Trying to lose weight is an uphill journey. Diet plans, exercises, and supplements; all these options are very promising, but do not always give results. When that happens, people often start exploring medical options for effectiveness. One such effective option that has been attracting a lot of attention lately is “semaglutide”.
Originally prescribed for diabetes, semaglutide is now being used for weight loss. Many people have also reported impressive transformations. But does it actually work? Should you be really considering semaglutide for weight loss? Stick around, this blog answers it all for you.
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), semaglutide is an injectable drug originally developed to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Semaglutide, in the medical context, is known as a ‘glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist’. It means that the semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that controls blood sugar and appetite in the body. A lot of studies and clinical trials have been very successful in using the drug to lose weight. Later, in 2021, the FDA finally approved the use of semaglutide as an anti-obesity medication. However, the approval came with one condition. This medication can only be prescribed for weight loss under the brand names “Wegovy” and “Ozempic”.
This kind of GLP-1 medication primarily works by slowing the process of breaking down food as well as by controlling your hunger. It subsides your urge to eat more by giving you a feeling of fullness sooner than your usual. The medication has also shown some notable effects in obese individuals when used together with exercise and a strict diet.
Semaglutide Compatibility: Are You Eligible?
According to UCLA Health, not everyone is medically eligible to take semaglutide for weight loss. Refer to the following points to check your compatibility for taking this drug.
- If you have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30kg/m² or above.
- If you have a BMI of at least 27kg/m² or above and at the same time have either one of these three weight-related conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (BP) or higher levels of cholesterol.
Is Semaglutide Safe for Everyone?
Straight answer to this is – NO. It is true that semaglutide has shown great results for weight loss, but it is not safe for everyone. If you have tried all the other alternatives and now wish to take this drug, the first step should be to consult a doctor. A medical expert will check your body’s compatibility to take it. People with existing health issues or those who are taking some other prescription-based medicines may not be eligible candidates. The following category of individuals should avoid taking semaglutide for weight loss:
- Anyone with a history of pancreatitis
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those taking insulin or other blood sugar medications
- Individuals with kidney or gallbladder issues
- People with a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
- Anyone who has been diagnosed with depression
- Those diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Individuals planning to undergo surgery
- People with known allergies to semaglutide
Side Effects of Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Medicines surely can cause side effects, but it is not necessary that everyone experiences them. Wegovy also has certain side effects. Although the intensity of these side effects may vary from person to person. People taking semaglutide for weight loss may experience the following side effects.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
| Heartburn | Allergic reactions – such as itching, hives, rashes, etc. |
| Nausea | Recurring fever and bad throat |
| Diarrhoea and vomiting | Irregularity in heartbeat |
| Headache and dizziness | Dark or decreased urination |
| Constipation | Consistent mood swings and depression |
| Stomach ache | Blurred vision |
| Bloating | Swelling on the face, tongue, hands, throat, feet, or sexual organs |
| Gaseous stomach | Pancreatitis |
| Note: All the above side effects are some of the commonly reported symptoms in patients. Reach out to a medical expert immediately if these symptoms are causing discomfort. | Note: Some people may observe these serious side effects. In that case, it is advisable to immediately get in touch with a doctor. |
Dosage of Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss
Semaglutide for weight loss can be a safe and effective part of a comprehensive weight loss strategy. The semaglutide dose for weight loss differs from patient to patient. It comes in a prefilled dosing pen as a liquid solution, which is injected under the skin. The initial step of a proper semaglutide weight loss program typically includes medical screening to ensure you don’t have existing issues. Once done, the process then involves injecting the dose once every week. This drug is mainly provided to the patients gradually over the weeks, ensuring that the individual experiences reduced or no side effects.
Starting Dose (in adults) – 0.25 mg, once a week for four weeks
Starting Dose (in children) – the dosage and period is decided by the doctor.
Once the initial dosage is complete, the doctor will assess your condition and then reduce or increase your semaglutide dose accordingly.
But what happens if you miss a semaglutide dose for weight loss? If it’s within five days, take it as soon as you remember or else you can skip it and stick to your schedule. It is advised to not double the dosage at any cost.
Let Kinetix Guide You in Your Weight Loss Journey!
Semaglutide, a once-weekly injection that curbs your hunger, can help you lose weight, but it works effectively when you implement certain physical and diet-related changes in your lifestyle. At Kinetix, we believe in personalized, doctor-supervised care that supports your entire weight loss and wellness journey. Our team of medical experts can guide you through the specially designed online semaglutide program, which helps you understand whether you really need to take this drug or not. They will assess your health profile and specific needs to decide if taking Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss is safe for your body or not. Choose the right treatment with Kinetix and get safe and long-lasting results.
Don’t wait, your healthier future starts here. Schedule your weight loss consultation today!
