Semaglutide -Good , bad and Ugly

Lets talk briefly about modern day drug for weight loss which is taking US by storm -Semaglutide or as I say "Vitamin S". 

I have been using Semaglutide (mostly in Ozempic formulation) for last 3 years on my refractory clients or clients who were not able to tolerate other medications. 

Semaglutide is a medication that is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and obesity (Wagovy). It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. Here are some of the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of semaglutide:

Good:

• Semaglutide has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• It may also have cardiovascular benefits, as some studies have shown a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in people taking Semaglutide.
• Semaglutide is administered once a week, which may be more convenient for some people compared to other medications that require daily dosing.

Bad:

• Semaglutide can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
• It may also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.
• Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, as it may increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Ugly:

• There are some concerns about the long-term safety of semaglutide, as it has not been studied in large populations over extended periods of time.
• Semaglutide can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans, which could limit access for some people.
• Research has shown that people may experience weight gain after stopping semaglutide. This is likely due to the fact that Semaglutide helps to regulate appetite and promote weight loss, and when the medication is discontinued, those effects may be reversed. One study found that people who stopped taking semaglutide regained an average of 5.7 pounds over a 16-week period.It is important to note that weight gain after stopping Semaglutide is not inevitable and can be mitigated through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Additionally, some people may choose to continue taking Semaglutide or switch to a different medication to help maintain weight loss.

Weight loss and fat loss are two different concepts.

 Weight loss refers to the overall reduction of a person's body weight, which can come from a loss of muscle, water, and fat. Fat loss, on the other hand, is specifically the loss of body fat.

It is important to understand the difference between weight loss and fat loss because losing weight does not necessarily mean that a person is losing fat. For example, a person may lose weight due to a reduction in muscle mass, which can negatively impact their metabolism and overall health. On the other hand, fat loss can lead to improvements in body composition and overall health.

There are several ways to measure body fat and track fat loss, including body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dexa Scan. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best method for measuring body fat and tracking progress towards fat loss goals. and whether Semaglutude is an option for you. 

Please email / call Excel Medicine if you have questions regarding weight / Fat Loss with Semaglutide.