Understanding Semaglutides And Its Alternatives For Weight Loss

The FDA has approved a new injection to help with weight loss, and it's called Ozempic. The drug, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is similar to other GLP-1 RAs, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide alternatives work by decreasing appetite, reducing calories and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Ozempic will be available starting in January 2022 and must be prescribed by a doctor. It's important to talk with your doctor about how much you weigh and other health issues before beginning the treatment. You should also inform your doctor if you're having surgery or are taking other medications, including vitamins, herbs and supplements.

In a study that followed up on the success of liraglutide, another GLP-1 RA already available for type 2 diabetes, STEP 5 found once-weekly injections of semaglutide (Ozempic) plus behavioral intervention resulted in a significant weight reduction compared with placebo and behavioral intervention alone. The reduction was sustained through week 104. In addition, the study found that patients treated with semaglutide showed improvement in a number of cardiometabolic risk factors, such as waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and glycemic control. Semaglutide also reduced C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation, which is a common feature of obesity.

While the findings of the STEP 5 study are encouraging, the results need to be confirmed in a larger trial. Moreover, there are alternatives to semaglutide for weight loss, such as metformin, which is widely prescribed by doctors. It works by manipulating your body's insulin levels to bring down high blood sugar and reduce cholesterol, among other things. It can also be taken with other medications for a personalized approach to weight loss.

Like any medication, semaglutide can cause side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea that may be watery or bloody. Semaglutide can also slow your digestive system and make it harder for your body to absorb some medications you take by mouth.

Call your doctor if you have any serious side effects, such as chest pain or a feeling of tightness that spreads to your jaw or throat, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately if you have signs of pancreatitis, such as severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back or is accompanied by vomiting. Also call your doctor if you develop symptoms of thyroid tumor, such as a lump in the neck or a hoarse voice. These are all serious medical problems and should be treated as soon as possible. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant. This drug is not safe to use during pregnancy.