Semaglutide Injection For Weight Loss in People With Obesity

Obesity is a chronic problem and a public health challenge that has widespread implications for a person's health, psychology and quality of life. Recent studies have shown overweight populations to have a 22% higher mortality risk rate with an increased risk of diabetes, blood clots and heart disease. Despite diet and exercise being recognized as the cornerstone of weight management, sustaining weight loss is a challenging affair.

Because of this, clinical studies suggest pharmacotherapeutic interventions along with diet and exercise strategies to increase weight loss efficiency, especially in adults with a larger BMI. ( above 30 ). Semaglutide is one such that has been FDA-approved for long-term weight management in higher doses of 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg weekly.

What is Semaglutide

Semaglutide, available under the names of Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, is a glucagon- like peptide originally approved as an antidiabetic medication before researchers observed its weight loss characteristics in Type 2 Diabetics and, through clinical trials and research programs, confirmed its safety for weight loss subcutaneously.

Semaglutide works in people with diabetes by helping the pancreas secrete the right amount of insulin. The combination of increased insulin and reduced glucagon secretion delays gastric emptying and reduces hunger and food intake to promote weight loss. A study published by the New England Journalist of Medicine has shown a 2% reduction in body weight of the subjects within four weeks of taking medicine.

Is Semaglutide the correct treatment option for you

Semaglutide is the correct treatment option for you if

• You are not observing satisfactory weight loss in medication or exercises alone

• You have an increased BMI

• You can combine Semaglutide with dieting and exercising mechanisms to get longer, long-standing results.

Injections Semaglutide is the best treatment option for obesity.

Injections Semaglutide work well for non-diabetic obese individuals and start showing results in just four weeks. In addition to prescribing it for obese individuals, physicians highly recommend it for people with an increased BMI greater than 30. They even advise it for people with a BMI greater than 27 accompanied by weight-related medical problems like Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure not responding to other weight loss treatment modalities.

What makes Semaglutide better than other subcutaneous weight loss injections is its function on abdominal and excess body fat without reducing the lean mass to help achieve a well-toned body. In a study conducted on 140 participants with a BMI <=40 kg/m2, Weight loss with semaglutide resulted in reductions from baseline in total fat mass of 19.3% and regional visceral fat mass of 27.4%, leading to 3.5% and 2.0%-reductions in the proportions of total fat mass and visceral fat mass, respectively. Total lean body mass decreased from baseline by 9.7% with semaglutide. Relative to total body mass, lean body mass increased by 3%, adding to its cosmetic benefits.

What do more extensive clinical studies say about using Semaglutide for obesity?

Studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Semaglutide injections for weight loss have observed improvement in weight without any significant side effects other than gastrointestinal problems accompanying it.

The first of the four randomized controlled trials included 1961 non-diabetic patients weighing between 96 to 105 kgs. These subjects were treated with 2.4 mg of subcutaneous Semaglutide injections weekly combined with other lifestyle interventions like diet, counselling and exercise/physical activity.

The results evaluated after 68 weeks showed a mean weight loss of 15 kg in subjects using subcutaneous Semaglutide compared to a 3kg weight loss observed in placebo groups. Side Effects mainly consisted of gastrointestinal effects more significant in the semaglutide group than in placebo groups. But they were of a mild to moderate nature, and only 7% of subjects discontinued the injections because of them.

Similar results were obtained in the second random controlled trial with a smaller group of 611 subjects. Other trials in which the Semaglutide was administered at a reduced strength of 10mg showed a 7% reduction in weight loss by the end of 68 weeks compared to a 10% reduction observed in those administered 2.4mg Semaglutide subcutaneously. The adverse reactions were similar irrespective of dose strength.

On reducing the time limit of usage from 68 to 20 weeks and substituting Semaglutide for placebo drugs, the participants observed a weight gain instead.

Overall results of the studies proved that Semaglutide injections needed to be taken in 2.4mg strengths for at least 68 weeks to observe visible weight loss and combined with physical activity and dieting. Besides weight loss, Semaglutide improved the quality of life in almost 40%-50% of the participants compared to the 30% improvement observed in placebo subjects. Decreasing the dose or the duration of usage mitigated the resulting effectiveness considerably.

Who should not use Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide injections should be avoided in the following group of people.

• In people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or those undergoing treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis( a condition when the body produces excess blood acids resulting in complications of frequent urination, weakness, abdominal pain and confusion ).

• In children or younger adults below 18, the safety of Semaglutide hasn't been evaluated.

• Patients undergoing treatment or a family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma ( a thyroid cancer) or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome ( inherited endocrine system disorders).

• In pregnant or breastfeeding women, it can damage the foetus or impact the infant's health.

Semaglutide and Exercise

Exercise is an important part of any weight-loss journey and is essential for maintaining long- term results. When taking Semaglutide injections, however, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your safety during exercise. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning. Some injections can cause low blood sugar and increased levels of triglycerides in your bloodstream. You should also start slow. Then gradually build up the intensity, frequency, and duration of your workouts. Pay attention to how your body is reacting. Schedule breaks as needed. And if you experience nausea or dizziness, stop exercise immediately and contact a medical professional for advice. All you need is the right precautions and caution during exercise. That said, Semaglutide injections can be just as effective a tool for weight loss when used alongside an active lifestyle.

Conclusion

Clinical trials have proved the effectiveness of Semaglutide as a weight loss aid in obese individuals and ensured its safety and efficacy. Semaglutide injection aids in cutting down on body fat and help eliminate adipose fat that is difficult to shed with normal weight loss practices. They even help increase lean mass and impart the appearance of a toned body. But using them must be done in guidance with the physician's treatment plan to avoid adverse reactions and side effects from using them. Most importantly, Semaglutide injections must be combined with diet and exercise to get the best results in the required time.