Overview of Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. More recently, a higher dose formulation called Wegovy was approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It helps people feel full sooner while eating, leading to reduced calorie intake and eventual weight loss.
Some key points about semaglutide weight loss treatment:
- On average, people lose 15-18% of their body weight over 16-20 months
- It's given as a weekly injection under the skin
- Common side effects are mild nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
- More significant weight loss than other obesity medications
- Used along with diet and exercise modifications