Semaglutide Weight Loss in Lawrenceville, GA
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Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone released from the intestine after eating. This hormone prompts the beta-cells in the pancreas to release insulin, lowering blood glucose levels. Additionally, it influences areas of the central nervous system to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Semaglutide is FDA-approved in different forms to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, often used as an injection alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide Medications
Semaglutide is available under the Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, according to Aleem Kanji, MD, an endocrinologist specializing in obesity medicine at Ethos Endocrinology in Houston, Texas. Currently, there is no generic form of these medications.
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Ozempic (injection) is FDA-approved to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The weekly dosage ranges from 0.25 mg to 2 mg.
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Rybelsus (tablet) is FDA-approved for reducing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, with daily doses ranging from 3 mg to 14 mg.
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Wegovy (injection) is FDA-approved for adults and children over 12 with obesity or weight-related conditions like high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure. The weekly dose ranges from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.
Although Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss, it is not FDA-approved specifically for treating obesity, according to Dr. Kanji.
"Semaglutide works very well for weight loss," shared Dr. Saunders. A 2021 phase 3 clinical trial revealed that individuals receiving 2.4 mg weekly injections of semaglutide experienced a mean weight loss of 14.9%, compared to 2.4% with placebo, over 68 weeks. This trial focused on people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. "This led to the FDA's approval in June 2021 of a once-weekly injectable semaglutide under the brand name Wegovy, for weight management in individuals with overweight and obesity who have at least one weight-related condition," added Dr. Kanji.
Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Is Semaglutide Effective for Weight Loss for People Without Diabetes?
"Semaglutide is FDA-approved as Wegovy for chronic weight management in individuals with or without diabetes," explains Dr. Saunders. She also notes that oral semaglutide is expected to receive FDA approval for chronic weight management soon, broadening its availability for those seeking effective weight loss solutions without diabetes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
"A suitable candidate for Ozempic is someone comfortable with weekly self-injections, has a history of type 2 diabetes, and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher," explains Dr. Saunders. Similarly, she notes that a good candidate for Rybelsus should also have type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 27 or more.
For Wegovy, candidates must be comfortable with weekly self-injections and have a BMI of 30 or above (with or without weight-related health issues) or a BMI of at least 27 with one or more weight-related conditions, such as high cholesterol or hypertension.
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