Semaglutide is an injectable medication typically used to treat diabetes. However, it can also be prescribed for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.
Semaglutide is a prescription medication that was created to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA noted that candidates who have a body mass index of 27 to 29.9 should also have at least one weight-related health condition and that the treatment should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Learn more about how semaglutide can help with weight loss, who can get the drug, and its potential side effects and risks.
The FDA has approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and adults with overweight who also have a weight-related health condition such as:
A healthcare professional can help you understand whether you would be a good candidate for Wegovy.
Research has shown that semaglutide can lead to long-term weight loss in people with obesity. It works by interacting with the hypothalamus area of your brain, which is in charge of regulating your appetite. It can promote weight loss by:
- increasing feelings of fullness
- reducing hunger
- reducing cravings for foods that are high in fat
When used for weight loss, semaglutide is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you’re taking semaglutide, a healthcare professional can help you understand what foods and exercise routines may be most beneficial for your lifestyle.
In a 2024 study,
The study authors also found that semaglutide was an effective weight loss treatment regardless of sex, race, body size, or region.
A 2022 review found that just 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide could be effective for chronic weight management. When taken once weekly for 68 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, this dose led to a 9.64% reduction in body weight.
Like any other medication, semaglutide can cause side effects, which can include:
In some cases, semaglutide may lead to serious side effects. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- ongoing abdominal pain, with or without vomiting
- swelling of your eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of your legs, ankles, or feet
- vision changes
- fainting or dizziness
- yellowing of your skin or eyes
- clay-colored stools
- rapid heartbeat
- confusion or drowsiness
- blurred vision
- slurred speech
Semaglutide is typically considered safe but should be used only if you have a prescription from a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether you’re a good candidate for the drug and can rule out any serious interactions or risks.
Semaglutide is given as an injection under your skin. It should ideally be injected into areas with the most body fat, such as your stomach, upper arm, or thigh.
You should always follow the instructions that come with your semaglutide pen to ensure that you receive the full dose.
Once you start to give each injection, you cannot stop. As soon as you lift the pen from your skin, it will lock and cannot be restarted.
The steps are typically as follows:
- Choose an injection site and make sure your skin is clean and dry.
- Take the cap off the pen and firmly press the needle cover against your skin.
- Apply pressure until the yellow bar in the pen’s window stops moving. You should hear two clicks. The first click means the injection has started, and the second click means it’s still going.
- Keep pressing until you see the yellow bar stop moving. Pulling away before this time can lead to leakage and may mean that you don’t receive your full dose.
- Once the injection is complete, slowly move the pen away from your skin.
There may be a small amount of bleeding at the injection site. You can press a clean cotton ball to the area until the bleeding stops.
How much weight will I lose in a month on semaglutide?
The amount of weight you can lose in a month with semaglutide can vary for each person and depends on additional factors such as diet and exercise.
How safe is semaglutide for weight loss?
Semaglutide is considered a safe treatment for weight loss, but you should use it only with a prescription from a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether you’re a good candidate for the drug and rule out any serious interactions or risks.
Semaglutide is a prescription medication that was created to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA approved the drug for chronic weight management under the brand name Wegovy.
Research has shown that it can lead to long-term weight loss in people with obesity by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.
When used for weight loss, semaglutide is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
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