Introducing Semaglutide for Weight Loss
What is is?
Semaglutide is a synthetic 31 amino acid peptide hormone that acts by mimicking the action of an important gut hormone called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1). Medications of this type are referred to as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs). GLP-1 Receptor Agonists have been in develepment since 1992 and first came to the US Pharmaceutical market in 2005 with the prototype drug Byetta (Exenatide). Exenatide itself was derrired from a natually occuring hormone called Exendin-4 which is found in the saliva of the Gila Monster lizard. Exendin-4 appears to help this lizard conserve energy , improve glucose matabolism and go longer between meals. Researchers theorized that it and similar substances may be helpful in treating Type 2 Diabetes. Since that time several GLP-1 RAs have been developed and FDA approved for the management of Type 2 diabetes (Lixasenatide, Liraglutide, Albiglutide, Dulaglutide). Semaglutide is a 3rd generation GLP-1 RA with the added benefit of substantial and clinically significant weight loss in subjects who take it. It was FDA approved for Type 2 Diabetes in 2017 under the trade name Ozempic and later gained approved for chronic weight management in 2021 under the trade name Wegovy.
How does it work?
Semaglutide has multiple sites of action in the body including the brain, gut, liver, pancreas, fat and muscle tissue. Here of some of the things it does:
- Decreases appetite
- Increases feeling of fullness (satiety)
- Increases insulin secretion and (pancreatic) B-cell survival
- Inhibits release of glucagon
- Slows digestion
- Decreases gastric emptying
- Increases fat burning (lipolysis)
- Increases insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by cells
- Decreases Blood Sugar
- Decreases Cholesterol & Triglycerides
- Decreases inflamatory markes (CRP)
Weight loss is acheived primarly as a result of the decreased food that subjects consume while taking this medication.