Weight loss can be tricky for many people. If you have tried dieting and exercising but still cannot progress or keep the weight off, Semaglutide might be your option. With that in mind, the IVI Aesthetics and Wellness team is here to discuss the effectiveness of semaglutide as an anti-obesity drug. 

How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medicine that is proven to stimulate weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. The FDA approved the drug for use in 2020 for both diabetics and non-diabetics. 

Semaglutide mimics the structure and function of incretin, a hormone that regulates your appetite and hunger. Semaglutide targets GLP-1 receptors in the brain to suppress the appetite, slow digestion, and increase insulin production for blood glucose control. The result is you eat less, and you are not as hungry. 

Semaglutide is meant for long-term weight loss, but most patients begin seeing results after about four weeks. Your doctor might increase the semaglutide dose for weight loss depending on current progress. 

The Growing Popularity of Semaglutide

Semaglutide has become increasingly popular as a weight loss drug over the past few years, but prescriptions are still relatively limited. The majority of prescriptions for semaglutide (60%) are for patients with type 2 diabetes, but the total share of all patients with a Semaglutide prescription climbed from less than 0.2% in 2018 to 1.7% in 2023. 

A good chunk of this increase is due to off-label prescriptions of Semaglutide and other similar GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as Ozempic. As demand for these drugs continues to increase, we can expect to see more patients being prescribed semaglutide. 

Semaglutide Injections Are Effective for Weight Loss

Several scientific studies have found that semaglutide is an effective appetite suppression and weight loss method. One 2021 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that weekly doses of Semaglutide can increase total weight loss by nearly 13% more than a placebo. Nearly half the patients who took semaglutide achieved a 15% or higher reduction in weight after 60 weeks compared to just 5% of the placebo group. 

Long-Term Effects and Sustainability of Weight Loss

Most importantly, the above study shows that Semaglutide is effective for long-term weight loss. Many weight loss products or diets, such as keto diets, are effective for short-term weight loss, but their long-term effectiveness is questionable. Semaglutide can help you lose weight and keep it off. 

Semaglutide can also improve cardiovascular health by promoting weight loss and lifestyle modification. Additionally, Semaglutide can lessen symptoms associated with high BMI, such as recurring joint pain or difficulty breathing. 

It is important to realize that semaglutide is not a “cure” for obesity and must be matched with proper exercise and changes to your diet. 

Who Should and Should Not Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

The FDA says Semaglutide is effective for children and adults over 12 with a BMI of over 30. Semaglutide is also suitable for patients with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Generally, doctors will recommend that patients with a BMI lower than 30 should first try dieting and exercise to lose weight before using Semaglutide. If you have a previous diagnosis of pancreatitis, thyroid problems, or hormone imbalances, we do not recommend you try Semaglutide for weight loss. You also should not take Semaglutide if you are pregnant or nursing. 

Semaglutide Weight Loss FAQs

Semaglutide is a relatively new drug and has taken the weight loss world by storm. Below are some of the most pressing questions we hear about it. 

1. Does Semaglutide have side effects?

Semaglutide has several mild to moderate side effects, including but not limited to:

• Rashes
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Depression
• Dark urine
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Constipation

In rare cases, Semaglutide can cause serious pancreatitis and abdominal pain. If you are taking Semaglutide and experience any of the above side effects, you should immediately contact your doctor to adjust your dosage or explore other treatment options. 

2. How often should I get Semaglutide?

Most treatment regimens consist of weekly Semaglutide injections. Injection frequency does not depend on how much you eat, though you can change injection days if it’s been at least two days since you received your last one. 

3. How long does it take Semaglutide to work?

Most people will start seeing weight loss results about four weeks after starting Semaglutide and significant results after three months. Weight loss is more rapid if the patient supplements injections with proper diet and exercise. 

3. Does Insurance cover Semaglutide?

Generally, private health insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 agonists such as Semaglutide for weight loss purposes. However, insurance can cover weight loss injections if prescribed to manage diabetes or other conditions. 

4. Is Semaglutide a stimulant?

No, semaglutide is not a stimulant and does not work using stimulants. Semaglutide works by activating natural hormone production in the body instead of suppressing the appetite through stimulants. 

5. What happens if you stop taking Semaglutide?

Like many other weight loss treatments, people often regain a large portion of their lost weight once they stop taking semaglutide and their appetite returns. To achieve long-term weight loss, patients must pair Semaglutide with proper diet and exercise. 

6. Is Semaglutide Safe?

When given by a professional and monitored by a doctor, Semaglutide is safe and effective. If you experience problems taking Semaglutide, you can talk to your doctor to adjust dosages or explore alternate treatment options. 

Semaglutide Near Me

Weight loss is difficult, but we can make it easier for you. If you have any more questions about Semaglutide weight loss, contact IVI Aesthetics & Wellness online or call today at (773) 992-0331 to speak to our qualified technicians.