What Is Injectable Semaglutide & How Does It Work?
About Semaglutide
- Semaglutide is a prescription medication that has been FDA-approved in specific formulations to treat type 2 diabetes and, separately, for chronic weight management (under brand names like Ozempic® & Wegovy®).
- These FDA-approved medications are injected once weekly and are intended to be used alongside diet and exercise.”
How It Works
Semaglutide is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists. Clinical studies have shown that it can:
- Slow stomach emptying, which may help reduce hunger
- Regulate appetite and decrease calorie intake
- Improve metabolic function, including blood sugar regulation
When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, FDA-approved injectable semaglutide has been shown in clinical trials to lead to significant weight loss. In the STEP studies of adults with overweight or obesity, participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg lost, on average, around 10–15% of their body weight over 68–104 weeks, compared to about 2–3% with placebo. Individual results vary, and weight loss is not guaranteed.
Safety & Side Effects
- The most common side effects are mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or digestive discomfort. These often improve as the body adjusts.
- Serious risks can occur. In studies of FDA-approved semaglutide, there have been reports of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Semaglutide is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
- Semaglutide should always be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider who can review your medical history, monitor for side effects, and adjust your dose if needed. This information is for general education and does not replace medical advice.
Compounded versions of semaglutide are not FDA-approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded semaglutide for safety, effectiveness, or quality. The numbers and percentages above come from clinical trials of FDA-approved semaglutide for weight management. Results from FDA-approved products do not guarantee that compounded products will have the same safety, effectiveness, or quality.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for any specific person
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