Semaglutide (also known by the brand name Ozempic) has recently risen to prominence as an FDA-approved medication for weight loss. Classified as a GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide can provide remarkable results for overweight or obese individuals who are struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.

Read on to learn more about how semaglutide works for weight loss and whether it may be right for you. 

How Semaglutide Works for Weight Loss

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the GLP-1 hormone. The body releases GLP-1 in response to food intake, and it triggers a decrease in appetite. So, semaglutide can help you lose weight by curbing your appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and reducing cravings. 

Clinical research shows that people taking semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight after 68 weeks.  

How Do You Take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, so it’s administered beneath the skin of the stomach, upper arm, or thighs. Most people start with a 0.25 milligram dose and increase as needed after four weeks. 

Does Semaglutide Cause Side Effects?

Semaglutide can trigger side effects in some individuals, though they’re generally mild. Side effects may include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, like constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and bloating
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting 

Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide?

You may be a candidate for semaglutide if you:

• Have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher, or
• Have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher and one (or more) weight-related medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol

Additionally, you generally shouldn’t take semaglutide if you have a history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. 

If you’re interested in semaglutide for weight loss, schedule an appointment at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine to learn more!