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Semaglutide: The Pros and Cons of This Medicine
Semaglutide, known under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is a drug first marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This molecule is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist and should be used as a complement to lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and increased physical activity. By acting on GLP-1 receptors in the central nervous system, semaglutide activates anorectic signaling and exerts an appetite-regulating effect.
Diabetes and Body Weight
In a meta-analysis, subcutaneous semaglutide demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing glycated hemoglobin when compared to other antidiabetic drugs, without increasing the rate of hypoglycemia. Greater weight loss is also observed with semaglutide when compared to a placebo. This weight loss appears to be greater in women than in men. However, a randomised study demonstrated that one year after stopping weekly semaglutide and lifestyle modification interventions, participants had regained two-thirds of the lost weight.
Cardiovascular Health
Beneficial effects have also been studied in overweight or obese non-diabetic individuals. For example, according to a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, therapies with GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced cardiovascular events and improved cardiometabolic parameters. A slight decrease in LDL and total cholesterol was reported, with no significant effect on triglycerides, VLDL, or HDL cholesterol. A positive effect was also observed on systolic blood pressure.
Other Positive Effects
Research has also explored other promising effects of semaglutide. Like other antidiabetic drugs such as metformin and insulin, this molecule has shown benefits in terms of fracture risk for people living with type 2 diabetes.
Although studies on the subject are limited, GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve depressive or neurocognitive disorders by being positively associated with neurogenesis. A mixed-method study analysed online discussions and showed potential for reducing cravings for substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and sweets.
Author
A University of Montreal graduate and holding a Master's Degree in Medical Research from Griffith University in Australia, Tracy is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ). She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS. With more than 15 years of experience, she likes to share her knowledge about food in a simple and illustrated way in order to support you in achieving your health goals. Her approach combines the pleasure of eating, intuitive eating and mindfulness. Tracy specializes in adapted nutrition for chronic diseases, weight loss, gastrointestinal health, vegetarianism and veganism.
The point about regaining weight after stopping is something more people need to hear. Its not a permanent fix on its own. For anyone serious about fat elimination, knowing when to take semaglutide shot really matters too. Taking it on the same day each week helps your body stay in a steady rhythm and makes the appetite control more consistent. The cardiovascular benefits are also underrated in most conversations about this drug. People focus only on the scale but the heart health side of things is a big deal for a lot of patients starting this medication.