6. Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 2022;23(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1

7. Alorfi NM, Algarni AS. Clinical Impact of Semaglutide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, on Obesity Management: A Review. Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications. 2022;Volume 14:61-67. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/cpaa.s374741

8. Blackmer N, Fischer K. Beyond Weight Management: 5 Other Potential Benefits of Semaglutide. Health. Published June 25, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.health.com/semaglutide-round-up-conditions-treatment-8657610

9. Hawkins-Jarrett Z, Aungst C. The 12 Semaglutide Side Effects You Should Know About. GoodRx. Published December 14, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/ozempic/semaglutide-side-effects

10. Taylor, MD. Southwest Family Medical. The Pros and Cons of Semaglutide for Weight Loss - Dr. Taylor. Southwest Family Medical. Published September 7, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://swfamilymedical.com/pros-cons-semaglutide-for-weight-loss/

11. Merative. Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Published April 1, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730?p=1

12. Garone S, Gilden A. Semaglutide Weight Loss Drugs: Pros, Cons, and Considerations. Everyday Health. Published June 30, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/here-is-when-doctors-say-to-consider-a-weight-loss-drug-like-ozempic/

13. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Semaglutide for Managing Overweight and Obesity.; 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875/resources/semaglutide-for-managing-overweight-and-obesity-pdf-82613674831813

14. Hullett A, Ngo P. How to Get Semaglutide: Eligibility, Cost, Insurance, and More. Healthline. Published June 21, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-semaglutide

15. Vuskovich T. How to get semaglutide for weight loss: key points to know - Blog | Everlywell: Home Health Testing Made Easy. Everlywell. Published February 7, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.everlywell.com/blog/weight-management/how-to-get-semaglutide/

16. Lupkin S. Thinking of buying Wegovy online. Here’s what to know about compounding pharmacies. Shots Health News From NPR. Published June 7, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/06/07/g-s1-3331/wegovy-online-compound-semaglutide-compounding-pharmacies.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner isnot responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the useof any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

‌Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medicationsfor safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluationare required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your ownrisk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequencesresulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

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