Is Semaglutide Safe?
Introduction
Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects approximately 40% of adults in the United States. It harms cardiovascular health, elevates the risk of chronic health problems, and compromises overall wellness. New research into digestive processes and metabolism has shifted how doctors think about and treat obesity.
These evolving insights helped spur the development of injectable weight loss medications patients can use to lose weight and keep it off. One of the most common types is semaglutide. The medication is FDA-approved and has been embraced by healthcare providers as a valuable tool to help patients change their body composition.
Surging demand for the medication has led to widespread news coverage and social media discussion about weight loss injections. Learning about semaglutide, its side effects, and how it works is essential to determining if the medication is a good option for your weight loss journey.
What is Semaglutide and What is it Used For?
Semaglutide belongs to a family of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the effects of naturally produced digestive hormones by engaging the same receptors in the body that control metabolic functioning.
Researchers initially developed semaglutide as a type 2 diabetes medication to support pancreatic function. Doctors noted dramatic weight loss among their patients. This outcome led researchers to investigate its value as a weight loss treatment.
After thorough studies, Wegovy, a brand-name form of semaglutide, gained FDA approval in 2021 as a treatment for obesity.
Patients use the medication to lose weight because it helps them reduce their caloric intake. Burning more calories than the body takes in is the foundation of successful weight loss. Semaglutide slows digestion, keeping the stomach fuller for longer. This delay reduces patients’ portion size and meal frequency because the body senses the stomach is full.
The medication also stimulates the area of the brain that controls appetite. Semaglutide suppresses hunger and cravings to reduce patients’ portion size.
Side Effects of Semaglutide
Every medication carries the potential for side effects. Their frequency and intensity vary from person to person based on medical history and genetics. Many people taking semaglutide experience little to no side effects, while others may experience more than one.
In most cases, side effects are mild and subside over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Many patients take semaglutide long-term.
The most common side effects of semaglutide include:
Abdominal pain
Burping and gassiness
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting
Some patients report headaches, stomach flu, and fatigue as well. Doctors begin patients on low doses of semaglutide and incrementally raise the level to reduce the occurrence and intensity of side effects.
Less common but more severe side effects include:
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
Elevated heart rate
Gallbladder inflammation or gallstones
Pancreatitis
Talking to your doctor if you experience these side effects is vital to preventing serious complications. They can revise your treatment plan as necessary.
What is Compounded Semaglutide and Is it Safe to Use?
Pharmacists may mix or blend multiple medications, sometimes using vitamins or other nutrients, to create compounded medications. Nationwide shortages of semaglutide have led to a rise in the use of compounded semaglutide.
These mixtures are unsafe to use. Semaglutide is only FDA-approved for use in an approved form, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. Compounded semaglutide has not undergone clinical trials, nor is it subject to the same regulatory standards as FDA-approved medications.
Compounded semaglutide may also contain salt-based forms of the medication, which differ from those approved to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Products marketed as semaglutide and available online without a prescription are not safe.
Researchers also warn about the risk of dosing errors with compounded semaglutide because patients do not receive it in pre-dosed injectors, like prescription semaglutide. Dosing errors increase patients’ risk of developing side effects.
The only way to obtain safe semaglutide is by consulting a licensed physician and getting the medication from a reputable pharmacy. Weight loss doctors only deal with FDA-approved forms of the semaglutide.
Who Can Safely Use Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide for weight loss is safe for most individuals with body mass indexes (BMIs) over 30 or BMIs over 27 when a weight-related condition such as hypertension is present. The only safe way to confirm your suitability for the medication and rule out potential contraindications is by consulting a doctor.
You should not take semaglutide if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MENS). In that case, the medication may increase your risk of developing thyroid tumors. Pregnant women and those who’re breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant are not eligible for semaglutide either.
Kidney or liver problems, diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal conditions, type 1 diabetes, or a history of depression or suicidal thinking can also contraindicate the medication. Reviewing your medical history with your doctor will enable you to rule out any diagnoses that may render semaglutide ineffective or unsafe for you.
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