Semaglutide Weight Loss Reviews: The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in Obese Adults (STEP) 1 trial indicated that once-weekly semaglutide helped obese people lose weight when combined with lifestyle changes. In a 68-week double-blind trial of 1,961 adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, those taking 2.4 mg weekly semaglutide lost 14.9 percent of their baseline body weight.
During the trial, 86.4 percent of persons on semaglutide were able to lose at least 5% of their baseline body weight, compared to only 31.5 percent of those on lifestyle changes alone, the researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. Beyond that, approximately 70% of individuals on semaglutide + lifestyle intervention lost 10% or more of their baseline body weight, and more than half lost 15%. Adults using semaglutide lost an average of 33.7 lb (15.3 kg) by week 68, while those taking placebo/lifestyle interventions lost only 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) (estimated treatment difference -30 lb [-12.7 kg], 95 percent CI -13.7 to -11.7).
Those on semaglutide lost over 2% of their body weight in the first 4 weeks and continued to lose weight throughout the 68-week experiment. The drug reduced waist circumference, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, and lipid levels, as well as enhanced physical functioning and quality of life. “I was astonished and pleased with the medication’s results,” Kushner told MedPage Today. “The fact that 50% of individuals lost at least 15% of their initial body weight and a third lost at least 20% is a game changer.”
Can Semaglutide Help You Lose Weight?
Long-term weight loss with semaglutide. It’s not meant to help you lose a lot of weight in the first few weeks. You may not observe results until semaglutide builds up and causes changes in the body. Weight loss peaks at 20 weeks in clinical trials. More weight was lost till the trial ended at 48 weeks. While several diets claim to help you lose weight quickly, this weight is frequently tough to maintain. The best weight loss drugs and diets last. It’s also critical to check for negative effects.
Most Successful medication intervention
In terms of weight loss, semaglutide is by far the most successful medication intervention. “We know that decreasing at least 10% of one’s body weight improves many health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, GERD, and arthritis of the weight-bearing joints. In this trial, over 70% of subjects lost 10% of their body weight by using “semaglutide “We now need to examine how to incentivize and educate healthcare providers to provide obesity care in the primary care setting,” Kushner added.
The STEP 1 trial randomized 1,961 persons with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition. At baseline, all participants were clear of diabetes, however, 40% had prediabetes, and most were female and white. The initial dose of semaglutide was 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then titrated up every 4 weeks until the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg was reached by week 16. Every four weeks, both study groups got individual nutrition counseling targeted at promoting a 500-kcal daily deficit and 150 minutes of weekly physical exercise.
The team reported similar adverse events to semaglutide, with gastrointestinal issues being the most common. Overall, 74 percent of semaglutide users reported gastrointestinal issues, compared to 48 percent of placebo users. GI events led 4.5 percent of semaglutide users to stop taking it versus 0.8 percent of placebo users. To treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and mortality in persons with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, the GLP-1 receptor agonist Ozempic was licensed in December 2017.
Make You Gain Weight When You Stop Taking It
Significant weight loss that you can maintain requires a long-term weight treatment. Weight gain can occur after you stop using semaglutide since it is so efficient at reducing your body mass index (BMI). As a result, mastering your diet and fitness regimen before discontinuing medication is critical (with the supervision of a doctor). Realistic expectations will help you stay on track with your weight loss efforts. For most people, gaining or losing a few pounds here is totally natural.
Who should be taking semaglutide?
With semaglutide, the ideal weight loss candidate should have a BMI within the semaglutide range. Semaglutide’s effectiveness can be improved by working with a dietitian and a trainer to address additional areas of weight loss. Semaglutide injections may be an option if you’ve been struggling to lose weight without the use of drugs or supplements and have talked to your doctor. Semaglutide Effects on Heart Disease and Stroke in Individuals with Obesity (SELECT) trials are presently underway, and future trials will address other key concerns linked to semaglutide in obese patients, according to Kushner.
Pros
- Semaglutide is a heart and kidney-protecting medicine.
- Aids in weight loss, preventing diabetes.
- The drug is used once a week and supports weight loss for seven days.
- This is an FDA-authorized drug that has helped many people with various health concerns.
Cons
- Semaglutide must be injected.
- Without a prescription, the cost might be high. Look for coupons for brands like Wegovy on the internet. There are generally a few.
Is FDA Approved
FDA-approved for weight loss in June 2021, Semaglutide. The recommended weekly dose is 2.4 milligrams. Since 2014, this is the first persistent weight loss medicine licensed.
How Can Take Semaglutide?
Injectable semaglutide doses are usually started low and raised as needed. Due to possible side effects, it was started at a low dose. If the adverse effects don’t bother you, you can use extra medication. The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg injected under the skin. Your dose is normally increased every four weeks until you reach 2.4 milligrams. Most people lose weight on the first dose, so an increase isn’t necessary. Never double a dose if you miss one. If you’re close to your next injection, skip the dose and resume later.
Semaglutide advantages
Semaglutide was created as an anti-diabetic and long-term weight loss supplement. Semaglutide works like human-made peptide-1 to increase the body’s insulin production. This improves your body’s capacity to process sugar. It’s a medicine that works best over a week, so an injection once a week is sufficient.
Safe?
Semaglutide alone has been demonstrated to be very safe and effective. Several clinical trials have shown its safety and effectiveness. However, it inhibits gastric emptying. Other pills, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals may not be absorbed. Before taking semaglutide, talk to your doctor to make sure there aren’t any other medical issues that need to be addressed.
Side Effects
There are several typical adverse effects that might occur after taking semaglutide. That’s why most people start with a low dose and work their way up if no negative effects occur. Among the most prevalent semaglutide adverse effects are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Migraine
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach ache or sensitivity to touch
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Vertigo
What Can You Lose?
In the largest semaglutide clinical trial, individuals lost between 15% and 20% of their body weight in 68 weeks. The placebo group lost only 2.4% of their body weight. The success rate also depends on the diet and activity plan utilized with semaglutide.
