Semaglutide is an FDA-approved weight loss injection. By mimicking a hormone in the body, Semaglutide increases insulin secretion while slowing down how fast your stomach empties food. This suppresses your appetite, so you feel full longer, helping you eat less and lose weight. The drug was initially approved in 2017 at a lower dose to help control blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes. People taking Semaglutide for blood sugar control lose weight as an additional benefit. After studying a higher amount of the medication in people without Type 2 diabetes, the FDA approved Semaglutide for weight loss in qualified adults.

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1) that targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. Your digestive tract releases this incretin hormone after you’ve eaten a meal, lowering your blood sugar by triggering insulin release to block sugar production. Doing so helps you eat less and lose one to two pounds per week. And while a reduced-calorie meal plan increases the rate at which you lose and keep off weight, dieting is not required to lose weight on Semaglutide.

To determine whether you are a good candidate for weight loss with Semaglutide injections, Dr. Schwartz will assess the extent of your being overweight. Adults can use Semaglutide with a body mass index (or BMI) greater than or equal to 30. Alternatively, you may be a candidate for Semaglutide weight loss if your BMI is 27 and you have at least one of the following weight-related conditions: • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Type 2 diabetes Semaglutide should be combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. However, these measures are not necessary to lose weight with Semaglutide injections.

The FDA studied Semaglutide’s safety and efficacy in four 68-week trials. Individuals who received the injections safely lost 6.2% of their initial body weight compared to those who received a placebo. However, it is essential to be aware of reported side effects when determining whether Semaglutide weight loss injections suit your weight loss journey. Gastrointestinal (or GI) side effects are most common when taking this medication, especially after increasing your dose. The most common side effects include the following: • Nausea • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Constipation • Stomach pain • Headache • Fatigue • Indigestion • Dizziness • Bloating • Burping