Also known by its marketed names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelus, Semaglutide is a medication that took the fat loss space by storm since it’s a new and very effective treatment for obesity, but how does it work and should you use it?
In this article, we’ll discuss how Semaglutide works its magic in your body, the health benefits (and side effects) you may experience while taking this medication, its history and popularity, and whether it’s worth considering for weight management purposes.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an extremely popular 31 amino acid-chain peptide belonging to the class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (which we’ll explain later).
This peptide-based medication is used to treat individuals with type-2 diabetes mellitus and for weight loss for individuals who are having a hard time losing weight through regular diet and exercise alone.
Semaglutide has been proven to be generally safe and effective and can be self-administered weekly via subcutaneous injection once a week thanks to its 7-day long half-life.
How Semaglutide Works
Before we proceed with how Semaglutide works, let’s address these terms first to understand the next paragraphs better – glucagon-like peptide-1 and receptor agonist.
- glucagon-like peptide-1 – GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the intestines. This hormone regulates our appetite and food intake and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- receptor agonist – receptors are proteins in your cell that receive “signals”, and an agonist is a molecule that binds to the receptor to cause a physiological response as well as stop anything else from binding to that receptor.
Now, Semaglutide works by “mimicking” and activating the GLP-1 receptors in your body to slow gastric emptying, stimulate insulin production in the pancreas, reduce glucagon secretion (a hormone that increases blood sugar levels), and promote early satiety – a sense of fullness.
All of this results in overall lower blood sugar levels and helps in improving glycemic control.
While the primary purpose of GLP-1 receptor agonists is to help regulate your blood sugar levels, people have also been taking Semaglutide for weight loss since GLP-1 helps you suppress your appetite – leading you to eat less food and shed more weight when combined with proper diet and exercise.
Semaglutide Benefits
Insulin Sensitivity
Will semaglutide help with insulin resistance? While there is still relatively limited research, existing research suggests that Semaglutide can decrease insulin resistance as well as treat the many conditions brought by metabolic syndrome such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, certain cancers such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Semaglutide can also help with weight loss, as obesity and insulin resistance are closely linked together.
Appetite Regulation
According to a 2017 placebo-controlled trial, Semaglutide can promote healthier food choices through appetite regulation that may lead to feeling full for longer, lower energy intake, less food cravings, better eating habits, and lower preference for fatty, energy-dense food choices – making it easier to stick to a healthy diet plan.
Weight Loss
Aside from testimonies, plenty of evidence suggests that semaglutide, when combined with a diet and exercise program, can lead to significant weight loss.
According to the results of a 2021 clinical trial, semaglutide contributed to significant weight loss over the following weeks, provided that the participants were consistent with their diet and exercise.
In another study, 1961 obese adults were randomly assigned into two groups in a 2:1 ratio. After 68 weeks, the study found that half of the participants who received weekly semaglutide injections lost around 15% of their body weight compared to the placebo group who only underwent lifestyle changes and lost 2.4%.
Side Effects
While versions of Semaglutide are FDA-approved and have undergone numerous clinical trials to test its safety, there are still some mild side effects to look out for when using it. People using semaglutide may experience the following:
- Gastrointestinal issues – nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gassiness, vomiting, heartburn, and distension (bloating). can be remedied by eating small meals containing low-fat foods and beginning on a lower dosage.
- Sagging skin due to rapid weight loss, also generally known as “Ozempic Face” and “Ozempic Butt.”
- Possible muscle loss due to less caloric intake
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue – can be remedied by lowering the dosage
However, these side effects occur because in simpler terms – Semaglutide works by slowing down your digestion and that’s how it makes you feel satiated.
Take Ronda’s case for example (found this in a Facebook Group I’m in), she experienced side effects such as vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and headaches while taking Semaglutide.
Ronda, we know it’s a bit late, but if you’re seeing this you can tone down the nausea by eating smaller meals in more increments and avoiding the urge to eat sugary, fried, and fatty foods!
After this, you’ll probably keep the weight you have lost since Semaglutide can promote better eating habits.
Although very rare, serious side effects from semaglutide usage may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Increased gallbladder disease risk
- Increased thyroid cancer risk
- Hypoglycemia (if you’re taking other medications that also lower blood sugar levels)
- Kidney complications
- Allergic reactions (i.e., skin rash, swelling, and/or breathing difficulties)
To avoid any complications before you start using Semaglutide, we highly recommend discussing this with your attending physician. It’s important to list any allergies you may have, provide your personal and family medical history, and disclose any supplements or other prescription drugs you are currently taking.
This way, you reduce the risk of any adverse drug interactions and/or side effects as much as possible. If these issues do happen, talk to your physician right away.
Stacking Semaglutide With Other Peptides
Peptide stacking means combining certain research peptides together in a single treatment for better and faster results. Researchers do this because for one peptide stacks can intensify or even synergize the effects of each peptide.
If you’re interested in trying out peptide stacking for research, Semaglutide stacks well with AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Peptide) since their effects complement each other.
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (HGH) and is proven to help boost metabolism and accelerate fat burning. AOD was once FDA-approved but was recently placed in the FDA’s Category 2 list.
Note: Peptides may not always produce identical results as everybody is not the same. If Semaglutide works for your friend, it may not necessarily prove effective for you.
To achieve the best results, we recommend tracking your response to Semaglutide and discussing it with your physician. With their guidance, adjust dosage as needed and stop taking the peptide altogether if you experience some adverse side effects.
History of Semaglutide
In 2012, Jesper Lau, alongside a team of researchers and scientists at Novo Nordisk, successfully developed Semaglutide and branded it as “Ozempic” as an alternative to Liraglutide, even though clinical trials for the peptide had started four years prior.
Fast forward to 2022, a review found that Semaglutide, alongside Tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro), was so effective compared to previous anti-obesity drugs that it garnered approval from the FDA the following year.
Now, how popular was Semaglutide in terms of its weight loss effects? Very popular.
It became so accessible to both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals that it led to a drug shortage due to its rising popularity. To keep up with demand, some pharmacies began to compound the medication in response.
Celebrities That Use Semaglutide
According to information on Business Insider and Page Six, there are several celebrities and influential figures who have used Semaglutide. Some of them are the following:
- Amy Schumer – took Ozempic, but stopped since it made her sick.
- Tracy Morgan – takes Ozempic injections every Thursday.
- Chelsea Handler – unconsciously took Ozempic shots, but stopped taking the medication.
- Boris John – The former prime minister reportedly felt ill after taking Semaglutide.
- Dolores Catania – took Mounjaro to slim down for a taping
- Charles Barkley – took Mounjaro and lost 62 pounds in six months
- Whoopi Goldberg – took Mounjaro after her weight reached nearly 300 pounds
- Rosie O’Donnell – took Mounjaro to facilitate better eating habits and lost 10 pounds.
- Elon Musk – took Wegovy to help him get “fit, ripped, and healthy.”
Verdict: Is It Worth Using Semaglutide?
Semaglutide has been proven to be effective for weight loss and managing type-2 diabetes mellitus.
If you’re struggling with weight management even with proper diet and exercise, Semaglutide may prove to be an invaluable best friend in your weight loss journey.
However, nothing beats professional advice. If you’re keen on pushing through with Semaglutide, we recommend discussing this with your attending physician to assess its risk-benefit ratio and determine if it is a suitable medication for you.
FAQ
| Are Semaglutide and Ozempic the same? Ozempic is only the brand-name medication for Semaglutide – an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). |
| Can Semaglutide cause cancer? It’s hard to say since semaglutide may be only one of the many contributing factors that increase or decrease the risk of developing cancer. According to MedlinePlus, laboratory animals who were given semaglutide developed thyroid tumors. There is mixed evidence for humans. A 2022 study found that extended semaglutide use (1-3 years) was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, a recent 2023 research review didn’t find any association between semaglutide and higher cancer risks. The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee also concluded that there’s no definitive link between GLP-1 agonists and thyroid cancer. |
| Who should not take Semaglutide? While Semaglutide is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and helps people who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone, avoid Semaglutide if you have the following condition(s): Personal or family history of either or all of the following: pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney disease, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)Diabetic retinopathyHigh blood triglyceride levelsAny digestive disordersAllergic to semaglutideAre pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding |
| Why does semaglutide make you tired? There’s no research available at the time as to why Semaglutide can make you tired. However, one probable reason for this is its appetite-suppressant properties. Thanks to Semaglutide making you eat less food, you may have lower energy intake levels – making you feel more tired than usual when you first start taking it. According to a 2022 study involving 175 overweight patients, 6.3% (11 patients) experienced fatigue when taking Semaglutide. |
| Can Semaglutide cause hair loss? There are reported cases in which Semaglutide can cause hair loss, although rare. According to a clinical trial for Wegovy, around 3% of people reported hair loss. In another clinical trial for Tirzepatide, around 6% of people taking the highest dose also reported hair loss. A probable theory for this side effect would be telogen effluvium – a side effect commonly associated with rapid weight loss. When the body experiences caloric restriction (weight loss) the body halts nutrient transfer in non-essential functions like hair growth in favor of essential functions such as the brain and organs. |
| Are Semaglutide injections safe? Yes, Semaglutide injections are FDA-approved. |
| Where to buy Semaglutide?Semaglutide medications need a prescription. Once you get a hold of one, you can buy them through online stores or at your local pharmacy. However, as Ozempic costs $915 per injection pen (without insurance) and Wegovy is still listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list, you’ll have to source your Semaglutide off-label. Since you’re looking for off-brand Semaglutide, we highly recommend looking for a store that offers third-party testing so you’re sure that you’re getting the real thing. Some stores that come into mind would be Unchained Compounds and Triggered Brand – I bought my BPC-157 and MK-677 bundle here. |
