Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The drug decreases hunger, improves blood sugar control, and promotes weight loss.
Let’s learn more about semaglutide, how it works to help type 2 diabetics and people trying to lose excess weight, and where you can go for effective treatment in Oviedo, FL.
Diabetes and Obesity
Diabetes and obesity are two of the most prevalent public health issues in modern society. Recent reports indicate that about 34 million people in the United States alone have diabetes, and nearly half of those same people remain unaware of their diagnosis. Obesity is defined as a person’s body mass index (BMI) being over 30 Kg/m. Unfortunately, around 42% of adults in the US are obese, with severe percentages (over 35 Kg/m) reported to be above 10%.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a synthetic version of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1). GLP-1 is usually released from the intestines after eating to tell the brain to stop feeling hungry. By mimicking this hormone, semaglutide helps to decrease hunger signals in people with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
How Does It Work?
When taken as an injection once a week, semaglutide works by binding to GLP-1 receptors on cells in the brain, pancreas, stomach, liver, and fat tissue. This binding causes several different effects throughout the body. For example, semaglutide can slow gastric emptying, which helps control blood sugar levels, i.e., glycemic control.
By inhibiting glucagon’s effect, semaglutide can also reduce appetite while increasing feelings of fullness after eating. Additionally, semaglutide increases insulin production from pancreatic beta cells, decreases glucagon release from pancreatic alpha cells (which lowers blood sugar levels), and encourages energy storage instead of energy expenditure (which helps promote weight loss).
Benefits of Semaglutide
Semaglutide has several benefits for people who have diabetes or are obese. Studies have shown that semaglutide can reduce HbA1c levels more effectively than other similar medications without causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Additionally, semaglutide has been shown to be more effective at controlling glucose levels than liraglutide or dulaglutide—two other common GLP-1 receptor agonists—and produces greater weight loss than eitherliraglutide ordulaglutide over one year’s time when used in combination with diet and exercise changes. Read on to look at some more interesting facts about and benefits of semaglutide.
Semaglutide Cardiovascular Benefits
Semaglutide has several cardiovascular benefits. These benefits are related to its effectiveness in reducing the severity of type 2 diabetes, improving glycemic control, and reducing BMI. Moreover, semaglutide has also been shown to improve good cholesterol levels (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL). These factors are direct risk factors for several cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction (MI), chronic heart disease (CHD), atherosclerosis, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Therefore, semaglutide weight loss and glycemic control promote positive heart health.
Does Semaglutide Lower Blood Pressure?
Yes! Semaglutide is now considered effective in reducing systolic blood pressure. The exact mechanism is not understood yet, but it is proposed to work by reducing weight, improving glycemic control and HbA1c levels, and improving the lipid profile. High BMI, HbA1c, and lipids are known to damage and harden the blood vessels. By improving these parameters in your body, semaglutide effectively treats high blood pressure.
Can Semaglutide be used for Weight Loss in Non-Diabetics?
Once again, the answer is yes! Semaglutide is also effective in significantly reducing weight in non-diabetics. A recent meta-analysis determined that patients with a BMI greater than 27 Kg/m reduced a mean of 11.62 Kg compared to the placebo group.
Weight Management Center in Oviedo, FL
If you’re looking for a weight loss solution,see Adriel Perez – a certified Family Nurse Practitioner– at the Diabetes & Weight Loss Center. He uses evidence-based strategies to design diet plans that work for patients and their lifestyles.Our goal is to help you lose extra weight and maintain a healthy weight long-term.s
Call us today at (407) 890-1876 to arrange an in-person consultation or request your appointment here. We look forward to serving you!
