Semaglutide Wegov Ozempic Weight loss

Are you suffering from obesity and seeking proper medication treatment for weight loss? Then you are at the right place. Semaglutide is sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. It is an anti-diabetic medication that was approved by the FDA in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults.

Semaglutide had been reported to cause 15 to 18% weight loss during clinical trials before it was approved by the FDA as an official weight loss medication. So, is semaglutide safe for weight loss, and how should you use it?

In this blog, we will discuss everything about how semaglutide works for weight loss, how to use the drug, does it have any potential side effects in weight loss management, and more. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Semaglutide is a prescription-based medication used in combination with lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, which was initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Semaglutide is available in both oral and injectable formulations. It is also used to treat other conditions, for example:

• It is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in patients with heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
• Semaglutide is used in the long-term management of weight loss.

Semaglutide helps manage weight with the same mechanism as it works for treating diabetes type-2. Semaglutide helps in weight loss by increasing the amount of insulin produced by our pancreas. This results in increased metabolism of fats from the food we eat. Additionally, the drug also reduces the amount of glucagon produced by the liver. These combined effects result in reduced hunger, and stimulated energy levels, ultimately leading to weight loss.

Semaglutide is safe for weight loss in obese or overweight individuals with a BMI equal to or greater than 27 kg/m2. Similar to any other chronic illness, it requires long-term therapy and lifestyle modifications to be effective.

Studies show that Semaglutide has been associated with mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal disturbances, and no unexpected safety issues have arisen up till now. Moreover, Semaglutide has fewer side effects compared to many other weight loss medications.

However, it is important to note that weight loss with Semaglutide may be temporary; hence it is crucial to continue a healthy diet and exercise routine with Semaglutide for long-term results.

Semaglutide has been shown to have the following 5 effects or benefits in chronic weight loss management:

Semaglutide is given in combination with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight control and management in adults having a BMI of greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition. For example, dyslipidemia, type-2 diabetes, or hypertension.

Semaglutide is given once a week through a subcutaneous SC (under the skin) injection route.

Initially, the drug is given at a low dose, which is gradually increased to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week through subcutaneous injection to minimize adverse reactions in the gastrointestinal tract.

The dosage schedule of Semaglutide for weight loss is as follows:

• From week 1 to week 4, Semaglutide is administered at 0.25 mg per week subcutaneously.
• From week 5 to week 8, Semaglutide is given 0.5 mg once a week subcutaneously.
• From week 9 to week 12, Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously at 1 mg once a week.
• From week 13 to week 16, Semaglutide is given 1.7 mg subcutaneously once per week.
• From week 17 and onwards, a maintenance dose of Semaglutide is given at 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly.

Wegovy and Ozempic medication are the brands of Semaglutide that contain the same active ingredient, i.e., Semaglutide. So, do these drugs have similar effects, or are there any differences? In this section, we have discussed the comparison of Wegovy and Ozempic in detail.

In 2017, Semaglutide injection was first approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. In 2021, FDA approved Semaglutide for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. However, doctors prescribe both Semaglutide and Wegovy for weight loss management.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy weight loss are prescription medications indicated for people with a BMI of at least 27 or higher.

Semaglutide and Ozempic both belong to the class of drug GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists). The differences between Ozempic and Wegovy include:

• Wegovy is available in slightly higher doses than Ozempic. The strengths of Semaglutide in Wegovy are 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg, 0.5 mg, and 0.25 mg pens. In comparison, the strengths of Semaglutide in Ozempic include 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1.0 mg pens. Hence, Wegovy contains a higher dose of Semaglutide than Ozempic.

• Another difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is that Ozempic was originally developed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, while Wegovy was developed particularly for treating obesity. However, both drugs can be used for treating chronic obesity with necessary lifestyle changes.

• Ozempic weight loss is an off-label use, while it is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

The side effects of semaglutide mostly go away within a few weeks of using the medication as your body gets used to the drug. But if the side effects become severe or persist even after a few weeks, consult your doctor and pharmacist.

Since, Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active compound, i.e., Semaglutide, the possible wegovy side effects and side effects of Ozempic are the same. The most common ones include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The common semaglutide side effects include:

• Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Constipation
• Gaseous stomach pain, discomfort, or fullness.
• Redness at the injection site
• Fever
• Heartburn