If you've been diligently eating healthy and exercising, but the number on the scale refuses to budge, you may be wondering if adding semaglutide could finally be the key to losing those stubborn pounds.
This weekly injection has quickly become one of the most talked-about new weight loss aids on the market. However, beyond the buzz over its effectiveness for shedding fat, many people actually know very little else about this medication.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about semaglutide. We’ll talk about what it is, how it works in the body, and most importantly, whether or not it can truly lead to significant weight loss.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient behind some of the most talked-about medications today: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. While the FDA has approved these brand-name drugs for different purposes, they all utilize semaglutide to provide meaningful health benefits.
- Ozempic provides semaglutide via a weekly injection. It is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to enhance blood sugar control along with diet and exercise. Ozempic also lowers cardiovascular risks for those managing both diabetes and heart disease.
- Rybelsus contains semaglutide in a daily tablet, offering an option for those that don’t prefer needles. It can improve blood sugar levels when combined with lifestyle changes for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy is a weight-loss-focused semaglutide. This weekly injection is FDA-cleared for chronic weight management in obese adults and children over 12 years old. Overweight adults with at least one weight-related health issue can also use Wegovy. 1
While these medications are all FDA-approved for different conditions, doctors may prescribe any one of them off-label for weight management based on your medical history and symptoms. 2
Studies show semaglutide leads to significant health gains:
- Lower HbA1c: When combined with metformin, semaglutide can decrease HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by 1.5% to 1.8%, depending on the dose.
- Weight loss: Patients on semaglutide for one year lost an average of 8.4 to 10.4 pounds in clinical trials. 4
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide is an engineered form of the hormone GLP-1. 3 Naturally occurring GLP-1 has powerful effects on blood sugar and appetite regulation but only sticks around for a few minutes. 5 Semaglutide is designed to linger in the body for up to five weeks, providing extended benefits. 3
After you eat, semaglutide goes to work in three ways:
- It stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, allowing cells to absorb excess sugar from the bloodstream. This prevents blood sugar spikes.
- It inhibits the production of glucagon, a hormone that triggers the liver to release stored sugar into the blood. Less glucagon means less sugar flooding the bloodstream between meals.
- It slows stomach emptying so food is digested more gradually. This prolongs feelings of fullness and helps control portion sizes. 3
By imitating the helpful effects of GLP-1, semaglutide can get blood sugar under control. An added bonus is that the appetite-taming properties of this medication also lead to weight loss.
How Does Semaglutide Promote Weight Loss?
Semaglutide was originally approved to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. However, researchers soon discovered an exciting side effect: significant weight loss. Because of this, semaglutide has now become popular as a treatment for obesity and weight management. Here's how it works:
- Semaglutide targets areas in your brain called GLP-1 receptors that regulate appetite and food intake. By stimulating these receptors, semaglutide helps you feel full faster, so you eat less. In other words, semaglutide acts as an appetite suppressant, curbing your hunger and desire to eat.
- Semaglutide slows the emptying of your stomach, which helps you feel full for longer after eating. 3
With the combined effects of curbed appetite and slower digestion, you end up consuming fewer daily calories without feeling hungry or deprived. When paired with increased physical activity and an overall healthy diet, the calorie deficit created by semaglutide promotes steady, effective weight loss over time. 3
Is Semaglutide Effective for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide has proven to be an incredibly effective weight loss tool, as demonstrated through several large clinical trials. The most compelling evidence comes from the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) trials, which evaluated the impact of semaglutide across different populations and scenarios. 6
The STEP trials were conducted in eight phases, each with a distinct focus. We have summarized the results from the most intriguing STEP trials below:
- STEP 1 enrolled 1,961 overweight or obese adults who were randomly assigned semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 68 weeks. Those taking semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% body weight compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group.
- STEP 2 studied semaglutide in 1,210 overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes over 68 weeks. Individuals receiving semaglutide 2.4 mg lost 10.6% body weight versus 3.1% for placebo, demonstrating meaningful weight loss for those with type 2 diabetes.
- STEP 3 combined semaglutide 2.4 mg with lifestyle interventions for 611 overweight and obese individuals over 68 weeks. Participants received counseling and calorie reduction support. With these additions, the semaglutide group lost 17.6% body weight compared to 5% for placebo, indicating enhanced weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
- STEP 4 had 803 adults take semaglutide for 20 weeks, then randomized them to continue semaglutide or switch to a placebo for 48 more weeks. Those remaining on semaglutide lost an additional 7.9% weight, while those who switched to placebo regained 6.9%. 6
Following the STEP trials, the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. 7 The studies demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4 mg was highly effective for weight loss in people with and without type 2 diabetes. Moreover, weight loss was increased by combining semaglutide with positive lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Semaglutide can be an effective addition to your weight loss routine if you are exercising regularly and eating healthy. As the newest weight loss medication on the market, it has generated considerable buzz. However, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor to find out if semaglutide is right for your weight loss journey.
Semaglutide is not a magic pill and cannot replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, if used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, it may aid in achieving your weight loss goals.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
