Bidding goodbye to those pesky extra pounds can be seriously daunting. It can feel insurmountable even after you think you’ve done everything.
What makes it worse is that we are a judgmental society. We continue to discriminate against people with unhealthy weights. As if the physical challenges weren’t enough, these attitudes can cause low self-esteem and generally affect mental health for many of us. It is no surprise that so many people put shedding weight as one of their lofty New Year’s resolutions.
To be fair, obsessing about Body Mass Index and calorie counting hardly brims with wellness. But we cannot deny that maintaining an optimal weight has distinct health benefits. For one, the World Health Organization notes that a poor BMI can elevate one’s risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It seems that digestive disorders are only the tip of the malevolent iceberg.
Of late, numerous weight loss strategies have gained popularity, from dance classes to “magic” diets and medication. Unfortunately, most of them lack sufficient testing and approvals. Most don’t even produce sustainable results, which can prove distressing for your morale and motivation.
To achieve weight objectives without ignoring your overall health, finding an evidence-based approach to weight loss is crucial.
Let us examine the functioning and efficacy of Semaglutide, a popular weight loss strategy that has shown promising results.
Semaglutide: How Does the Medication Affect The Body?
The National Library of Medicine notes that Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. It promotes glycemic control, i.e., blood sugar management, in people with Type 2 diabetes.
This FDA-approved drug is sold under different brand names, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus. Patients can take it as an injection (subcutaneous). You can also take a tablet, if you prefer the oral route and the doctor okays it.
According to gitelcare.com, this medication effectively reduces appetite and regulates your blood sugar levels. It means you are unlikely to feel ravenous. You will have more control over your eating choices, choosing balanced portions.
Interestingly, researchers from New York University have found that this drug mimics the GLP-1 hormone present in the body. This hormone is proven to control our appetites.
Over time, people on this medication have reported weight reductions of 15 to 30 percent. Medical reports indicate that this drug can also reduce the probability of cardiovascular events, like stroke, in those with diabetes and heart disease.
Based on the results from several studies, the FDA has approved the use of Semaglutide for chronic weight management. Accordingly, medical practitioners can use it to treat adults with obesity who have a weight-related condition like hypertension and diabetes.
Using Semaglutide Safely for Best Results
This drug has been proven to be beneficial and safe for weight management. That said, it needs caution during usage. It is non-negotiable to follow medical instructions and comply with the necessary guidelines.
- Continuous medical supervision
Your doctor and fitness team should follow a prevention-driven model, with personalized assessments and continued guidance. This is imperative for using the drug safely and monitoring your progress.
The medical staff can also check for allergies and advise you on whether the drug is safe to use in special circumstances, such as breastfeeding (we lack adequate evidence for usage in this scenario yet).
- Interactions with other drugs
Consultations are mandatory to avoid drug-drug interactions and possible side effects emerging from them.
Semaglutide has a possibility of interacting with metformin, another drug used in diabetes treatment. You may also need to be wary if you are on anti-psychotics. These drugs are infamous for causing weight gain
Talk these concerns out with your wellness team, keeping them informed of any changes in your medical history or habits.
- Coping with side effects
Some people may get mild side effects from this medication, such as bloating and nausea. Serious side effects are uncommon. Therefore, don’t delay in consulting your doctor if you develop a fever or dizziness. You may need to readjust the dosage. There may be an undiagnosed health condition you have to manage.
Can you prevent these risks? One way is to follow the recommended schedule for your dosage and meals. Do not miss either. Skipping meals can be particularly bad! Also, most side effects should dissipate over time.
Balancing Semaglutide With Lifestyle Edits
At present, semaglutide therapy remains expensive. It is not widely accessible to many people struggling with obesity. The British Journal of Pharmacology notes that the drug can potentially benefit many adults facing cardiovascular problems and mortality risk if it becomes more accessible.
For this medication, the pricing difference between the US and Europe is also significant. However, Reuters reports that it is becoming more cost-effective, with the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review giving some available options high cost-effectiveness ratings.
In the meantime, and even otherwise, complementing medication with lifestyle modifications will be imperative for long-term weight management. These should include dietary restrictions and increased physical activities.
According to a 2025 study in the Australian Journal of General Practice, treating pharmacotherapy as an adjunct to lifestyle modification can show superior results. The difference is especially notable in people with fatty liver disease and osteoarthritis, among other conditions.
The primary thing is to perform these modifications under medical guidance. Every intervention may not be suitable for your unique bodily makeup.
Over the past few years, Semaglutide has rapidly become an impactful weight management solution. To everyone who has long struggled with obesity-related threats and challenges, it has brought renewed hope. The hope is not misplaced.
Do not feel awkward bringing up the subject with your medical team. The treatment is now widely approved and sufficiently proven to be sustainable. So, your team will likely consider it if they deem it suitable.
A professional evaluation will usually comprise blood tests and other checkups to ascertain that you can benefit from this treatment. For your safety, never attempt to proceed with this therapy without medical support and supervision.
No matter how thoroughly something has been vetted, we are all different individuals. Our responses to the same approach may be potentially disparate.
