Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, semaglutide mimics a natural hormone that plays a key role in controlling blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. This medication has also gained widespread attention for its ability to help adults lose excess weight by reducing hunger and cravings—making it a popular choice in the fight against obesity.
With the increased use of semaglutide, does it remain a safe and effective option for weight loss?
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by targeting the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor, a hormone involved in appetite regulation and digestion.
Semaglutide works by stimulating a receptor that increases insulin production, lowers glucagon levels (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slows down how quickly the stomach empties. These combined effects help reduce hunger and calorie intake, leading to weight loss.
Because the medication helps to lower blood sugar levels, it offers protection against and can help treat both diabetes and obesity.
Types of Semaglutide Medications
There are currently three FDA-approved semaglutide products. All three medications are only available with a prescription, and there are no approved generic versions at this time.
The three types include:
- Ozempic injections and Rybelsus tablets: These two medications are approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.
- Wegovy injections: This is approved to help treat obesity and support weight loss.
Potential Side Effects of Semaglutide
While semaglutide is considered generally safe for adults and children over 12 and has been celebrated for its ability to help with weight management and metabolic health, there are some potential interactions and side effects to keep in mind. Semaglutide medications are contraindicated in people with a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) or medullary thyroid cancer, and are generally not recommended for those with diabetic retinopathy.
Side effects that some people using semaglutide experience include:
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, burping and stomach pains
Less often, the following more serious side effects can also occur:
- Fatigue
- Rash and itching
- Swelling of the legs and hands
- Vision changes
- Fainting or dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Higher risk for pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Hypoglycemia (especially when combined with other diabetes medications)
- Possible risk of increased heart rate and thyroid tumors, including cancer (a warning required by the FDA)
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away and get emergency medical treatment if the symptoms become severe.
Semaglutide Dosage
The dosage of semaglutide for weight loss typically starts low and is gradually increased over the course of several months (such as every four weeks) to minimize side effects and enhance tolerability.
The exact dosage and regimen are determined by a healthcare provider based on someone’s needs and responses to treatment.
In most cases, semaglutide is injected once per week, typically on the same day each week at any time of day, regardless of meal timing.
Where to Get Semaglutide
Semaglutide should be prescribed by a healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific health needs and medical history. It’s typically available through pharmacies, and it’s important to obtain the medication with a legitimate prescription to ensure the correct dosage and monitor any potential side effects.
Consulting with a weight loss specialist, such as a bariatric surgeon or endocrinologist, is the best way to make sure you’re using semaglutide safely and receiving proper follow-up care.
Risks of Buying Weight Loss Drugs Online and Self-Injecting
Misuse or incorrect administration of semaglutide can lead to serious health risks.
While some people choose to purchase weight loss medications online and self-administer injections, this can be dangerous due to drugs online being counterfeit, contaminated or expired.
Self-injecting without medical supervision can also increase the risk of infection, incorrect dosing and the possibility of severe allergic reactions. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider who specializes in weight loss to obtain medications from reputable sources and avoid these risks.
At the Stony Brook Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center, our focus is on providing comprehensive weight management solutions tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Our center offers a range of services, including medical weight management programs to surgical options, ensuring that every patient receives the support necessary to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
