Semaglutide has become an emerging weight loss tool for people struggling to lose weight. You’ve likely heard of its brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. 

These GLP-1 agonists have created a significant advantage in the world of metabolic health, promoting substantial weight loss results, even for those where the scale doesn’t seem to budge. 

But, what exactly is semaglutide, and what makes it an effective tool for weight loss? 

If you’ve thought about getting semaglutide to help you lose weight, but you are still unsure what exactly it is, we’ve got you covered. Here, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of semaglutide. 

We will explore how it works, its FDA-approved uses, and the current clinical evidence that supports its benefits. Additionally, we will cover the potential risks, side effects, administration methods, and who is the right candidate for this treatment. 

Remember that this is intended for educational purposes. It’s not meant to replace medical advice. So, if you believe that semaglutide is the right fit for you, talk with a healthcare provider or book a call with one of our medical professionals to guide you through the process. 

Semaglutide at a Glance (GLP-1 Agonist Overview)

Semaglutide is a medication that is classified as a GLP-1 agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1). It is typically prescribed to adults to help them manage type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management. 

The medication is typically sold under three primary brand names, each with specific uses and formulations: 

• Ozempic: It’s a weekly injection that is primarily used to control blood sugar levels in adults. 
• Wegovy: It offers a higher weekly dose injection and it’s mainly used for chronic weight management and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults. 
• Rybelsus: An oral tablet that is taken twice a day to help manage type 2 diabetes. 

At its core, semaglutide mimics the function of the natural gut hormone GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels and your appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide helps the body release more insulin when your blood sugar is high, reduces appetite, and slows down the rate at which your stomach empties. 

That is why many patients who start semaglutide often see improvements in their A1c levels and significant weight loss when it’s combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. 

Additionally, recent clinical evidence has shown powerful cardiovascular benefits. In fact, the FDA has updated Wegovy’s label to include the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in those with established cardiovascular disease who are also overweight or obese. This approval was based on the SELECT trial, which showed a nearly 20% reduction in cardiovascular events in people taking semaglutide. 

As you can see, just at a glance, semaglutide offers several health benefits, mainly in your blood sugar levels, heart health, and weight.

How Semaglutide Works (The GLP-1 Pathway)

As previously mentioned, semaglutide works since it activates GLP-1 receptors in key areas of the body. This mechanism influences several metabolic processes that often lead to better blood glucose management and weight loss.

So, how does semaglutide work in your body?

• The Brain: In the hypothalamus and brainstem, semalgutide helps reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. This directly impacts your appetite, making it easier to eat fewer calories, helping you reach a caloric deficit. 
• The Pancreas: The medication helps stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in a glucose-dependent manner. This means it only increases insulin production when your blood sugar levels are high (preventing the risk of low blood sugar levels). It also suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. 
• The GI Tract: Semaglutide can help slow down gastric emptying, which is the process by which food leaves the stomach. This delay contributes to a prolonged feeling of fullness after meals, which helps control your appetite. 

As you can see, there are several ways in which semaglutide can benefit your metabolic health, often leading to reduced blood sugar levels and weight loss. 

FDA-Approved Uses & Brand Names

You can find semaglutide under three different brand names. Each has different semaglutide uses that are approved by the FDA. 

Ozempic

Ozempic is a weekly injectable medication that is approved for adults who have type 2 diabetes. Its primary function is to help improve glycemic control by lowering A1c levels. In addition to helping manage blood sugar levels, it has also been shown that it can help improve heart health in certain people. 

Ozempic’s dose starts as low as 0.25 mg and is gradually titrated up to 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, or a maximum of 2.0 mg. Keep in mind that the increments are done gradually to improve tolerability and reduce the risk of side effects. 

Wegovy

Wegovy offers a higher weekly dose that is designed for chronic weight management. It is approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who meet specific obesity criteria. 

One of the biggest benefits of Wegovy is its ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults who have preexisting heart conditions. Regarding its dosage, it is titrated up to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week. 

Rybelsus

Rybelsus offers an oral alternative for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the first and only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. 

To ensure it’s absorbed properly, you must take it once a day on an empty stomach and with a small amount of water. Keep in mind that you need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other oral medications. 

Benefits: Weight, Metabolic, and Cardiovascular

Most people look at semaglutide for weight loss. And, while semaglutide does offer powerful weight loss benefits, there is more to this medication. 

Different clinical trials have consistently demonstrated the powerful benefits of semaglutide across different areas such as weight management, metabolic health, and cardiovascular health. Let’s take a closer look at each one. 

Weight Loss

The STEP-1 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that adults taking semaglutide (2.4 mg of Wegovy) combined with lifestyle changes achieved an average weight loss of approximately 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks. In contrast, those in the placebo group only lost about 2.4%. 

Sustained Weight Management

One of the great things about semaglutide is that the benefits continue with ongoing treatment. The STEP 4 trial, published in JAMA, showed that patients who continued therapy maintained and even extended their weight loss. However, those who stopped regained a significant portion of the weight they had lost. 

Reducing Cardiovascular Risk 

For people with established cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese but don’t have diabetes, semaglutide might be a powerful ally to help promote heart health. The SELECT trial showed that taking semaglutide (2.4 mg) reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by about 20%. 

Glycemic Control 

In patients with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has been shown to significantly improve A1c levels and promote weight loss compared to other diabetes medications. In fact, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines prioritize GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide for high-risk patients due to these dual benefits. 

Semalgutide Risks, Side Effects & Key Safety Warnings

While there are several benefits that semaglutide has to offer, it’s important to understand that it also comes with some risks and side effects (just like any other medication). Also, keep in mind that it should only be used under medical supervision. 

Boxed Warning: Semaglutide has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodent studies, it has been shown that semaglutide caused thyroid tumours. However, no studies have been made in humans. That is why those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid taking semaglutide. 

Common side effects are mainly gastrointestinal issues and include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain 

Keep in mind that these side effects you might see during the initial titration period and tend to reduce as you get used to the medication. 

Now, there are some serious warnings and potential risks for semaglutide. Some of these include: 

• Pancreatitis: Acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has been reported when taking semaglutide. If there is a suspected case of pancreatitis, it’s best to discontinue the medication and speak with a healthcare professional. 
• Gallbladder Disease: Problems like cholelithiasis (gallstones) and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) have been reported with semaglutide intake. 
• Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: In some trials involving people with type 2 diabetes, there have been some reports regarding diabetic retinopathy (eye complications).  
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar Levels): There is an increased risk for low blood sugar levels when taking semaltuide, especially when it’s combined with other medications that lower blood sugar levels (like insulin or sulfonylureas). 
• Other Warnings: The FDA has noted potential risks of acute kidney injury, increased heart rate, and suicidal ideation (with Wegovy).

Make sure you always read the full prescribing information and medication guide provided with your prescription. If you have any questions, our qualified medical professionals can provide guidance and explain the potential side effects associated with semaglutide. 

How to Take Semaglutide (Injection vs Oral)

You can find semaglutide as a weekly injection or a daily oral tablet. Each comes with specific administration instructions. 

Weekly Injections (Ozempic and Wegovy)

Ozempic and Wegovy are administered once a week via subcutaneous injection. To help reduce the risk of side effects, it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. However, your doctor should be the one who creates a personalized plan based on your goals and needs. 

It is important that you rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) with every dose that you take. And, never use two different GLP-1 receptor agonists at the same time. 

Oral Tablets (Rybelsus)

You need to take Rybelsus on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of water. Then, you must wait at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other oral medication. To achieve the best results, ensure you follow these guidelines, as they promote effective absorption. 

Recent data have shown promising developments when it comes to oral semaglutide. The SOUL trial reported that oral semalutide helped reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 14%, and a high-dose version (7.2 mg) can promote significant weight loss. 

Now, if you’d like a practical titration visual, check out our Semaglutide Dosage Chart. Alternatively, if you prefer a guided start, you can begin your evaluation today to receive a personalized plan. 

Who Is (and Isn’t) a Candidate?

Now, how do you know if you are the right candidate for semaglutide? It will all depend on the specific condition being treated, your overall health profile, and body mass index (BMI). 

Here is how you can determine semaglutide eligibility. 

Candidates for Wegovy

• Adults and adolescents (age 12+) who meet the BMI criteria for obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. 
• Adults who have established cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese (meant to reduce cardiovascular risk). 

Candidates for Ozempic or Rybelsus

• Adults with type two diabetes who need to improve their glycemic control, especially those who are also overweight or have cardiovascular risk factors. 

Who Should Not Take Semaglutide

• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 
• Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2 syndrome. 
• Patients with known hypersensitivity to semaglutide. 
• People with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease should proceed with caution. 

Remember, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if you are eligible or not to start taking semaglutide. 

How Fast Does Semaglutide Work?

The timeline for seeing results varies from person to person. Normally, effects on your blood sugar levels can happen within the first few weeks of getting your treatment, and they will continue to stabilize as the dose is titrated upward. 

Regarding weight loss, the results are more gradual. Most people begin to see a noticeable reduction in weight within the first 3 to 6 months. And, the weight loss curve typically continues to increase, often reaching peak results around the 12- to 15-month mark. 

Keep in mind that to achieve the best results, it’s essential to maintain good lifestyle habits. 

Compounded Semaglutide: What to Know (Safety & Legality)

When there is a shortage for a medication, compounded versions often become the solution. This was the case with compounded semaglutide. 

However, the FDA has issued a warning about the safety and legality of these compounded products. Some compounded versions may use different salt forms of semaglutide (like semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate), which are not the same as the active ingredient in the approved drugs. Additionally, they also carry a risk of dosing errors and contamination. 

Still, the compounded versions can offer some benefits to certain individuals, such as reduced pricing and a drug with additional components that provide further health benefits. 

If you are considering a compounded version, it is important to do it under strict healthcare professional oversight and from a reputable source that uses licensed compounded pharmacies. Our platform partners with licensed U.S. pharmacies and provides clinician-guided dosing to ensure your safety and reduce these risks. 

Begin Your Health Transformation

Semaglutide offers a way for people to manage their blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and promote weight loss. While the benefits are significant, it’s important to approach this treatment with a full understanding of its risks and guidance from a healthcare professional. 

If you believe that semaglutide could be right for you, book an appointment today to speak with one of our licensed healthcare professionals. They can guide you through the process and provide you with the best course of action. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is semaglutide the same as Wegovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient for all three medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus). However, each different brand name has specific indications, doses, and intended uses. 

Can adults with diabetes use semaglutide for weight loss?

Yes, in fact, Wegovy is specifically FDA-approved to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. It’s also approved to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with established CVD who are overweight or obese. 

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. However, these usually go away as your body gets used to the medication. 

Does semaglutide prevent heart attacks or strokes?

The SELECT trial demonstrated that weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) helped reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (like heart attacks and stroke) by approximately 20% in people with established cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese but without diabetes. 

Are there serious risks?

Yes, just like any other medication, semaglutide has some boxed warnings. There is a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumours. Additionally, there are other serious risks, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and complications of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

Injection vs. oral: What’s easier?

This depends on personal preference and lifestyle. Since injections are administered just once a week, it can be convenient. The oral tablet can be a better option for those who don’t like injections, but you do need to follow strict fasting rules. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which option would be best for you.