For many years medication to help manage weight has had a bad reputation. From poor results and concerning side effects its not hard to understand why. But a recently FDA approved wonder drug called Semaglutide has experts changing their mind – fast!
With rising obesity issues around the globe new drug treatments have been urgently needed to help curb this alarming trend. Semaglutide is not a new drug, its been on the market since 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Recent studies has shown its an effective weight loss management tool and is now available to those with a BMI over 27.1
Rising Trend Puts Pressure On Healthcare
With a huge 73.6% of Americans aged over 20 considered overweight the nation is putting unnecessary pressure on its healthcare system.2 Thankfully the active ingredient Semaglutide (or commonly sold as Wegovy in the USA) is changing this trajectory.
Drug Trial Surprises With 20% Weight Reduction Results
Before applying for the FDA approval the manufacturer ran studies to prove its effectiveness in various categories. One of the studies involved 2,000 obese participants who were administered 2.4mg of Semaglutide weekly in addition to a diet and exercise program. The surprising results came in that participants who received a Semaglutide injection over the placebo lost significantly more weight.3
With half of the study losing over 15% of their total body weight and an astonishing one third of the participants losing 20% of their bodyweight. Mind you the placebo group lost only 2.4% of their starting weight. Its safe to understand why experts are very intrigued to this new wonder drug and its ability to change peoples overall health.
What Was Semaglutide’s Original Purpose?
Semaglutide was originally made for Type 2 Diabetes but advancements in understanding has shown its ability for multiple purposes.
How To Use Semaglutide
To receive Semaglutide from a doctor as a prescription patients will require to have a (BMI) or body mass index greater than or equal to 30 or a BMI of 27 with at least one of the following issues: high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure. Once the prescription is received dosage will begin at a lower rate to ease any oncoming of side effects like gastronomical issues. Semaglutide is taken once a week via an injection and in the first four weeks of treatment a 0.25 milligram dose (0.25mg) is injected under the skin. As the treatment continues your doctor may prescribe up to 2.4mg a dose but may not continue this high if weight loss is happening at a successful rate.
The Cost Of Semaglutide?
Being a relatively modern drug it can be expensive if not covered by government subsidies. Without a prescription it can cost upwards of $1300 and can be obtained at a pharmacy. If you received a prescription from your doctor and in the eligible requirements for this drug you can be granted huge savings and receive the medication for maybe as low as $25.
Can You Purchase A Prescription Online?
Some approved online pharmacies may be able to approve your prescription online. Such manufacturers as Wegovy can be found at some online pharmacies.
Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity
If weight is not managed in ones life it can cause great concern for health risks in many areas. Obesity is a growing issue in North America (and around the world!) so its important to understand the implications of living overweight.
Type 2 Diabetes: When blood glucose levels (or blood sugar) become too high it can cause a disease known as Type 2 Diabetes. An estimated 8 out of 10 people with Type 2 Diabetes are also overweight.4 When left untreated this disease can lead into many other health related issues such as kidney, liver, heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and other health issues.
Stroke: This health condition is when the bodies blood supply is shut off to the brain causing major health damage. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke which is extremely common in overweight individuals.
Osteoarthritis: This condition is a long lasting health problem that can causes swelling, pain and reduced motion in your movement from the joints. Being obese is believed to raise your risk of getting osteoarthritis as the additional weight is putting pressure on joints and cartilage.
How Safe Is Semaglutide?
With rigorous testing and clinical trials the drug has been approved by the FDA. Such studies include:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03819153
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29756388/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1607141
Are There Any Recorded Side Effects?
This medication can have some side effects however they’re generally mild and do not require further medical treatment. Noted mild side effects from previous trials include:
– Constipation or Diarrhea
– Headaches
– Nausea
– Bloating, Indigestion or Gas
If you experience any of the following rarer symptoms it is recommended to contact your doctor:
– Vomiting and Stomach Pain
– Inability to Eat Food or Drink Liquids
– Fevers
– Burning sensation in the body (chest or stomach specifically)
– Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Is Semaglutide Right For Me?
If you find yourself in the appropriate BMI category of 30 or 27 with a health related issue such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes then this medication certainly is a viable option for you. Leaving obesity and weight issues for long periods of time can lead to detrimental health conditions. Considering the clinical studies and results found and with the FDA approval of Semaglutide this drug can be a very beneficial aid in helping weight loss.
References:
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/health-risks
