Description

semaglutide has gained considerable attention as an innovative drug for the treatment of obesity. This pharmacological agent, initially developed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, has shown promising results in weight loss, sparking interest and debate in medicine. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Semaglutide, its mechanism of action, benefits for weight loss, and side effects.

What is Semaglutide, and what is it used for?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist developed for treating type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is a hormone produced by the gut that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism: it increases insulin secretion and reduces glucagon production, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Due to its GLP-1 agonist action, Semaglutide also helps to slow gastric emptying and thus prolong the feeling of satiety after meals. This leads to reduced caloric intake and, consequently, weight loss.

Semiaglutide in the treatment of obesity

For this reason, Semaglutide has also recently been approved for the treatment of obesity due to its effects on weight loss. Several clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting significant weight loss in obese patients. In a 2021 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants treated with semaglutide lost an average of about 15 percent of their body weight, compared with a loss of 2.4 percent in the placebo group. The drug has been approved for treating obesity by major regulatory authorities, including the FDA in the United States and the EMA in Europe in June 2021 and January 2022, respectively.

Side effects and expert recommendations

Semaglutide has been a drug on the market for years, first approved by the FDA in 2018 and by the EMA in 2019 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, this drug has become the star of a weight loss fad, resulting in an exponential increase in demand. This has led some people to consider it a quick fix for losing weight by using it exclusively for cosmetic reasons. Still, it is an impactful molecule on the body that can only be taken under medical advice and monitoring.

Experts point out that taking Semaglutide alone does not necessarily result in weight loss if a healthy diet and lifestyle do not accompany it. In addition, in the majority of countries where its use for weight control has been approved, for it to be prescribed, the patient must have actual health problems related to his or her weight; the desire to lose weight is not enough.